KAUST’s Academic Program Reviews assess the current state, future trajectory, and challenges and opportunities for academic programs whose quality and reputation are vital to the university's mission. Particular attention is given to the alignment of KAUST programs with Saudi Arabia’s national development priorities. Each academic program is reviewed every five years.
Academic Program Reviews assess the educational quality of the academic programs, their relative success in strategically recruiting and retaining top faculty and students, the satisfaction and success of their graduates and faculty, their capacity for improvement as measured by the fit between their competitive ambitions and resources, and the vision and leadership reflected in their strategic planning. Because research is a vital component of graduate education, the Review assesses the breadth and quality of research within each program and benchmarks it against global leaders. The Review also examines how each program benefits from KAUST resources and facilities, including Research Centers, Core Labs, and the library.
The Review facilitates faculty and staff in reflecting upon the content of their programs, curricular delivery, effectiveness and alignment with KAUST research. The Review allows each program to scrutinize itself, take input from external reviewers, publicize accomplishments, and develop strategic goals for ensuring continued excellence.
Academic Program Review goals
- Ensure current and proposed programs are aligned with KAUST strategy, which is integrated with Saudi Arabia’s Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) priorities and initiatives
- Ensure academic programs are maintained at the highest level of quality and effectiveness for students, faculty, and other stakeholders
- Use the collected information to inform university planning and priorities
- Assess program strategies for faculty and student recruitment
- Identify areas for improvement, change, and development in academic programs
- Encourage both short-term and long-term goals, objectives, and academic plans
- Help articulate program needs regarding fiscal, human, and resource capital
Reviews characteristics
- Evaluative. It requires analysis and judgment by reviewers about the quality of the program and the adequacy of its resources.
- Objective. It asks programs to engage in self-studies that assess, as objectively as possible, their own programs and outcomes.
- Forward-looking. It seeks strategic recommendations for future changes within KAUST’s long-range plans and contribution to Saudi research priorities.
- Action-oriented. Based on program self-study, the external review report, and assessment by KAUST leadership, the process results in an action plan for change and improvement.
