Center for University Educational Development
Since its establishment, King Abdulaziz University has recognized that investing in its human resources is the cornerstone of its desired success, aiming to establish itself as a specialized educational and research institution that contributes effectively to the developmental renaissance of our knowledge society. The university has placed great emphasis on the quality of performance of all its members, with special focus on faculty members as a key element to ensuring the overall quality of academic work. Consequently, the Center for University Educational Development became one of the most important sectors established to serve this purpose, by virtue of Decision No. (5) approved by the Higher Council in its thirty-ninth meeting on 4/5/1407 AH, corresponding to January 4, 1987.
The Center assumes responsibility for enhancing the educational standards at the university and is considered one of the main pillars of academic development. This is achieved through organizing activities, forums, and discussion sessions focused on improving teaching, research, and educational processes for faculty members, lecturers, teaching assistants, and postgraduate students. Since its inception, the Center has also worked on building communication bridges with all sectors and branches of the university to meet the training needs of the academic body by providing the most relevant and updated educational, pedagogical, technical, and research methods. Furthermore, the Center is dedicated to academic leaders to elevate their performance in both teaching and administrative tasks, while also equipping undergraduate and postgraduate students with essential learning and cultural skills to excel in their academic journey with distinction and competence.
Professional Development Fellowship for University Faculty
Scholars occupy the highest ranks in both this world and the hereafter, as they are considered the inheritors of the prophets. University faculty members are among the most significant groups who hold this honor, serving as the cornerstone of the higher education process and the primary factor in ensuring the quality of educational and research outputs in general. Accordingly, it became essential to provide creative tools within the academic work environment that would motivate this vital group, enabling them to enhance their capabilities to fulfill their duties with the desired ambition.
King Abdulaziz University has recognized the inevitability of this social responsibility and has exerted its utmost efforts and mobilized the best resources to embody its strategies aimed at raising faculty efficiency and enhancing their performance to meet the requirements of higher education in both local and global knowledge societies. From this perspective, the Center for University Educational Development at King Abdulaziz University identified the significance of this key area and developed the "Professional Development Diploma for University Faculty" in 2015 to provide a supportive environment that accommodates the needs of newly appointed faculty members through a well-studied developmental approach. Subsequently, during its first session for the academic year 1446 AH on 24/2/1446 AH (corresponding to 28/8/2024), the University Council approved Resolution No. (4) to rename the program as the "Professional Development Fellowship for University Faculty."
Fellowship Information
Target Group:
The program is designed for PhD holders or newly appointed faculty members.
Start:
With the beginning of the upcoming semester. Accepted applicants will be notified well in advance of the specific dates.
Duration:
One full semester plus four months to complete the practical application of the fellowship outcomes.
Schedule:
14 weeks, one meeting per week (Thursdays), 5 hours per meeting. Except for the first two intensive weeks, where attendance is daily.
Timing:
From 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Attendance Mode:
Primarily online, with some sessions in person. Synchronous broadcast is provided for participants outside the university.
Language:
English as the main language, with some Arabic when required by the subject matter.
Certificate:
Participants receive a fellowship completion certificate after attending 85% of the program and completing all assignments.
Registration Tracks
- Participation in the fellowship without fees, based on nominations from the deans of colleges and institutes at King Abdulaziz University during the announced period.
- The Fellowship Administration also offers limited seats for those wishing to participate from inside and outside the university on a paid basis.
Fees for Paid Registration Participants
- SAR 10,000 (including VAT) for non-KAU participants.
- SAR 8,500 (including VAT) for PhD graduates from King Abdulaziz University.
- SAR 7,500 (including VAT) for current KAU members.
General Criteria for Candidates from King Abdulaziz University
- Priority is given to Saudi faculty members.
- The candidate must not have previously joined the same fellowship.
- The candidate must not be enrolled in another fellowship during the same semester.
- Priority is given to those who have not joined fellowships in the previous semester.
