Effat University
Effat University PO Box 34689
Jeddah 21478
Saudi Arabia
Telephone: +966 92 000 3331
Fax: +966 12 637 7447
Email: Effat.MCPR@effatuniversity.edu.sa www.effatuniversity.edu.sa
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this document is the property of the Effat University, whose approval will be obtained prior to any distribution. The document is copyrighted and a registered at the King Fahd National Library. Any copying, distribution or omission made to the document is strictly prohibited.
Contents
Chapter 1: University Establishment and Mandate
Chapter 2: Founders
Chapter 3: Governance (Councils and their Leadership)
Section 1: Board of Trustees
Section 2: University Council
Section 3: President
Section 4: Scientific Council
Section 5: Human Resources Planning Committee
Section 6: Disciplinary Committee
Section 7: College and Institute Councils
Section 8: Deans and Vice-Deans
Section 9: Departmental Council
Chapter 4: Academic Staff and the Like
Chapter 5: Financial Rules
Chapter 6: Students Affairs
Chapter 7: Amendments to University Charter 24
Chapter 1: University Establishment and Mandate
Article 1:
The following terms shall convey the meanings herein stated unless otherwise is required by the context:
1. The Minister: Minister of Education of Saudi Arabia.
2. The Foundation: King Faisal Foundation.
3. The Foundation’s Charter: The Charter of King Faisal Foundation.
4. The Founders’ Council: Their Royal Highnesses (Princes and Princesses); the names of whom are listed in Article 5 of this Charter.
5. The University: Effat University.
6. Board of Trustees: Effat University Board of Trustees.
Article 2:
7. University Council: Effat University Council.
8. Scientific Council: Effat University Scientific Council.
9. University President: Effat University President.
10. College Council: One of Effat University’s College Council.
11. Dean of College: Dean of a College in Effat University.
12. Departmental Council: Council of an academic department in one of Effat University’s Colleges.
13. Chair of Department: Chair of an Academic Department in one of Effat University’s Colleges.
a) Effat University is a private non-profit educational institution, a financially liable legal entity that holds the right to acquire and manage property, carry out litigation, and present financial collateral, within the bounds of its financial assets and standing.
b) Effat University was founded under the umbrella of King Faisal Foundation, and aims to develop knowledge, derive truth, and enlighten minds. The University seeks to lead the generations of the future towards an international standard in a creative and intellectual academic environment.
Article 3:
The Foundation is responsible for providing all necessary guarantees for covering all financial that exceeds the value of its financial assets and standing. This responsibility is set to ensure the promoting of the University’s financial strength and worth, in accordance with yearly forecasted budget and plans as approved by the Board of Trustees.
Article 4:
The headquarter of the University shall be in Jeddah. Moreover, in accordance with a decision issued by the Ministry of Education, recommended by the Board of Trustees and supported by the Board of Founders, the University may set up branches in other cities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Chapter 2: Founders
Article 5:
The University was initially founded as a Private non-profit College, through the gracious oversight and generous support of HRH Princess Effat Bint Mohammed Al-Thunayan, May God rest her soul in peace. It was funded by the Their Royal Highnesses, Princes and Princesses, sons and daughters of the His Majesty King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. The establishment of Effat College was carried out by a founding Board, originating from the King Faisal Foundation as the legal umbrella, and in accordance with the requirements of Private Higher Education By-laws and Regulations.
The Founders are: 1. HRH Prince Mohammed Al Faisal 2. HRH Princess Sarah Al Faisal 3. HRH Princess Latifah Al Faisal 4. HRH Prince Khalid Al Faisal 5. HRH Prince Saud Al Faisal (May God Rest His Soul in peace) 6. HRH Prince Abdul-Rahman Al Faisal (May God Rest His Soul in peace) 7. HRH Prince Sa’ad Al Faisal
8. HRH Prince Bandar Al Faisal (May God Rest His Soul in peace) 9. HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal 10. HRH Princess Lolowah Al Faisal 11. HRH Princess Haifa Al Faisal
The Founders shall form a board and jointly select a Chair, and Vice-Chair. The Board is convened by request of one of the founders, or by request of the Chair of the Board of Trustees. The Board convenes for the purpose of addressing the University’s needs for development, and fulfillment of its mandate. A Board meeting can be convened with a minimum of (3) three members, and members may delegate another member of the Board to attend and vote on their behalf.
