Higher Education Supplement

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

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King Abdullah patronizes higher education exhibition Exhibit opens new scope for higher education partnerships Riyadh: Arab News

Some 422 top world universities and higher education institutions from 39 countries will take part in the 3rd International Exhibition and Conference on Higher Education which opens today at Riyadh international convention and exhibition center under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.

The event, which runs between April 17-20, will be joined by more than 80 universities included in the list of the best 100 world universities, in addition, to a number of higher education institutions and international organizations related to education.

Saudi universities, higher institutions, quality and evaluation bodies, academic rating and accrediting agencies, e-education, distance learning and research centers will also take part in the conference.

Meanwhile, Minister of Higher Education Khaled Al-Anqari said participants would include a number of higher education institutions tied to Saudi universities and higher education institutions. He said the event comes to unify efforts of Saudi higher education institutions on how to benefit from international expertise and work out true partnerships with world reputable

universities which, in turn, will help in the development of higher education institutions in the Kingdom.

He said there would be other significant benefits to the event, such as the exchange of experiences among participants both in the scientific and practical fields of the higher education sector and strengthening the links between them.

The conference will open up new scope for partnerships between Saudi universities and their international counterparts, the minister told a news conference on Sunday.

Minister of Higher The conference proEducation vides an opportunity for students and their parKhaled ents to find out the options available for Al-Anqari pursuing higher education in Saudi universities and abroad, he noted.

Other functions will simultaneously go with the conference such as panel discussions, lectures, training courses, and workshops, the minister said.

A number of distinguished speakers from major educational institutions all over the world will address the event and share their countries’ experiences to raise awareness of their respective educational systems and procedures. This will help establish positive communications channels with educational authorities in the Kingdom, encouraging them to upgrade their academic and professional capabilities.

Exhibition aims to help raise quality of higher education Riyadh: Arab News

Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Saif, deputy minister of higher education, expressed his utmost happiness and gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for sponsoring the 3rd International Exhibition and Conference on Higher Education (IECHE 2012) that kicks off today.

He said this is a great honor to the Higher Education sector. It indicates the importance of the occasion, pointing out that such annual event is considered as an important step to take higher education in the Kingdom to a greater height while also helping in spreading comprehensive awareness on the issues of higher education and its institutions globally.

It also would result in opening channels of good communication between educational institutions in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf in addition to the higher education institutions in the world.

Dr. Saif affirmed that the exhibition is a fruit of continued MOHE efforts that aims to raise the quality of higher education in terms of providing the true picture of the great renaissance taking place in Saudi Arabia, especially in the higher education sector, in the era of King Abdullah and the Crown Prince Naif.

It also provides opportunities to

introduce to the leaders and officials in the most prominent universities in the world as well as specialists, experts in higher education, on scientific and practical potential that the Saudi universities possess that has made them

Deputy Minister of Higher Education Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Saif.

rank among the outstanding educational institutions in the world.

He added: The Exhibition and Conference shall open broad prospects for strengthening cooperation and partnerships between Saudi universities and their counterparts in the

world. He stressed that the event has proven over the two past years its effective contribution to promote the exchange of experiences among participants, both in scientific and general spheres, and strengthen the links between them, through the conclusion of agreements of cooperation and partnership of the academy.

The deputy minister said that the increased number of participating countries for the past year from 34 to 39, as well as the number of exhibitors of 381 to 422 confirms its global reputation and prominent rank with special reference to scientific and research circles.

Adding that participants strive to take part in the exhibition to display and showcase their progress and development in higher education to our children and our daughters as well as our universities, which certainly will seek to hold a scientific and cultural agreements with the universities to utilize the advanced expertise and experience and transfer locally.