- Candidates must be available during the days of in-person or online synchronous training.
- The candidate must be committed to attending all training workshops and completing the required assignments within two semesters.
- Nominations must be submitted by the dean of the college or institute according to the steps outlined below.
Specific Criteria for KAU Candidates
- The candidate must be proficient in English.
- Must hold the rank of Assistant Professor or be in the process of appointment after earning the PhD.
- Must have taught at the university level for no less than one semester and no more than three years after earning the PhD.
- Must be assigned at least one course during the semester in which the fellowship is undertaken.
Academic Leadership Fellowship
Leadership is the cornerstone of progress and development, as leaders play a pivotal role in driving change and transformation. Saudi Vision 2030 has placed great emphasis on developing human capital, which plays a crucial role in facilitating and achieving national transformation. This requires effective and influential leadership skills to steer change in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This focus was reflected in the Council of Ministers’ decision to establish the Center for Preparing and Developing Administrative Leaders as one of the centers of the Institute of Public Administration, with contributions from the Ministry of Civil Service and the Institute of Public Administration to fulfill the goals of Vision 2030. This stands as a clear example of the importance of leadership development.
As the higher education sector in Saudi Arabia continues to witness rapid changes and developments, there is a need for effective leaders who embrace change, work to translate strategic plans into tangible actions, innovate, and employ modern tools that enable them to solve problems, achieve objectives, and raise overall performance indicators. This makes it essential to have a clear vision for developmental programs that prepare academic staff with effective leadership skills.
Recognizing the importance of preparing academic leaders to advance development, King Abdulaziz University—represented by the Vice Presidency for Educational Affairs—has focused on targeting department chairs first, as departments are the fundamental organizational units within the university that lead educational, research, and administrative activities. This was achieved through the initiative of the Forum for Chairs and Coordinators of Academic Departments, which aimed to define the pivotal role of department chairs, address challenges, propose innovative solutions, and prepare a scientific reference as a practical tool for academic leaders. Based on the recommendations of the first forum and the foresight of the importance of sustainable tools for developing academic leadership, the University President issued a decision in 2019 to establish the Executive Committee for the Academic Leadership Diploma for department chairs and coordinators. Later, during its first meeting of the academic year 1446 AH on 24/2/1446 AH (corresponding to 28/8/2024), the University Council approved Resolution No. (4) to rename the program as the “Academic Leadership Fellowship.”
Fellowship Information
Target Group:
The program is aimed at PhD holders or faculty members interested in academic leadership.
Start:
With the beginning of the upcoming semester. Accepted participants will be notified of specific dates in advance.
Duration:
One semester, plus four months to complete the practical application of fellowship outcomes.
Schedule:
12 weeks, one meeting per week (Thursday), 5 hours each meeting.
Timing:
From 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Attendance Mode:
Primarily online with some in-person sessions. Synchronous broadcasting is provided for participants from outside the university.
Language:
Arabic as the main language, with some English depending on the subject matter.
Certificate:
Participants will receive a completion certificate after attending 85% of the program and completing all assignments.
Registration Tracks
- Participation in the fellowship without fees, based on nominations from the deans of colleges and institutes at King Abdulaziz University during the announced period.
- The Fellowship Administration also offers limited seats for those wishing to participate from inside and outside the university on a paid basis.
Fees for Paid Registration Participants
- SAR 10,000 (including VAT) for non-KAU participants.
- SAR 8,500 (including VAT) for PhD graduates of King Abdulaziz University.
- SAR 7,500 (including VAT) for current KAU members.
General Criteria for Candidates from King Abdulaziz University
- Priority is given to Saudi faculty members.
- The candidate must not have previously joined the same fellowship.
- The candidate must not be enrolled in another fellowship during the same semester.
- Priority is given to those who did not participate in fellowships in the previous semester.
- Candidates must be available during the days of in-person or online synchronous training.
