Higher Education

  Under the supervision of Dean Abdullah Al-Melhi, the Faculty of Languages and Translation has received approval to launch its first doctor of philosophy (PhD) program, beginning fall 2020.   The degree will be in applied linguistics and under English Department supervision. The approval comes from the Ministry of Education in line with the National Commission for Academic Accreditation and Assessment (NCAAA) standards in time for fall enrollment to begin.   "We have many gifted language teachers and researchers in the region who could, through the Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Linguistics program, enhance their qualifications and skills, making it possible for them to contribute to the solution of practical language problems that occur in educational and professional institutions locally and regionally," said Vice Dean for Higher Studies and Scientific Research, Dr. Munassir Alhamami.   The decision to expand the FLT's graduate programs is best characterized as a team effort with many colleagues over the years participating. While we cannot individually recount each person for their contributions, we are deeply appreciative to all who generously donated their time and effort.   The primary target audience for the PhD in Applied Linguistics includes new professionals who have recently graduated from a master's program in applied linguistics, licensed Ministry of Education English teachers who hold a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics or a related field, and highly qualified international students with native-like fluency in both Arabic and English.   For more information about the new program, please contact Graduate Programs Coordinator, Dr. Ismail Alrefaai, at ikalrefaai@kku.edu.sa or visit https://flt.kku.edu.sa/en/content/2288. Apply by visiting the Deanship of Admissions and Registration's website at https://registration.kku.edu.sa/kku/ui/guest/application_online/index/typeHighApplicationOnlineIndex.faces. Date: 5/15/2020 Source: Faculty of Languages & Translation

  Under the supervision of Dean Abdullah Al-Melhi, the Faculty of Languages and Translation has received approval to launch its first doctor of philosophy (PhD) program, beginning fall 2020.   The degree will be in applied linguistics and under English Department supervision. The approval comes from the Ministry of Education in line with the National Commission for Academic Accreditation and Assessment (NCAAA) standards in time for fall enrollment to begin.   "We have many gifted language teachers and researchers in the region who could, through the Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Linguistics program, enhance their qualifications and skills, making it possible for them to contribute to the solution of practical language problems that occur in educational and professional institutions locally and regionally," said Vice Dean for Higher Studies and Scientific Research, Dr. Munassir Alhamami.   The decision to expand the FLT's graduate programs is best characterized as a team effort with many colleagues over the years participating. While we cannot individually recount each person for their contributions, we are deeply appreciative to all who generously donated their time and effort.   The primary target audience for the PhD in Applied Linguistics includes new professionals who have recently graduated from a master's program in applied linguistics, licensed Ministry of Education English teachers who hold a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics or a related field, and highly qualified international students with native-like fluency in both Arabic and English.   For more information about the new program, please contact Graduate Programs Coordinator, Dr. Ismail Alrefaai, at ikalrefaai@kku.edu.sa or visit https://flt.kku.edu.sa/en/content/2288. Apply by visiting the Deanship of Admissions and Registration's website at https://registration.kku.edu.sa/kku/ui/guest/application_online/index/typeHighApplicationOnlineIndex.faces. Date: 5/15/2020 Source: Faculty of Languages & Translation