The Deputy Minister of Higher Education expressed his optimism that the exhibition and conference will achieve its objectives and the results would reflect positively on the higher education sector in the Kingdom in order to achieve the aspirations of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Naif.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

English at the tips of your fingers Riyadh: Abdul Hannan Tago

find out more about how language learners use and perceive mobile t is not unusual to sit in a phones for education. As the case café in Riyadh and be sur- study progressed, it became clear rounded by people all that language learning was taking glued to their smart- place aided by the tools on the phones. Saudi Arabia is at phones. However, it was not just the the leading edge of smartphone obvious referential tools that proconsumption, with mobile sub- vided learning opportunities and scriber penetration set to reach an specific language learning tools; incredible 216 percent by 2015, there were strong links between according to a recent report on learning and social networking researchandmarkets.com. The tools as well as incidental learning Kingdom is also among the top through other non-language spethree large markets for mobile cific applications.

The British Council has been language learning applications along with Hong Kong and working on ways to help learners improve the key areas of listening, Thailand.

Vocabulary, grammar and lis- vocabulary and grammar for some tening are often identified as the time and now has a range of most difficult elements for learn- English language learning appliers to improve when learning a cations available from Apple, language.

It is commonly Android, Ovi, Bada and Blackberry acknowledged that without suffi- marketplaces. Just search ‘british cient vocabulary and grammar council’ on your marketplace to structures, it is difficult to convey a see what is there. The popular LearnEnglish lot of meanElementary ing. Learners Podcasts app. also realize is a series of that an ability The key advantages English learnto listen well of mobile phone ing apps. for is key to comlearners to munication. technologies are well download and With so many documented, especially listen to on demands on the possibility for their phones their time in and is availthe class- “anywhere, anytime” able on all room, teach- learning, of transcending devices. Big ers often leave the barriers of a City Small the responsiWorld is an bility of mas- classroom, and having audio soaptering these access to an “always on” opera that folthree areas to device. lows the lives the student of a group of and most regular cuspractice and learning take place outside the tomers at a café in London. There classroom. Mobile learning pro- are several series and the cartoons vides a wonderful opportunity for that accompany them are good fun. These help learners build lislearners in this respect.

The key advantages of mobile tening competence.

Two new applications have been phone technologies are well documented, especially the possibility released recently that directly address for “anywhere, anytime” learning, learners’ concerns about mastering of transcending the barriers of a vocabulary and grammar.

MyWordBook 2 is an innovative classroom, and having access to an “always on” device. Mobile new language learning tool from phones provide an efficient use of the British Council and Cambridge waiting time for spontaneous and University Press that provides fun just-in-time learning activi- learners with the most important ties. These aspects of mobile vocabulary for their personal learning encourage high-level needs. Learn, Practice and Review learning, as the users are able to sections provide learning opportuapply the information right away nities with words presented with — something particularly useful audio, images, example sentences, for language learning where rep- definitions, notes and Arabic etition and use are key to long translations. The application is free to download and comes preterm retention.

Neil Ballantyne recently carried installed with three packs of samout a small-scale case study with ple words at elementary, intermelearners of English in Hong Kong to diate and advanced levels.

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Higher education makes great strides in universities Riyadh: Arab News

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rab News discussed higher education in the Kingdom with various Saudi personalities that are directly involved in academics and administration. Our first question to Abdulaziz Al-Dakhil, Ph.D (assistant professor of social work in King Saud University) was about the latest development in his department, which led him to explain to us the difference between social science and social work since they are often used alternately to mean the same thing, while in reality they are two different fields.

He clarified that social science studies social phenomena and problems, while social work is a practical profession that aims to assist people in improving their social performance. I don’t know why in the Kingdom these two fields are still merged while in most universities in the world they are independent of each other Al-Dakhil also spoke of distance learning, where he sees it as potentially beneficial, but the fact remains, most of the educational output in this kind of learning is sub par.

Naturally, he is specifically talking about those outputs in social science and social work. He believes the graduates are often unqualified and can't even answer basic questions in their field. However, and because they have obtained degrees, they demand jobs.

When asked about output of King Saud University, he assured us they are the best in Saudi Arabia.

In addition he spoke about the humanities in Saudi universities, emphasizing the importance of these fields: “Humanities fields are indispensable. You can't have a society that is progressing scientifically and technologically without accompanying that with social progress and development.”