All decisions undertaken by the Board must be made with a vote representing two-third (2/3) majority of attending members, and may be confirmed by the passing of the decision. The Board may furthermore invite to its meeting any person whom it deems of experience, without granting them the right to vote.
Article 6:
In fulfillment of the University’s mandate, and in ensuring its continuation and leadership, and in accordance with the wishes of HRH Princess Effat Bint Mohammed Al-Thunayan, May God rest her soul in peace; the role of the University Board shall remain in effect throughout the lifetime of its membership. In the case of the end of a membership’s tenure for any reason, their representative shall be from among their children, with approval of two-thirds (2/3) of the founding members of the Board. In the event of disagreement on the proposed replacement on the part of the Board, the members of the Board may appoint the most suitable replacement from the grandchildren, with the approval of two-thirds (2/3) majority of its members.
Article 7:
The Board of Founders performs the following:
1. Growing the University’s financial resources.
2. Accepting donations.
3. Attracting talented leadership, faculty and administration.
4. Planning for the enhancement of the University and its facilities.
5. Recommending the establishing or closing of the University’s Colleges and Scientific Departments.
6. Nominating representatives for the Board of Trustees, or related committees.
7. Forming the necessary standing or ad hoc committees to carry out the works from among its members or others.
Chapter 3: Governance (Councils and their Leadership)
Section 1: Board of Trustees
Article 8:
The University shall have a Board of Trustees, which is authorized by overseeing all University activities and taking necessary executive decisions after consulting experts and specialists.
Article 9:
The Board of Trustees shall consist of the following members:
1. University President.
2. Five Faculty members from other Universities or other Higher Educational Institutions at least holding the rank of an Associate Professor, and selected by the Minister of Education.
3. A representative from the Ministry of Education.
4. Twelve (12) members to be selected by the University Founders, two of whom shall be other than the Founders, or those working in the University.
Article 10:
The Membership of the Board of Trustees shall be for three years effective from the date of appointment of the member. The members of the Board of Trustees whose term of office is terminated may be reappointed.
Article 11:
Approval by the Minister of Education is required for the appointment of members of the Board of Trustees.
Article 12:
The Board of Trustees may form an executive committee to execute some of the tasks of the Board in accordance to the powers it specifies. All decisions issued by the committee shall be treated in the same way as the Board of Trustees’ decisions, in terms of its approval procedures from the Minister of Education.
Article 13:
The Board of Trustees shall appoint a Chair from among its members for a period of three years; unless the tenure of membership of the nominated member ends prior to that date. In the event of the Chair’s absence, the Board of Trustees may appoint a Vice-Chair from among its members.
Article 14:
The Board of Trustees shall convene at least twice during the academic year at the University main campus. The Board may be convened for an exceptional session by request of its Chair or a quorum consisting of the majority of its members in the event of necessity, provided that such an exceptional meeting only discusses the agenda items for which it was called for.
Article 15 :
The meeting of the Board of Trustees shall be valid only if attended by a minimum of two-thirds (2/3) of its total members.
Article 16:
The decisions of the Board of Trustees shall be issued by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of attending members. The Board’s decisions shall be effective from the date of issue, except for decisions regarding appointment of the University President, Provost, Vice-Presidents, College Deans and Vice-Deans. This exception also extends to decisions related to approving the University’s Charter, in addition to decisions pertaining to academic matters. Decisions taken by the board of trustees are valid unless objected by the Minister within one month of the date of submission to his office. If the Minister disapproves of the decision(s), they shall be re-submitted to the Board. If the Board of Trustees insists on its decision, the matter shall be raised to the Council of Education.
Article 17:
The Board of Trustees shall be in charge of establishing the overall policy of the University in a way that ensures the fulfillment of the university’s mission effectively and the achievement of its administrative, financial, and academic objectives. The Board of Trustees has the authority to:
1. Appoint the University’s President, Provost and Vice-Presidents.
2. Propose amendments to the University Charter and submit it to the Ministry of Education for approval.
3. Authenticate the annual report for the academic, administrative and financial activities of the University.
4. Review the report of the external financial auditor.
5. Approve the estimated budget of the University following the approval of the Board of Founders.
6. Approve admission criteria and determine number of admitted students.
7. Propose the establishing of colleges, research centers or new departments, amend existing ones, and evaluate new proposals submitted after it has been studied by the Scientific Council.