  Turnout was strong for the annual Faculty of Languages and Translation's freshman orientation at the beginning of the semester, as students received an overview of the rules and regulations, enjoyed meeting fellow lowerclassmen, and learned more about the English Club.   Although orientation usually runs for 1-2 hours, it offers the opportunity to meet teachers and fellow students and forge relationships. Understanding the expectations of a King Khalid University student is key to making a successful transition into the Faculty of Languages and Translation. Student Advisor, Dr. Dawood Mahdi, and Student Activities Director, Faisal Alfadhil, both delivered speeches focused on becoming acquainted with the resources available. Upperclassmen were on hand to help students and offer words of support.   "Freshman Orientation is a great time for our new students to get ready for the transition to college life," Dean Abdullah Al-Melhi said. "We welcome the Class of 2023 and encourage them to attend classes on a regular basis." Date: 9-10-2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  Turnout was strong for the annual Faculty of Languages and Translation's freshman orientation at the beginning of the semester, as students received an overview of the rules and regulations, enjoyed meeting fellow lowerclassmen, and learned more about the English Club.   Although orientation usually runs for 1-2 hours, it offers the opportunity to meet teachers and fellow students and forge relationships. Understanding the expectations of a King Khalid University student is key to making a successful transition into the Faculty of Languages and Translation. Student Advisor, Dr. Dawood Mahdi, and Student Activities Director, Faisal Alfadhil, both delivered speeches focused on becoming acquainted with the resources available. Upperclassmen were on hand to help students and offer words of support.   "Freshman Orientation is a great time for our new students to get ready for the transition to college life," Dean Abdullah Al-Melhi said. "We welcome the Class of 2023 and encourage them to attend classes on a regular basis." Date: 9-10-2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

Under the supervision of FLT Dean, Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi, and organization of the English Club, first-year students in the Faculty of Languages and Translation arrived bright and early on Wednesday, Sept, 12, for the Academic Year 2018-2019 Freshman Orientation Day. The Class of 2022 assembled for the first official time in the room A/3/60, welcomed by a variety of administrators, teachers and the president of the English Club. Dean Al-Melhi and FLT Chairman, Dr. Munassir Alhamami, were joined by Dr. Basim Kanaan, academic advisor, Naser Al-Hawamdeh, registrar, Mohsin Khan, e-learning supervisor, LEP Administrators Dr. Charles Forman and Hassan Costello, and student Abdulaziz Al-Shahrani, the president of the English Club whose area of responsibility include extra-curricular activities and hosting student events. The FLT holds a variety of extra-curricular activities each semester, including academic and sports competitions, available for students to join, become active, and leave their mark. Freshman Orientation provided students an opportunity to (i) understand the academic and community expectations of a King Khalid University student, (ii) feel more prepared to transition into the University, (iii) become acquainted with the resources available, (iv) meet with the academic advisor and registrar to learn more about academic expectations, and (v) have a better understanding of the Faculty of Languages and Translation student experience. All the speakers encouraged the new students to get involved. They delivered seven important tips: To attend lectures on time; to complete assignments on time; to check announcements; to utilize Tawasol for course and final exam schedule inquiries; to contact the academic advisor if help is needed, to attend academic advising support meetings, and to visit the college website for helpful links. Dean Al-Melhi said he welcomed the Class of 2022 as a fellow graduate of the same college. He is himself a graduate of the FLT, a member of the Class of 1987. “We want you to be successful, and though you will find that the transition from high school to college different, we have plenty of ways to support you along the way,” said Al-Melhi. “There will be challenges, of course, but we are here for you, and our doors are always open." Date: 09-12-2018 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation Multimedia Contribution: Abdulaziz Al-Shahrani and Mohsin Khan

Under the supervision of FLT Dean, Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi, and organization of the English Club, first-year students in the Faculty of Languages and Translation arrived bright and early on Wednesday, Sept, 12, for the Academic Year 2018-2019 Freshman Orientation Day. The Class of 2022 assembled for the first official time in the room A/3/60, welcomed by a variety of administrators, teachers and the president of the English Club. Dean Al-Melhi and FLT Chairman, Dr. Munassir Alhamami, were joined by Dr. Basim Kanaan, academic advisor, Naser Al-Hawamdeh, registrar, Mohsin Khan, e-learning supervisor, LEP Administrators Dr. Charles Forman and Hassan Costello, and student Abdulaziz Al-Shahrani, the president of the English Club whose area of responsibility include extra-curricular activities and hosting student events. The FLT holds a variety of extra-curricular activities each semester, including academic and sports competitions, available for students to join, become active, and leave their mark. Freshman Orientation provided students an opportunity to (i) understand the academic and community expectations of a King Khalid University student, (ii) feel more prepared to transition into the University, (iii) become acquainted with the resources available, (iv) meet with the academic advisor and registrar to learn more about academic expectations, and (v) have a better understanding of the Faculty of Languages and Translation student experience. All the speakers encouraged the new students to get involved. They delivered seven important tips: To attend lectures on time; to complete assignments on time; to check announcements; to utilize Tawasol for course and final exam schedule inquiries; to contact the academic advisor if help is needed, to attend academic advising support meetings, and to visit the college website for helpful links. Dean Al-Melhi said he welcomed the Class of 2022 as a fellow graduate of the same college. He is himself a graduate of the FLT, a member of the Class of 1987. “We want you to be successful, and though you will find that the transition from high school to college different, we have plenty of ways to support you along the way,” said Al-Melhi. “There will be challenges, of course, but we are here for you, and our doors are always open." Date: 09-12-2018 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation Multimedia Contribution: Abdulaziz Al-Shahrani and Mohsin Khan