He added that humanities research is considered heritage for any university, and for an important one such as King Saud University it is paramount that we emphasize humanities studies and research in order to enrich our heritage and academic accumulation.

Al-Dakhil also noted that knowledge production in the department of social studies is abundant, adding that there are several research chairs such as Insan Chair for Scientific Research, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Foundation's Chair for Developmental Housing and Princess Sita bint Abdulaziz Chair for Family Research.

On that note, he mentioned that facilitating research for assistant professors is essential for their promotion, which is not currently happening. Giving an assistant professor too much teaching hours affects his ability to conduct research, which is the standard of evaluation for faculty according to the Ministry of Higher Education. He also stated that they are working on a new academic plan in the social studies department based on a study of the community needs. The aim of the plan is to correspond to international standards in the field, graduating students with specialized majors whether in the legal, medical, rehabilitative fields.

And given the importance of social science

Work is being done on a new academic plan in the social studies department based on a study of the community needs. The aim of the plan is to correspond to international standards in the field, graduating students with specialized majors whether in the legal, medical, rehabilitative fields.

in legislation, Al-Dakhil looks forward to more cooperation with relevant ministries such as the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Economy and Planning. He had previously stated that there should be a social scientist in the Supreme Council of Health since health is defined, according to WHO, as an individual's soundness in a physical, psychological, and social sense. He also highlighted the role of MOE in stimulating the social worker's function in schools, which would transform the state of education according to the professor.

Moreover, he commended the collaboration between the judicial and the social sectors that manifested in the recent conference held by the Ministry of Justice (Family Issues in the Courts: A Future Vision).

“This is the kind of cooperation that solidifies the organic and complementary bond between various institutions in society.”

On a different note, Al-Dakhil spoke about research incentives, which are limited, compared to other Gulf countries. He believes that boosting incentives will reflect well on research productivity. Commenting on the financial attractiveness of teaching in a university, Al-Dakhil said that it isn't a very attractive since a professor relying solely on teaching cannot make ends meet. He recommended that the status of university professors be examined and improved.

Additionally, he believes that department committees should be paid since they are the driving force of any department, which would improve performance.

He also applauded Abdullah Al-Othman, Ph.D. (the university rector) for the establishment of the Students Rights Protection Committee, which is an important step in creating a healthy academic environment.

We also spoke to Wafa Al-Nasrullah (director of business administration department at PSU College for Women). She explained that the most important goal in PSU is equipping students with skills that are needed in the job market. “We constantly ask ourselves the question: Can we guarantee a job for them later on?” stated Al-Nasrullah, adding that: “Before establishing a program, we survey the market for skills they need and design our program accordingly.” She also highlighted the learning paradigm in PSU that is outcome-

based education, i.e. it empirically measures what the student actually learns as opposed to the traditional educational paradigm that primarily focuses on the resources available to the student.

In her department, Al-Nasrullah said they offer the students a seven months co-op program in collaboration with various institutions such as banks, Tadawul, etc…She says the feedback from such institutions was overwhelmingly positive since the first batch of female graduates this semester have been already hired. In addition, what characterizes PSU is the English-medium instruction because that is what the private sector is looking for among other skills.

Al-Nasrullah emphasized that even though PSU is a teaching-based university, there is big funding for research. “The fact that our ratio is one faculty member to 20 students helps because it enhances the quality of teaching as well as gives the faculty more time for research,” she said, adding: “Faculty members who have never published before in other universities prospered in PSU and started publishing.”

Moreover, our university is a melting pot, with a diverse faculty from up to 23 countries, which enriches the learning experience. As for her department's future plans, they intend to expand their programs to meet the growing needs of the market, as well as gain international accreditation. They have already started the process of seeking AACSB accreditation. “You cannot start this process unless you have maintained a high standard,” says Al-Nasrullah. Prince Sultan University is also seeking “Institutional Accreditation” and “Program Accreditation” from NCAAA. “This process which is essentially a self-study helped us identify weaknesses and mistakes and fix them leading to vast improvements,” noted Al-Nasrullah, adding, “We are the kind of university that tackles any problems head on, and in fact all Saudi universities are undergoing this process.