- The candidate must be committed to attending all training workshops and completing the required assignments within two semesters.
- Nominations must be submitted by the dean of the college or institute following the outlined procedures.
Specific Criteria for KAU Candidates
- The candidate must be proficient in English.
- The candidate must be a newly appointed or soon-to-be renewed department chair or coordinator.
- Alternatively, the candidate may be a faculty member expected to be nominated for departmental leadership, provided they are active in their department and engaged in its activities and services.
- Priority is given to nominating both male and female chairs from the same academic department to develop a joint improvement plan across both branches.
- Priority is given to departments that oversee multiple academic programs and have a larger number of faculty members and students.
- Priority is also given to candidates who have completed the Professional Development Fellowship for University Faculty.
University Researchers Fellowship
Scientific research holds a distinguished place in the progress and development of nations, serving as the fundamental pillar of technological and scientific advancement across fields. Scholars—often described as the inheritors of the prophets—are greatly honored for their active contributions to building human civilization. In this context, academic researchers stand out as pillars of societal advancement, acting as a vital source of knowledge and innovation.
Achieving innovation and excellence in scientific research requires an inspiring, supportive environment that focuses on developing researchers’ capabilities and refining their skills. From this understanding, the Center for University Educational Development launched the “University Researchers Program” in 2021 to become a hub for excellence and innovation, providing resources and support that enable researchers not only to conduct studies, but also to become influential leaders in their fields.
Through this program, King Abdulaziz University seeks to enhance research quality and generate knowledge that contributes to sustainable development, meets societal needs, and plays an effective role in the global knowledge economy. With its holistic and integrated approach, the program offers a model for preparing researchers to become pioneers of positive change, inspired by the spirit of creativity that lies at the heart of the research process. Subsequently, in its first meeting for the academic year 1446 AH on 24/2/1446 AH (corresponding to 28/8/2024), the University Council approved Resolution No. (4) to rename the program as the “University Researchers Fellowship.”
Fellowship Information
Target Group:
The program targets PhD holders or faculty members aiming to develop research capabilities and publish high-impact work.
Start:
At the beginning of the upcoming semester. Accepted participants will be notified of exact dates well in advance.
Period:
One full semester, plus four months to complete the practical application of the fellowship outcomes.
Schedule:
12 weeks, one meeting per week (Tuesday), 5 hours per meeting.
Timing:
From 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Attendance Mode:
Primarily online, with some in-person sessions. Synchronous broadcast is provided for participants from outside the university.
Language:
Arabic as the primary language, with some English as required by the topic.
Certificate:
Participants receive a fellowship completion certificate after attending 85% of the program and completing all assignments.
Registration Tracks
- Participation without fees, based on nominations from the deans of colleges and institutes at King Abdulaziz University during the announced period.
- Limited paid seats are also available for interested participants from inside and outside the university.
Fees for Paid Registration Participants
- SAR 10,000 (including VAT) for non-KAU participants.
- SAR 8,500 (including VAT) for PhD graduates of King Abdulaziz University.
- SAR 7,500 (including VAT) for current KAU members.
General Criteria for Candidates from King Abdulaziz University
- Priority is given to Saudi faculty members.
- The candidate must not have previously joined the same fellowship.
- The candidate must not be enrolled in another fellowship during the same semester.
- Priority is given to those who did not join fellowships in the previous semester.
- Participants must be available during the days of in-person or synchronous online training.
- The candidate must commit to attending all training workshops and completing the required assignments within two semesters.
- Nominations are submitted by the dean of the college or institute according to the steps outlined below.
Specific Criteria for KAU Candidates
- The candidate must be proficient in English.
- Holds (or is being appointed to) the rank of Assistant Professor.
- Must not hold the rank of Associate Professor or higher.
- Priority is given to candidates without administrative or leadership assignments.