FLT Language Instructor, Hassan Costello, delivered a presentation on October 17, 2017, aimed at increasing awareness of the Quality Matters (QM) peer review and certification processes in online education. The presentation, “E-Course Certification,” was organized by the E-Learning Unit under the patronage of the Dean, Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi,  the supervision of Dr. Muhammed Shuaib Asiri, Vice-Dean for Academic Development & Quality, and the guidance of  Dr. Munassir Alhamami, Chairman, and Mr. Abdullah Al-Rezgi, Director of the English Language Center. Those who attended got the chance to learn about the QM Rubric and the framework required to improve the quality of their online and blended courses ultimately leading to certification. The foundation of the workshop focused on the three stages of the course development process that need to be implemented in order to meet the rubric standards of the International Quality Matters (QM) Peer Review Board. The three stages are: •             Stage 1: Identify Desired Results •             Stage 2: Determine Acceptable Evidence •             Stage 3: Plan the Learning Experiences and Instruction  “The standards of the rubric are written, so that faculty and reviewers approach a course through the eyes of the student. In doing so, it serves as a method to assure the quality of online courses. There are a lot of great reasons to go through the Quality Matters certification process, and hopefully a few of the examples and resources I’ve made you aware of today have helped you to see that you can do it too," Costello said. A call to action was put forth at the end of the presentation by asking all participants to contact the E-Learning Deanship in cooperation with the FLT’s E-Learning Unit Supervisor, Mr. Mohsin Raza Khan, and our assigned E-Learning Specialist, Mr. Muhammed Jabir Asiri. If enough interest is generated, QM's flagship Applying the Quality Matters Rubric (APPQMR) workshop and its use in reviewing the design of online and blended courses will be conducted in the near future. Date: 10/17/2017 Source: E-Learning Unit Multimedia Contribution: Javed Ahmad

FLT Language Instructor, Hassan Costello, delivered a presentation on October 17, 2017, aimed at increasing awareness of the Quality Matters (QM) peer review and certification processes in online education. The presentation, “E-Course Certification,” was organized by the E-Learning Unit under the patronage of the Dean, Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi,  the supervision of Dr. Muhammed Shuaib Asiri, Vice-Dean for Academic Development & Quality, and the guidance of  Dr. Munassir Alhamami, Chairman, and Mr. Abdullah Al-Rezgi, Director of the English Language Center. Those who attended got the chance to learn about the QM Rubric and the framework required to improve the quality of their online and blended courses ultimately leading to certification. The foundation of the workshop focused on the three stages of the course development process that need to be implemented in order to meet the rubric standards of the International Quality Matters (QM) Peer Review Board. The three stages are: •             Stage 1: Identify Desired Results •             Stage 2: Determine Acceptable Evidence •             Stage 3: Plan the Learning Experiences and Instruction  “The standards of the rubric are written, so that faculty and reviewers approach a course through the eyes of the student. In doing so, it serves as a method to assure the quality of online courses. There are a lot of great reasons to go through the Quality Matters certification process, and hopefully a few of the examples and resources I’ve made you aware of today have helped you to see that you can do it too," Costello said. A call to action was put forth at the end of the presentation by asking all participants to contact the E-Learning Deanship in cooperation with the FLT’s E-Learning Unit Supervisor, Mr. Mohsin Raza Khan, and our assigned E-Learning Specialist, Mr. Muhammed Jabir Asiri. If enough interest is generated, QM's flagship Applying the Quality Matters Rubric (APPQMR) workshop and its use in reviewing the design of online and blended courses will be conducted in the near future. Date: 10/17/2017 Source: E-Learning Unit Multimedia Contribution: Javed Ahmad

