Initiative idea

This initiative aims to support and assist academic departments and quality committees in the university’s colleges in meeting program accreditation standards. It does so by facilitating the exchange of expertise between departments and quality committees in colleges whose programs have already achieved program accreditation (locally or internationally) and those that aspire to obtain it.

Initiative Objectives

1. Fulfill the requirements of the National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation (NCAAA), which mandates that all academic programs at the university obtain program accreditation by the end of 2025.
2. Benefit from the expertise and technical skills available in colleges whose programs have already earned local or international accreditation to support those that have not.
3. Disseminate best practices in quality assurance and program accreditation across all academic programs in the university, contributing to the implementation of required accreditation plans.

Implementation Activities

1. Experience-Sharing Workshop

Representatives of quality committees from colleges that obtained program accreditation (locally or internationally) shared their experiences through the following themes:

• Accreditation Journey: Presenting their program’s accreditation process, from application to final approval.
• Local vs. International Accreditation: Highlighting similarities, differences, and requirements for both.
• Best Practices: Showcasing successful quality practices that facilitated program accreditation.
• Recommendations & Guidance: Sharing key advice for programs aspiring to achieve accreditation throughout all stages.

2. Academic Program Accreditation Session

The Quality Assurance and Accreditation Unit at the Deanship covered topics including:

• Procedures and mechanisms for applying for local and international program accreditation.
• Eligibility requirements for programs to qualify for accreditation.
• Criteria for selecting international accrediting bodies.
• Strategies for sharing quality assurance and accreditation expertise among academic departments across colleges.

Target Groups

• Academic programs that have not yet achieved program accreditation.
• Faculty members and quality committees across colleges, by engaging in experience sharing in quality assurance and accreditation.

Summary of Achievements and Beneficiaries

The initiative was implemented during the Deanship’s celebration of World Quality Day. It involved representatives of development and quality committees across university colleges, as well as faculty members from various disciplines. The initiative enabled active participation of all university members through effective discussions on quality assurance and academic accreditation at both the institutional and program levels.

Expected Outcomes

• Dissemination of best practices and expertise in quality assurance and accreditation among all university members.
• Strengthening collaboration between academic programs in quality assurance and program accreditation.
• Preparing all university programs to achieve local or international program accreditation.

• Increasing competition among programs to improve and enhance the quality of their learning outcomes.