King Khalid University

  Faculty of Languages & Translation (FLT) Assistant Professor, Dr. Saeed Al-Surf, delivered a lecture entitled 'Interdisciplinary Sciences' at the Asir Region Directorate of Education on September 24, 2019. The purpose of the program was to explore new pathways for interdisciplinary learning. Dr. Al-Surf illustrated the value of integrating the humanities with science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM). "By providing students and teachers with an integrative curriculum, we will create a strong foundation leading to success," he concluded. Date: 9/25/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  The Faculty of Languages & Translation at the King Abdullah Road Campus celebrated the Kingdom’s National Day on 25/1/1441. The female English Club organized the festivities. The club members created a variety of pamphlets and pictographs commemorating the Kingdom's 89th anniversary.   Several of the presentations reviewed the founding of the Kingdom and followed its history through to the present day. Other student creations enumerated the Kingdom's future plans for economic and social development as related to the national goals set forth in Vision 2030 and its appendant documents. Activities Coordinator, Ms. Maram Almalki, expressed her satisfaction with the students' efforts and the quality of their work. Date: 9/24/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  On September 15, 2019, Academic Development and Quality Deanship Vice Dean, Dr. Saeed Saad Hadi, was pleased to host NCAAA Consultant, Dr. Loay Abusalah. Dean Abdullah Melhi and the faculty's Vice Dean of Academic Development and Quality, Dr. Abdulrahman Almosa, represented the Faculty of Languages and Translation (FLT) leadership team at the meeting. The purpose was to discuss the FLT's accreditation progress.   Over the summer, the FLT submitted the required Self-Evaluation Scales report. Dr. Abusalah expressed his great satisfaction with the department's work. He related that the next step is to submit the Self-Study Report, which demonstrates and provides the documentary support for each of the conclusions made in accordance with the criteria established under NCAAA standards. Those criteria include:   Mission and goals; Program management and quality assurance; Teaching and learning; Students; Faculty members; Learning resources, facilities, and equipment.   The Self-Study Report is based on a 3 prong general framework. First, specific policies are identified. Next, is a short synopsis explaining the implementation procedures followed in executing those policies. Finally, there is an assessment loop in which there is a thorough and frank review of the aforementioned policies and efforts and a detailed evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of each item.   Dr. Abusalah expressed his confidence that the FLT would successfully complete this next milestone in the accreditation process. "I am very happy with your work. The FLT has demonstrated its capabilities and commitment. The faculty's enthusiasm is apparent in this room. Rest assured, that I wish to see the FLT accredited, and I will do everything necessary to assist the faculty throughout the process," he said.   At the closing of the meeting, Dean Al-Melhi expressed his appreciation to all the participating faculty members. He stressed the importance of obtaining accreditation as quickly as practicable. "I know I can count on all of you to work together and successfully complete the remaining steps. Having the department attain accreditation is one of the department's primary objectives for which I take personal responsibility."   The Faculty of Languages and Translation is dedicated to providing excellence in all aspects of its educational offerings. The FLT, its students, and alumni deserve national recognition for the quality of the program. The department is determined to secure such recognition by way of NCAAA accreditation in the near future. Date: 9/15/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  The Faculty of Languages and Translation takes pleasure in announcing that the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI), UK has named Dr Eyhab Abdulrazak Bader Eddin as a Qualified Member (Translator). ITI, which promotes the highest standards in the profession, is the only UK-based independent professional membership association for practising translators, interpreters and language service providers. It aims to enhance and continually develop the translating and interpreting profession between government, industry and commerce, the media and the general public. Founded in 1986, ITI has grown to 3,000 members and is considered a resource in the industry.   