8. Approve tuition and any additional fees for services provided by the University and collected from its students.
9. Approve the administrative and financial By-laws and regulations of the university and amend them accordingly.
10. Approve academic By-laws and regulations following review by the Scientific Council.
11. Confirm the appointment and exemption of Deans of colleges.
12. Approve development, maintenance and equipment plans for all University facilities.
13. Approve scholarships and training plans for professional development of faculty members.
14. Approve academic conference plans, symposiums and cultural seminars held annually by the University.
15. Recommend the endorsement of awarded degrees to be approved by the Ministry of Education.
16. Develop University revenues; invest its assets and capital into bank investment portfolios and funds.
17. Establishing or co-founding of all types of companies, following approval of the Board of Founders.
18. Acceptance of gifts, donations and bequeathments on behalf of the University, in addition to the establishment, administration and development of endowment and financial funds following approval of the Board of Founders
19. Directing the sale, purchase and lease of the University’s financial resources, properties, and assets following approval of the Board of Founders.
20. Approve formation of an executive committee, with their responsibilities, and endorse its decisions when necessary.
21. Forming and dissolving requisite temporary and standing committees.
22. Appointing an External Auditor for the University and determining their dues following the approval of the Founders Council.
Article 18:
Authority of the Chair of the Board of Trustees. Aside from what is set down in this Charter and in the Internal By-laws of the University, the Chair of the Board of Trustees is authorized with the following:
Firstly: Legal Authorities:
a. Representing the University to third parties, including private and governmental bodies, departments, institutions, judiciaries, and notaries.
b. Signing and finalizing all agreements, contracts of lease.
c. Sale, purchase, discharge and acceptance of ownership.
d. Submitting appeals and advocating on behalf of the University, submitting legal admissions or denials, attending and responding to hearings.
e. Submitting to conciliations, waivers, as well as clearance and exoneration, requesting or agreeing to adjudication, determining adjudicators and experts, and set their dues.
The Chair of the Board of Trustees may issue Power of Attorney for the purpose of appointing a founding member of the Board of Trustees as a deputy with all or part of his former prerogatives. Authorization by means of Power of Attorney however, must be limited to not encompass all duties, if issued to a third party.
Secondly: Financial Authorities:
a. Opening accounts at all banks and financial institutions in the name of the University
b. Undertaking individual signing for respective accounts and their transactions, in terms of all financial transactions, including withdrawals, deposits, issued cheques, wire transfers both within and outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, foreign exchange transactions.
c. Requests for issuance of new chequebooks.
d. Updating accounts, activating all forms of electronic services, receiving and using of passwords for the aforementioned electronic services.
e. Requesting of loans and all forms of banking facilities, inclusive of letters of guarantee, letters of credit, opening and managing portfolios and investment funds, the signing of all accompanying documentation, and the activation of any related services.
f. The Chair of the Board of Trustees has the right to delegate representatives authorized to finalize University financial transactions in relevant banks. The Chair is furthermore generally mandated with concluding and implementing all financial procedures and transactions relevant to financial dealings with banking institutions.
The Chair may moreover issue Power of Attorney for the purpose of appointing a founding member of the Board of Trustees as a deputy with all or part of his former prerogatives. Authorization by means of Power of Attorney however, must be limited to not encompass all duties, if issued to a third party.
Section 2: University Council Article 19:
Subject to the University by-laws and regulations, the University Council takes on the responsibility to oversight of administrative, academic, educational, and scientific research affairs. In addition, the University Council implements the overall policy of the University. As such, the Council shall utilize all means to ensure that the University achieves its mission, specifically as follows:
1. To propose the internal By-laws and regulations for academic and educational affairs and submit them to the Board of Trustees for approval.
2. To set admission criteria for students’ admission and determine the number of students who should be admitted annually to be approved by the Board of Trustees.
3. To set regulations for Student Affairs and organize students activities.
4. To approve academic, technical, and cultural programs provided by the Colleges and the University units.
5. To approve the Academic Calendar.
6. To approve the academic and professiona plans of the Colleges.
7. To approve the appointment of Faculty and their teaching assistants, and the extension of their service term if needed.
8. To approve the appointment of Faculty holding rare specialties or academic reputation or international experience in a way that exceeds the basic salary specified according to the pay chart.