Nobody is sitting around not doing anything, and this accreditation process has created a healthy and productive competition among universities.”

She also highlighted the culture of quality assurance in PSU, which has become the norm and all departments are actively engaged in it.

Arab News also spoke to Salwa Nugali, Ph.D. (dean of the women's college) asking her about the development of Al-Yamamah University since its inception. Besides it becoming a university, she said they have established the Deanship of Continuing Education and Community Service that specializes in providing training, research, and consultation services. They have also started the EMBA program and signed several memoranda of understanding with top tier academic institutions such as Oxford University and Washington State University.

As for research, she noted that a lot of faculty members have been able to publish their research.

In addition, the university has established the Investment Research Center in order to provide national and regional markets with highly qualified young entrepreneurs. The university also funds research and supports faculty members in presenting their research in local and international conferences.

We also asked the dean about teaching in universities and whether it's financially rewarding. She doesn’t think it is, adding: “The allowances offer an optical illusion leading people to believe a professor or lecturer are paid well, while the fact of the matter is if we compare the salary of an employee with a bachelor's degree working in a company with that of the college professor, the former would surpass the latter after subtracting allowances. The payroll of professors should definitely be revised and adjusted.” She also stated that the university is looking to establish new departments and is collaborating with institutions that study the feasibility of such departments.

Regarding the university's plans, she mentioned preparations for establishing a College of Architecture and Engineering, and a College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Moreover, the university is in the process of gaining “Institutional Accreditation” and “Program Accreditation” from NCAAA. There are also plans for following up on graduates and ensuring the quality of output. She also highlighted the effective role of the government's support of private institutions that facilitates their role in offering high quality education.

Riyadh Colleges of Dentistry and Pharmacy meet challenges Riyadh: Arwa Rikabi arab news staff

On the occasion of the upcoming Higher Education Fair, Arab News interviewed Professor Abdullah Al-Shammary (rector of Riyadh Colleges of Dentistry and Pharmacy). Here are the excerpts: How many students have graduated from Riyadh Colleges of Dentistry and Pharmacy since its beginning?

The total number of students is 484. 196 male students and 288 female graduates.

What sets your colleges apart from other health education institutions in the country?

Riyadh Colleges of Dentistry and Pharmacy is one of the first private educational institutions in the Kingdom. We are an accredited training center for Saudi Dental Board Programs in various specialties. We also offer five various bachelor degree programs.

What have been the colleges' achievements in terms of academic research, disease prevention and public health awareness?

Riyadh Colleges is dedicated in teaching, excellent training, outstanding research and provision of quality care for the society. Its vision is to become one of the most pre-eminent higher educational institutions of learning locally, regionally and internationally. We provide competent health professionals to meet the needs of the society as well as participate in integrated services in health specialties to the society. In addition, we engage in scientific Prof. Abdullah Al-Shammary research in health disciplines that will benefit the society. The colleges provide graduate study professionals in various specialties through programs in health specialties and develops conferences, meetings and workshops. disease prevention and health promotion proDo you believe there is a need for more grams for the community in cooperation with other health professionals. Moreover, we pro- faculty members? If so, why is there a lack?

Riyadh Colleges are always ready in seeking vide continuing education programs for health

featured faculty members but there is a lack or rare polarization especially in the dental education. According to the large number of the dental government colleges around 26 dental schools in the KSA in addition to the dental private colleges, faculty choose government colleges as their preference. On the other hand, Riyadh Colleges is hiring this academic year different specialists and some have already arrived.

How are faculty members and departments evaluated academically?

They are evaluated by the chairman of their departments and student surveys.

How did governmental support to higher education reflect on Riyadh Colleges in terms of: Output, research, qualified faculty, buildings, labs and general logistics?