Under the supervision of Dr. Abdullah Al Melhi, Dean, and represented by Dr. Abdulkhaleq Al Qahtani, Vice Dean of Higher Studies,  the English Club held an orientation for all first level students on March 5, 2017. Dr. Abdulkhaleq Al Qahtani, Dr. Mohammed Assiri, Vice Dean of Academic Development and Quality, Dr. Munassir Alhamami, Chair of the English Department, Dr. Basim Kanaan, Academic Advisor, and Hassan Asiri, Director of Student Activities, presented the program. They all stressed critical points to success that included but were not limited to, helpful resources, policies, and general strategies. Dr. Abdulkhaleq Al Qahtani added that the purpose of the orientation program was to engage students and to introduce them to campus resources and opportunities. He further reasoned that a successful transition for students from their previous environment into the Faculty of Languages and Translation (FLT) is paramount. This year’s orientation leaders were eager to share their experiences. "Orientation is the next step for students in joining the KKU FLT community," said Hassan Asiri, Director of Student Activities. “It was an opportunity to meet new students. For many of them, this was a great chance to ask questions,” said Haitham Hawi, President of the English Club. Ahmed Al Otaibi, Vice President of the English Club, remembers going through the orientation program when he first started and learned how to get involved. “I like providing assistance where it is needed,” Al Otaibi said. “Also, I wanted to let new students know about the English Club so that they can join us.” In conclusion, Dr. Abdulkhaleq Al Qahtani emphasized the importance of orientation as being key to student success. He further reiterated that we aim to support the student experience inside and outside of the classroom. Date: 03-06-2017 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation Multimedia Contribution: MD Sirajul Islam

Under the supervision of Dr. Abdullah Al Melhi, Dean, and represented by Dr. Abdulkhaleq Al Qahtani, Vice Dean of Higher Studies,  the English Club held an orientation for all first level students on March 5, 2017. Dr. Abdulkhaleq Al Qahtani, Dr. Mohammed Assiri, Vice Dean of Academic Development and Quality, Dr. Munassir Alhamami, Chair of the English Department, Dr. Basim Kanaan, Academic Advisor, and Hassan Asiri, Director of Student Activities, presented the program. They all stressed critical points to success that included but were not limited to, helpful resources, policies, and general strategies. Dr. Abdulkhaleq Al Qahtani added that the purpose of the orientation program was to engage students and to introduce them to campus resources and opportunities. He further reasoned that a successful transition for students from their previous environment into the Faculty of Languages and Translation (FLT) is paramount. This year’s orientation leaders were eager to share their experiences. "Orientation is the next step for students in joining the KKU FLT community," said Hassan Asiri, Director of Student Activities. “It was an opportunity to meet new students. For many of them, this was a great chance to ask questions,” said Haitham Hawi, President of the English Club. Ahmed Al Otaibi, Vice President of the English Club, remembers going through the orientation program when he first started and learned how to get involved. “I like providing assistance where it is needed,” Al Otaibi said. “Also, I wanted to let new students know about the English Club so that they can join us.” In conclusion, Dr. Abdulkhaleq Al Qahtani emphasized the importance of orientation as being key to student success. He further reiterated that we aim to support the student experience inside and outside of the classroom. Date: 03-06-2017 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation Multimedia Contribution: MD Sirajul Islam