9. To approve consideration of previous teaching experience of the Faculty for the purpose of academic promotion.
10. To propose the establishment of colleges, institutes, departments, research centers, and Supportive Deanships, and to recommend the modification of their names, as well as merging or closing them.
11. To award degrees to university graduates.
12. To approve the academic programs and their study plans.
13. To establish By-laws and regulations for the visiting/transfer students from and to University.
Article 20:
The University Council shall be formed in accordance with a decision passed by the Board of Trustees as follows:
1. The University President as Chair of the Council.
2. The Vice-Presidents and the Provost of the University, who shall act on behalf of the President during his/her absence or if his/her office is vacant seniority is the primary condition for the selection of the member.
3. The Deans of Colleges and Directors of Institutes.
4. The Deans of Supportive Deanships.
5. Three members of Faculty, who may join the Council in accordance with a decision passed by the Chair of the Board of Trustees based on nomination by the President of the University and the approval of the Board of Trustees.
Article 21:
The University Council shall be called for a meeting at least once a month at the request of its Chair. The call for the meeting will be accompanied by an agenda with the issues and matters proposed for discussion before the Board. The Chair may propose to include or postpone any item from the agenda before the meeting is held.
Article 22:
The University Council can be called for an exceptional meeting by the Council Chair, if deemed necessary, or at the request of a quorum of five (5) members for the discussion of urgent matters.
Article 23:
The University Council meetings and their decisions shall not be considered duly valid unless attended by at a minimum of two-thirds of its total members, and a member may delegate another member of the Council to attend and vote on his/her behalf.
Article 24:
A member from the University Council shall act as a secretary by virtue of a decision from its Chair, in accordance with the nomination of the Council.
Article 25:
The University Council may delegate its Chair or Vice-Chairs some of its authority for a specific term, provided that the decisions taken during this period are to be presented to the Council in the first subsequent meeting.
Article 26:
The University Council may form special committees from its membership or third parties to discuss matters that fall beneath its authorities.
Article 27:
University Council decisions are issued by a majority of votes cast by a quorum of two-thirds (2/3) of its members at a meeting. Decisions passed by vote will be confirmed for adoption in a subsequent meeting.
Section 3: President Article 28:
The President shall be appointed through a decision issued by the President of the Board of Trustees, based on prior nomination of the Board of Trustees and approval of the Minister of Education, for a total period of four (4) years subject to renewal. The President shall be relieved from his/her office by a decision from the President of the Board of Trustees following approval of the Board of Trustees.
Article 29:
The designated President must meet the following requirements:
1. The President must be a Saudi Arabian national.
2. The President is required to have held a position either as an academic staff member in an institution of higher education or as a personnel tasked with a key position in a government university, provided that he/she is employed on a full-time basis and that he/she is not a founding member of the University.
Article 30:
The President shall be responsible for overseeing the execution of University administrative, financial, and academic plans. In addition, he/she will represent the University before all different organizations.
Article 31:
The President shall present to the University Council a semi-annual report on the University’s affairs and its various activities, which in turn is to be raised to the Board of Trustees. This report shall highlight the University’s progress and achievements during the period of this report, as well as the challenges encountered and actions taken to address them.
Article 32:
The President may delegate some of his/her authorities herein stated or defined in the University Charter or By-laws and regulations to the Provost, or other University employees for a specific term. This delegation may be cancelled at any time.
Article 33:
The University Provost shall be appointed by a decision issued by the President of the Board of Trustees, based on nomination of the University President, subject to approval by the Minister of Education, followed by approval by the Board of Trustees, for a period of three years subject to renewal. The holders of these positions should be Saudi citizens, and have held a prior academic position with a minimum rank of Assistant Professor; provided that they are employed on a full-time basis and that they are not founding members of the University.
Section 4: Scientific Council
Article 34:
The Scientific Council is authorized with all matters pertaining to academic research and publications at the University.
Article 35:
The Scientific Council shall be formed by a decision passed by the President based on recommendation of the University Council.
Article 36:
The Scientific Council shall be formed for a term of at least three years. The Scientific Council by-laws shall determine its activities.
Article 37:
The Scientific Council shall be formed in accordance with the following:
a. University Provost for Academic Affairs as Chair.
b. One member from the Faculty of each College or Institute, provided that he/she is a holder of at least a rank of Associate Professor and further nominated by the College Council.
c. By virtue of a decision issued by the University Council, two members with interest in academic and scientific research may be appointed as members in the Council.