Riyadh Colleges received the approval of the Ministry of Higher Education in 1424H/2004G and since that time it has converged all the

encouragement and support through scholarship programs.

Are you participating in the upcoming higher education fair? What are you offering in it?

Yes we are, and we have stable and regular exhibition for health awareness to give introduction about the colleges’ programs and requirement for it.

How would you evaluate your colleges compared to other Saudi universities, as well as compared to the international standard?

Riyadh Colleges have been subjected to the national and international panels with good results since it has applied all the rules and regulations for private higher education.

What do you think are the obstacles on the path of advancing higher education in the Kingdom, specifically in health education?

The rare polarization of the faculty members especially in the dental education.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

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Message

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t is indeed a great pleasure for me to introduce this supplement on thirdlevel education in Ireland to the readers of the Arab News. I am highly gratified that in recent years the number of Saudi citizens studying in Ireland has grown substantially and now covers a wide range of learning in a variety of academic, professional and vocational subjects.

It is probably true to say that nothing can be more important than education in bringing about the achievement of a mature and stable society in any part of the world. It is not surprising therefore that

the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is currently investing so heavily and so wisely in raising the educational standards of its people.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah, has played a leading role in this regard and the main scholarship program for Saudis who are studying abroad is very aptly named in his honor.

Ireland has a particularly strong tradition in all aspects of learning and higher education and we are more than happy now to share this expertise and our modern educational facilities with our friends from Saudi Arabia. Already there are estimated

to be more than 2,000 Saudi students in Ireland and I have no doubt that this number will continue to grow as Ireland’s reputation as a location combining affordability with educational excellence becomes ever more widespread. As an added incentive, nearly all Saudi applications for student visas are now completed and issued within one working day.

I am happy to underline that Ireland’s education system is highly regarded internationally. Eight Irish higher education institutions are now ranked in the top 5 percent of institutions globally (according

to QS World University Rankings – which recently also rated Dublin as one of the 10 best cities in the world to be a student).

Furthermore, Ireland’s Institutes of Technology are internationally recognised as industry-focused and responsive to enterprise needs while specialist Irish institutions in the field of medicine have always had a global reputation. In addition, Ireland is a leader in the development of national and EU qualifications frameworks and has a highly regarded Governmentbacked quality assurance agency to regulate Irish private colleges.

Overall, I can state without hesitation that Ireland and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia meet each other’s needs very closely in the field of higher education. One of our primary objectives here at the Irish Embassy is to ensure that all Saudi students who come to Ireland will receive a top quality education so that they can return to Saudi Arabia in due course with all the skills and expertise which their country needs.

Niall Holohan Ambassador of Ireland to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Highlights on Kingdom’s varsities developments and its future plans Riyadh: Abdul Hannan Tago arab news staff

Based on spirit, knowledge-based education and Saudi Arabia's strong founding principle for knowledge rooted more than 1433 years ago when the first verse and chapter of the Holy Qur'an was sent down in Makkah to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the word “Read” and the name of the chapter was “Pen.” It was the first message to the Ummah on the importance of knowledge revealed in the birthplace of Islam.

Accordingly, the Saudi government has built its Islamic teachings, which in turn are based on moderation and tolerance.

As such, the directives of successive leaders of the country were very clear on the importance of education. On top of that the directive of Custodian of the Two Hoy Mosques, King Abdullah this year to allocate 26 percent or one fourth of the national budget for this purpose in building a bright future for the Kingdom and creating all the constituents of a knowledge-based society. The budget makes the largest allocation to all the Kingdom’s major universities.

This year’s budget for higher education has been the talk

of the major media not only in Saudi Arabia but also outside the Kingdom. The story has been covered and picked up by news agencies that prompted the global media’s attention.

The progress of any nation depends on the extent it achieves in building and developing its human resources. Higher education represents one of the most important means of developing human resources, which in turn is considered a strategic investment for any country. Through higher education programs, every nation manages to fulfill its needs of knowledgeable and skilled manpower forces which labor market needs and its national development requires. Higher education globally witnesses many of the changes, transformations and challenges imposed by the technical and information developments of contemporary civilization.