Fellowship in Artificial Intelligence Applications in Education and Scientific Research
In line with Vision 2030, which aims to position Saudi Arabia among the top 15 countries in artificial intelligence by the year 2030, the Center for University Educational Development—serving as the developmental arm for teaching and learning at King Abdulaziz University—prepares to lead the way toward the future of modern educational technologies through AI-driven approaches. This includes supporting the implementation of artificial intelligence practices in education, learning, scientific research, and academic leadership. While the Kingdom aspires to rank among the top 20 nations worldwide in peer-reviewed publications in data and artificial intelligence, the program plans to play a key role in this digital race to achieve these goals. Accordingly, the University Council, in its first session of the academic year 1446 AH, approved Resolution No. (4) on 24/2/1446 AH (corresponding to 28/8/2024) to launch the “Fellowship in AI Applications in Education and Scientific Research.”
Fellowship Information
Target Group:
The program is designed for PhD holders or faculty members seeking to enhance research and academic capabilities using artificial intelligence.
Start:
At the beginning of the upcoming semester. Accepted participants will be notified of the exact dates in advance.
Period:
One full semester, plus four months to complete the practical application of the fellowship outcomes.
Schedule:
12 weeks, one meeting per week (Sunday), 5 hours each session.
Timing:
From 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Attendance Mode:
Primarily online, with some in-person sessions. Synchronous broadcasting will be provided for participants from outside the university.
Language:
Arabic as the primary language, with some English depending on the subject matter.
Certificate:
Participants will receive a completion certificate after attending 85% of the program and completing all assignments.
Registration Tracks
- Participation without fees, based on nominations from the deans of colleges and institutes at King Abdulaziz University during the announced period.
- Limited paid seats are available for participants from inside and outside the university.
Fees for Paid Registration Participants
- SAR 10,000 (including VAT) for non-KAU participants.
- SAR 8,500 (including VAT) for PhD graduates of King Abdulaziz University.
- SAR 7,500 (including VAT) for current KAU members.
General Criteria for Candidates from King Abdulaziz University
- Priority is given to Saudi faculty members.
- The candidate must not have previously joined the same fellowship.
- Priority is given to those who did not participate in fellowships in the previous semester.
- Candidates must be available during in-person or synchronous online training days.
- The candidate must commit to attending all workshops and completing the required assignments within two semesters.
- Nominations must be submitted by the dean of the college or institute according to the outlined procedures.
Specific Criteria for KAU Candidates
- The candidate must have a good foundation in English.
- Must hold or be in the process of appointment to the rank of Assistant Professor or higher after earning a PhD.
- Preference is given to faculty members with administrative or leadership responsibilities.
- Preference is also given to candidates who have previously completed the Professional Development Fellowship for University Faculty or the University Researchers Fellowship.
Watch: Fellowship Overview
Universities worldwide compete to advance their services and elevate the quality of their educational outcomes. To reach that distinguished status, King Abdulaziz University gives great attention to every detail and step of development, including strengthening the capabilities of its human resources—especially academic staff. In support of this, the University Council, in its first session of the academic year 1446 AH, approved transforming certain enrichment programs and diplomas into fellowships that enhance faculty professionalism. The fellowships of the Center for University Educational Development at King Abdulaziz University provide professional development that keeps pace with change and strengthens human capacities for sustained academic excellence.
Inquiries about paid registrationGeneral Provisions
First: Definitions
- Fellowship: An enrichment program aimed at transferring knowledge and skills to participants through a set of tracks and topics aligned with its objectives.
- Fellowship Administration: The Center for University Educational Development at King Abdulaziz University – Consulting House (Etqan) – or those representing it from units and individuals.
- Participants: Those enrolled in the fellowship, whether nominated by college deans or through paid registration.
Second: Clarifications
- The fellowship is an enrichment program aimed at developing knowledge and skills; it has no relation to job opportunities or positions of any kind inside or outside the university.
- The fellowship is a professional enrichment program in its field and is not an academic degree classified by any local or international authority.