Article 38:
The Scientific Council shall be authorized with the examination of academic publications of Faculty applying for the University’s positions. In particular, it shall be responsible for the following:
1. Establishing policies to encourage scientific research, founding of research centers and fostering of cooperation between them, in addition to the development of strategies for the aforementioned centers with the goal of engaging them in applied research throughout various fields.
2. Regulating the relations and cooperating with research centers outside the University.
3. Determining and approving incentives and appreciation rewards for academic accomplishments.
4. Approval for the issuance of academic journals, and facilitation of coordination between them.
5. Recommending on holding academic conferences and symposiums, local or regional, and coordinating among related organizing bodies or participating in them.
6. Assessing academic bodies of universities, colleges and institutes; determining acceptable and equivalent standards based on the University’s requirements for the purpose of Faculty appointment and promotion.
7. Evaluating curriculum, teaching plans, and further issuing necessary recommendations for their enhancement, as well as issuing requests for printing of textbooks.
8. Evaluating and accrediting certificates.
9. Forming committees to examine academic publications of Faculty based on the recommendation of the College Council.
10. Recommending the appointment of Faculty members.
11. Recommending the promotion of Faculty in appreciation of their academic efforts in their field of research, publication, or any other academic activity as recommended by the Departmental Council and College Council.
12. Recommending the granting of academic sabbatical leave to Faculty, in accordance with applicable regulations and as recommended by the Departmental Council and College Council.
13. Establishing protocols for and encouraging interaction between Faculty members and their respective counterparts in other educational/academic organizations, and organizing their participation in conferences or symposiums within and outside the Kingdom, and deriving benefit from the aforementioned participation.
Article 39:
The decisions of the Scientific Council are issued by a majority of more than two-thirds of the votes of attending members. The Council’s decisions are effectively valid unless revoked by the President within fifteen (15) days from the date being communicated to him/her. If revoked by the President, they must then be resent to the Scientific Council with the President’s opinion for review. If the Council insists on its original decision, the revoked decision(s) or matter(s) are to be raised to the University Council for review, whereupon any decision taken in this respect is final.
Article 40:
The President shall implement all decisions and recommendations of the Scientific Council.
Section 5 : Human Resources Planning Committee
Article 41:
The President shall form and chair a committee called the ‘Human Resources Planning Committee,’ which shall be responsible for developing and following up on plans for the recruitment of Faculty, Administrative Staff, and Laborers.
Article 42:
The Human Resources Planning Committee shall establish, in coordination and cooperation with the Deans of Colleges and Heads of Administrative Units, a plan for human resources recruitment for each academic year. This plan will be included in the University’s estimated annual budget and submitted to the Board of Trustees for approval.
Article 43:
The Human Resources Planning Committee shall follow up on implementation of plans approved by the Board of Trustees and ensure that the appointments made throughout the academic year are aligned with the approved plans.
Section 6: Disciplinary Committee
Article 44:
The University shall have a provisional committee under the name of ‘Disciplinary Committee,’ which shall be responsible for investigating complaints filed against the University Faculty and other employees.
Article 45:
The Disciplinary Committee shall be formed annually by decision of the President provided that the legal advisor of the University is a member in that committee.
Article 46:
The Disciplinary Committee shall apply the following penalties:
1. Reprimand.
2. Warning to apply more severe penalty.
3. Deduction from salary provided that the deduction does not exceed one-third (1/3) of monthly pay and does not exceed three months’ pay.
4. Withholding of bonus.
5. Withholding of academic promotion.
6. Termination of service with payment of end of service bonus.
7. Termination of service and withholding of end of service bonus.
Article 47:
The Disciplinary Committee shall pass rulings upon presented cases within a period not exceeding two weeks, and present a report on their investigation and disciplinary decision, if any, to the President for approval.
Article 48:
University employees may appeal in writing to the President against a penalty received within one month of the Disciplinary Committee’s decision being communicated to them.
Article 49:
The President shall issue management decisions supporting the implementation of recommendations made by the Disciplinary Committee.
Article 50:
The President shall issue rules that regulate investigation procedures and disciplinary trials.
Article 51:
The President, upon his/her discretion, shall have the right to suspend any University employee if he/she finds it in the interest of the investigation to do so, provided that the suspension does not exceed three months.