In the context of supporting the efforts of the universities and the institutions of higher education programs to reach advanced levels, the ministry has taken a number of qualitative initiatives aimed at raising the level of quality in universities that are represented in three major projects.

The first is the project of developing creativity and excellence of faculty members. The second is supporting the establishment of centers for research and scientific excellence in universities, in addition to what is approved in

their budgets. The third project seeks to collaborate with universities in supporting scientific societies.

In order to continue the development of the Saudi system of higher education, the ministry has initiated the preparation of a strategic plan for the future of higher education over the following 25 years, a plan called Horizons Project.

These developments in higher education in Saudi Arabia reflect the noble patronage and the great interest of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Crown Prince Naif and the prudent Saudi government in Kingdom’s educational advancement.

Minister of Higher Education Dr. Khalid Al-Anqari stressed that education is the basis for national development and progress. The minister underlined the significance the Saudi government attaches to education, both general and higher education. The minister said that financing of the education systems, including both general education and higher education, has never diminished and that education is still witnessing unconditional support of the wise leadership.

Continued on Page 16

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

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The BITS Pilani Campus in Dubai.

BITS Pilani: The top destination for engineering education

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ITS Pilani, Dubai Campus (BPDC), is the only international branch campus of the reputed Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani), India in the Middle East. It is exclusively dedicated to engineering education and according to latest published statistics, more than forty percent of the students enrolled in engineering programs in Dubai are in BPDC. It is also interesting to note that more than 70 percent of engineering graduates in 2010-11 were from BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus. This clearly indicates that BITS Pilani is undoubtedly the top destination for high school students to pursue higher education in Engineering and Technology and BPDC is committed to develop technical and scientific manpower in the region.

The institution is renowned for its standards and innovative education, and the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), India has accredited the BITS Pilani, along with its Dubai Campus, with the highest grade ‘A’.

BITS Pilani has emerged as the top private Indian technological university in the survey conducted by Outlook and Electronics For You and ranks among the top 10 technical universities of India in the surveys conducted by the India Today, The Week-India, Dataquest etc. in 2011.

The Dubai Campus offers B.E.(Hons.), M.E., M.B.A. and Ph.D. programs in various specializations and has more than 1600 students including several students from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It has the largest campus in Dubai International Academic City with an excellent academically conducive infrastructure including a hostel within the campus for the students. The institute has well-experienced,

US Education Advising Offices

As of date, 1,790 students have graduated from the Dubai Campus.

highly qualified and dedicated faculty and staff who are committed to fulfilling the students’ aspirations and shaping them as competent professionals. It has collaboration with over 380 companies across UAE, India and the US., as a part of its University Industry Linkages, to offer Practice School (Internship) to its students.

Recently, BITS Pilani, Dubai Campus has received the approval to offer Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Programme and the same will commence from the current Academic year.

In the year 2011, BPDC students not only won several interuniversity competitions held in the region, they also excelled at international events. Some instances are: First position in the International Aerial Robotics Competition (IARC), held annually at North Dakota, USA; hosted first ever ASME Student Professional Development Conference, held in UAE; were invited by ASME to attend the 2011 ASME SDOB Leaders' Conference held at Dallas, Texas, USA;

hosted the UAE Section IEEE AGM and form one of the largest two student branches of IEEE in the region.

As of date, 1,790 students have graduated from the Dubai Campus, who are either employed in more than 500 prestigious companies around the world — Microsoft, Oracle, Maersk, Siemens, L & T etc. to name a few, or have completed or pursuing higher studies in more than 65 leading universities worldwide. such as Stanford, Cornell, Columbia, Johns Hopkins, Carnegie Mellon in the USA; the University of Toronto, Canada; University of Manchester, UK; National University of Singapore etc.Many graduates are also successful entrepreneurs.

The 500 strong ninth batch of students is graduating this year. The Campus Placement Programme has already commenced with the multinationals Microsoft and L&T having visited and recruited students from the campus, offering an attractive salary package.