Having satisfied the qualifying requirements prescribed by ITI, Dr Bader Eddin is entitled to use the designatory letters 'MITI'. He may also produce office translations using ITI certification seals, which are recognized by embassies and diplomatic missions across the European Union. There are only 28 holders of the MITI designation across the world who are certified in the English-Arabic language combination, of whom only 6, including him, are in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The attainment of MITI is characterized by a rigorous process in which applicants are required to demonstrate their translation ability by translating a piece of text to a professional standard of accuracy. Dr Bader Eddin's produced translation, which was a 1200-word text, was deemed to be of professional quality and technically correct. Additionally, he is ISO 17100:2015 qualified. ISO 17100:2015 is the internationally recognised standard for translation services and was created to respond to the market need for a universally accepted benchmark. Meeting the ISO 17100:2015 standard sets a certain translator apart from other translators with the recognition that s/he is working to international standards. It is considered evidence that a certain translator is a professional and forward-thinking one. One of the benefits to translation service providers of one translator meeting the ISO 17100:2015 standard is to give confidence that potential translators work to a recognised standard and are committed to maintaining those standards in the industry. This also reduces the need to spend time checking qualifications and continuing professional development records of freelancers to ensure they meet the standard.   Of noteworthy mention, Dr Bader Eddin is also entitled to use the designatory letters 'MCIL' 'CL', which was conferred by the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL). CIOL is the UK-based professional membership body for language practitioners. It aims to enhance the recognition and promote the value of languages and language skills in the public interest. Founded in 1910, CIOL was granted its Royal Charter by HM Queen Elizabeth II on 19 July 2005 and formally began operating as 'The Chartered Institute of Linguists' on 1 September 2005. He holds membership no. 55364, which can be verified through: https://www.ciol.org.uk/member-check/profile/55364/14737.   On this auspicious occasion, we could not let this occasion go by without wishing him continued success. Date: 9/1/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  Seven students from the Faculty of Languages and Translation recently participated in Swansea University's eight-week intensive summer English program in Wales, UK. The lucky participants excelled in a competitive process that included a selection committee and difficult exam.   Swansea University is one of the top universities in the UK, and the winner of the 2019 University of the Year What Uni Student Choice Awards.   This language program was the brainchild of King Khalid University Rector, Prof. Falleh Al-Solamy. His Excellency Rector Al-Solamy is a graduate from Swansea with a Ph.D. in mathematics. He was instrumental in setting up a student exchange cooperation agreement with his alma mater.   Dean, Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi, was pleased to offer this unique opportunity for an immersive language learning program to high performing students. "I am very proud of the young men who served as ambassadors for King Khalid University and the Kingdom at Swansea. I am certain that their hosts in the United Kingdom learned as much from them as our students learned in the program. We hope and expect these students to take a leadership role in their chosen fields."   Vice Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. Yahya Asiri, is credited with making this agreement and summer English program a reality in 2019. He is very pleased that the students had an exceptional learning experience and that all parties benefitted from the cultural exchange of our students visiting their counterparts in the UK.   Dr. Munassir Alhamami was also pleased that the program was so well received and that all efforts were highly successful. "These students deserve the highest praise. I was the on-site supervisor throughout the program. The intensive language program was difficult, and we still expected the participants to represent the Faculty of Languages and Translation and King Khalid University to the best of their ability, which they did. Their performance was exemplary, and we are so proud of each and every one."   The partnership team at Swansea is also quite satisfied with this initial effort. They were very impressed with our students and look forward to more exchanges in the future. The representatives from Swansea were knowledgeable and gracious hosts. King Khalid University hopes to hosts students from Swansea as soon as practicable.   The students who were selected for the language program at Swansea include: Abdullah Al-Shahrani; Abdulaziz Al-Asmari; Abdullah Yahya; Ahmed Asiri; Ali Al-Humhum; Hazaa Al-Zahrani; Nawaf Al-Qahtani.   News of this program was featured in a variety of publications both here and in the UK. Most notably, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).   