Third: Participant Commitments and Instructions
- Participants registering through the paid track must transfer the participation fee; the transfer constitutes confirmation of registration. The fee is non-refundable for any reason after transfer.
- Commit to engaging in all interactive activities and to joining virtual sessions using a personal computer or tablet (not a smartphone) to avoid disconnections or unsuitable participation during training.
- Turn on the camera when joining discussion groups due to the interactive nature of the fellowship, if requested by the Fellowship Administration.
- Participate in surveys and feedback forms to improve the fellowship.
- The fellowship is synchronous by nature; therefore, attendance at all synchronous sessions—online or in-person—is required for no less than 85% of fellowship hours. Session recordings are not available. If a participant is absent for more than 15%, they will be considered in default.
- Attendance is counted from the beginning of the session until its end. If a participant leaves the session, the time will be deducted from the total required attendance hours.
- If an acceptable excuse is submitted (e.g., medical excuse or official letter), it will be counted within the permitted 15% absence. The excuse is subject to review by the Fellowship Administration, after which a recording may be provided for a limited time.
- Complete all requirements and assignments for passing the fellowship, including practical application and impact study, which may extend up to four months after the synchronous sessions. The passing threshold is 75% or higher.
- All assignments required in the fellowship are mandatory. If up to two assignments are submitted late, the participant may receive an extension not exceeding two weeks and a maximum corrected score of 50% of the total assignment grade. Failure to submit after the specified period will be considered a default.
- The Fellowship Administration applies the following policy for participants who default on assignments or attendance:
- Regretfully informing the participant that they cannot continue in the fellowship and are not entitled to the completion certificate.
- Excluding the participant from other fellowships offered by the Center and giving priority to other candidates.
- Notifying the participant’s college/institute to clarify their status in the fellowship.
- All materials provided in the fellowship—competency models, academic content, presentations, recordings, workshops, and evaluation forms—are the intellectual property of King Abdulaziz University. They may not be reused during or after the fellowship without prior written permission.
- For proposals or official communication with the Fellowship Administration, please use the email that will be provided to participants by the Administration.
Fourth: Commitments and Rights
- The Fellowship Administration is committed to delivering the services described herein to participants with quality and proficiency. It has the right to engage any scientific, technical, administrative, or support teams to provide services in the best manner.
- The Fellowship Administration has the right to provide similar scientific, training, and technical services to any other entity without objection from other fellowship participants.
- The Fellowship Administration has the right to involve fellowship participants in the results of any research studies or projects—if any—and in the proceeds of their applications, including patents, at a share not less than 50%.
- All materials used in the fellowship are copyrighted to the Fellowship Administration. They may not be printed, published, distributed, or re-marketed by any participant in any format without prior permission from the Administration.
- Candidate registration remains preliminary until the fellowship is confirmed. The Fellowship Administration reserves the right to cancel for any reason without liability, while safeguarding participants’ entitlements and refunding them according to the university’s procedures.
- Participants may not directly utilize any element of the training process without referring to the Fellowship Administration—for example, contacting trainers to arrange training or consultations—without prior coordination with the Administration.
- The applied VAT in this offer is 15% under King Abdulaziz University’s VAT number (310725128900003). If VAT increases during the fellowship period, participants must pay the difference.
- The Fellowship Administration will prepare a completion report to be filled by the participant immediately after the synchronous sessions, not after the assignments are completed.
- The fellowship does not provide grants to take any examinations nor any stipends or fees to participants for any purpose.
- The fellowship is designed to support the target group and does not guarantee personal outcomes during or after completion. The Administration bears no responsibility in this regard.
- The participants and the Fellowship Administration shall work collaboratively to complete the required tasks and achieve the fellowship’s intended objectives.
- In case of a dispute, both parties shall first seek an amicable resolution. If no agreement is reached, both parties shall refer the matter to the Administrative Court (Board of Grievances in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Jeddah). The court’s ruling shall be binding on both parties.
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