Are You Interested in Studying in the United States? If so, why don’t you contact the Education Advising Office in a location near you in the Kingdom! Whether you are hoping to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the US, are exploring online study options, or just looking for an interesting summer program, we have information for you!

The Education Advising Offices at the US Embassy and Consulates in the Kingdom are certified EducationUSA advising centers affiliated with the United States Department of State.

EducationUSA centers promote US higher education around the world, offering accurate, comprehensive, objective and timely information about educational opportunities in the United States and guidance to qualified individuals on how to best access those opportunities.

Education Advising Offices do not endorse or rank any US college or university, nor do they endorse services provided by companies or organizations in the areas of test preparation, admissions, placement, language training or visa procurement. Best of all, our services are Absolutely FREE! Basic services offered by Education Advising Offices include: • College counseling and guidance • Standardized test information• Bulletins, handouts and education-related publications

• Study in the USA presentations • Pre-departure orientations For more information about Education Advising Offices affiliated with the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, please see www.educationUSA.state.gov and http:// exchanges.state.gov.

RIYADH - US Embassy Tel: +966-1-488-3800 Ext. 4505 or Ext. 4207 E-mail: EduRiyadh@state. gov Website: http://riyadh.usembassy.gov/education-and-culture.html JEDDAH - US Consulate General Tel: +966-2-667-0080 Ext. 4151 E-mail: EduJeddah@state.gov Website: http://jeddah.usconsulate.gov/jeddah/ advising.html DHAHRAN-US Consulate General Tel: +966-3-330-3200 Ext. 3044 E-mail:EduDhahran@state.gov Website: http://dhahran.usconsulate.gov/dhahran/resources.html To learn more about studying in the United States, join the discussion at www.facebook.com/EducationUSASaudiArabia www.twitter.com/USEmbassyRiyadh

Highlights on Kingdom’s varsities developments and its future plans Continued From Page 15 Al-Anqari said, “Universities have a scrupulous staff recruitment process in place. More than 80 percent of faculty members on scholarship abroad have studied at the best universities thus ensuring to build a great segment of faculty that is capable of making tangible contributions to the development of our education.”

The Kingdom is currently seeking to form a world-leading system of higher education institutions, including research-focused and education-focused institutions, to achieve the national development end goals, minister said.

He referred to the internationally-adopted standard timeframe for national higher education plans which is 25 years and that leaves room for modification, amendment and enhancement. He said the ministry started implementation of Wefaq ambitious plan five years ago and has succeeded in accomplishing several goals since the first phase of this plan.

The minister affirmed that his ministry is now poised to expand the number of universities so that there will be a university for each region and a university branch at each governorate for providing better access to education. Al-Anqari added: “The goal is that, by the end of the 25-year plan, we will have 40 universities distributed across the cities and regions of the Kingdom. This is

in alignment with working toward the government-sought ultimate goal that is to build a knowledgebased society with all its segments.”

The ministry is working with universities on supporting academic associations by financing to establish headquarters for these associations. This enables them to provide independent activities and to sustain professional endeavors. Academic societies aim at gathering data pertaining to their fields and to collaborate in ways that serve their fields. It is worthy to note that

Saudi universities are to host about 70 academic societies.

The four branches of King Abdulaziz University in north Jeddah, Rabigh, Al-Kamil and Khulais, are to be turned into independent universities, the official spokesman of the Ministry of Higher Education said.

Makkah-based Umm Al-Qura University in the cities of Al-Qunfudah and Al-Laith would be made financially and administratively independent and each would carry the name of the city hosting it.

In a previous statement, the

spokesman Muhammad Al-Haizan told an Arabic daily that using the provisions of the recently announced general budget allotted for higher education, the ministry would implement its plan for higher education during the next 25 years that consisted of establishing new universities, building branches for the existing ones and constructing a number of new colleges. He said an independent budget would be earmarked for the Saudi distancelearning electronic university that would be launched at the beginning of the next year.