The Faculty of Languages and Translation remains dedicated to its students, and is committed to building even more successful international programs in the future. Fostering partnerships with other institutions both at home and abroad is part of King Khalid University's strategy for achieving top 200 ranking. Date: 8/25/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  The Deanship of Community Service and Continuing Education has recently collaborated with the Faculty of Languages and Translation to deliver the 2nd annual 4-week intensive English language course designed for Ministry of Education (MOE) teachers.   With this program, FLT and Al Khaleej Training and Education teachers provided English language instruction to nearly 90 public school teachers at the primary, secondary, and high school levels. The purpose of the program was to deliver an English language refresher course to public school teachers. The curriculum was geared to both beginners and those expecting to take the IELTS exam in the near future.   This program was sponsored by the Vice Presidency of Academic Affairs, Faculty of Languages and Translation Dean, Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi, and Dean of Community Service and Continuing Education, Dr. Omar Alwan Aqeel. ELC Director, Fahad Al-Shehri, supervised operations under the tutelage of Vice Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. Yahya Asiri.   After passing an entrance exam, governed by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), nearly 90 students joined one of four different groups reflecting their English language proficiency.   Vice Rector of Academic Development and Quality, Dr. Merzin Al-Shahrani, attended the opening ceremony. He congratulated the participants and thanked the faculty and staff who made the program possible. "I congratulate all of you attending this program. You have wonderful instructors that I am sure you will learn a lot from. This 2nd annual program will be even better than the first, and we hope to expand and improve the effort each succeeding year," he said.   Representing the Faculty of Languages and Translation were Hassan Costello and Dr. Michael Hadzantonis. Representing Al Khaleej Training and Education were Bryan Bell and Rocio Munoz.   The Deanship of Community Service and Continuing Education recognizes the importance of this program and is committed to its continued success. Dean Aqeel explained that education should be a lifelong endeavor, even for teachers.   King Khalid University is proud to partner with the National Center for Educational Professional Development (NCEPD) and other public institutions for the benefit of our citizenry at the local, regional, and national levels. The Faculty of Languages and Translation is pleased to participate in all public service and other outreach efforts. Date: 8/25/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  On May 2, 2019, Quality Consultant at the Deanship of Academic Development and Quality, Dr. Ahmad Farid, led a workshop at the Faculty of Languages and Translation (FLT) on NCAAA accreditation of the English language program. The first step in this process is for the department to complete a comprehensive initial self-evaluation. This analysis evaluates the current performance levels of all essential academic functions in the program. The FLT is pleased to report that the initial self-evaluation is complete.   The comprehensive self-evaluation is a complex and labor-intensive effort. The FLT assembled 11 faculty teams, each of which was assigned to evaluate a mission-critical department function. A total of nearly 30 faculty members from the FLT participated. The process involves analyzing tasks and the associated sub-tasks, then measuring current performance against a variety of quantitative and qualitative standards. The teams were working on a tight schedule for this phase of the accreditation project. Also, the work had to be completed in accordance with a strict set of evaluative parameters. Every team met the challenge head-on, and delivered high-quality work on schedule.   Vice Dean of Academic Development and Quality, Dr. Abdulrahman Almosa, is pleased with the FLT's progress. He stated "Before the NCAAA will begin its own critical analysis of the program, certain requirements must be satisfied. The program under consideration must demonstrate that appropriate quality assurance standards are in place, and that all operations are in accordance with its institutional charter or license. The self-evaluation requires that the department support each conclusion with a coherent statistical analysis based on traceable raw data. This effort required that the teams collect, analyze, and evaluate in a short time frame. Each team had to collate quantitative data from a wide variety of sources, and collect qualitative data from the different stakeholders, including students, faculty, and members of the community." Dr. Almosa then commended the accreditation teams for their hard work and exemplary results.   Program Coordinator at the Faculty of Languages and Translation, Dr. Fadi Al-Khasawneh, expanded upon Vice Dean Almosa's introductory remarks. "The accreditation process begins with a rigorous self-evaluation of the program. The NCAAA will not start its independent review until it is satisfied that we have completed a fair, balanced, and objective internal evaluation of our program," he said. This requires that the department conduct a detailed performance analysis of operations in 11 separate areas. Dr. Al-Khasawneh also noted that each internal evaluation is subject to independent review by a duly authorized NCAAA review panel.   The accreditation process entails for additional major steps to be completed in due course: Acceptance of the application by the NCAAA, and scheduling of dates for review; Completion of a Self-Study Report for Programs (SSRP) using the criteria and processes specified by the NCAAA. This normally takes between 9-12 months. NCAAA will provide ongoing advice during this period to ensure full compliance with all requirements; Independent evaluation by the NCAAA or it delegates, including a site visit by a review panel; Decision on accreditation by the NCAAA after consideration of external review panel recommendations.   This first phase of accreditation was not easy. The teams had to complete a large amount of work in a short amount of time. Moreover, the period of performance of this phase overlapped with the end of the school year. The FLT would like to recognize the respective team leaders and members for their hard work on the project as follows:   Standard 1: Mission, Goals & Objectives Team Leader: Hassan Costello Team Members:  Saqub Aftab + Dr. Charles Forman + Dr. Michael Hadzantonis + Dr. Justin Sfariac   Standard 2: Program Administration Team Leader: Mahmudul Haque Team Member: Mohammad Adil Siddique   Standard 3: Management of Program Quality Assurance Team Leader: Abdullah Al-Rezgi Team Member: Javed Ahmad   Standard 4: Learning & Teaching Team Leader: Dr. Fadi Al-Khasawneh Team Members: Dr. Karem Abdullateef + Dr. Eyhab Abdulrazak Bader Eddin + Dr. Adel Bahameed   Standard 5: Student Administration and Support Services Team Leader: Dr. Dawood Mahdi Team Member: Dr. Omer Sultan   Standard 6: Learning Resources Team Leader: Mohsin Khan Team Member: Dr. Sayed Mohammed Bilal Kadiri   Standard 7: Facilities and Equipment Team Leader: Dr. Ahl Allah Saddiqi Team Member: Mohammed Fouad   Standard 8: Financial Planning and Management Team: Academic Development & Quality Unit   Standard 9: Faculty and Staff Employment Processes Team Leader: Abdul Rauf Khan Team Member: Fazle Malik   Standard 10: Research Team Leader: Dr. Hasan Jaashan Team Members: Dr. Abdelhamid Bessaid + Dr. Sayed Rashid + Dr. Yahya Zeghoudi   Standard 11: Institutional Relationships With the Community Team Leader: Dr. Abdul Wahed Al-Zumor Team Members: Dr. Nisar Koka + Dr. Mohammed Osman   The Faculty of Languages and Translation is dedicated to providing excellence in all aspects of its educational offerings. The FLT, its students, and alumni deserve national recognition for the quality of the program. The department is determined to secure such recognition by way of NCAAA accreditation in the near future. Date: 5/20/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  On March 23, 2019, the 5th Annual Forum titled Modern Strategies in Teaching English was held at the Saudi German Hospital. The event was organized by Al Khaleej Training and Education and the Faculty of Languages and Translation. The primary aim of the forum was to share ideas about the modern concepts of English language teaching. The event was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Mowafiq Al-Momani. The program consisted of two sessions and six presentations.   Michael Rattan gave a presentation titled 'How to Learn?' and Jordan Rimpela spoke on the subject of 'The Benefits of Teaching ELLs Affixes, Roots and Their Meanings'. Three other presentations were delivered by Bryan Bell, Mohammad Adil and Christopher Harris who talked respectively about 'The Psychology of Classroom Dynamics', 'Successful Classroom Management in EFL Teaching', and 'Living and Working in Saudi Arabia'.   A medical (PYP) student named Ahmed Abdullah Alamoud also shared his interesting English learning experience and emphasized its importance in real life.   The event ended with a certificate award ceremony that honored the presenters. This ceremony was graced with the presence of Dr. Musa Al-Ahmari, English Language Center Director. The forum undoubtedly was a great success. Date: 3-26-2019 Source: Mohammad Adil Siddique Multimedia Source: Mohammad Taisir Albukaai

  The Faculty of Languages and Translation hosted training sessions to prepare our teachers to use the new textbooks effectively. On January 13th and 14th the Unlock series publisher, Cambridge University Press, conducted intensive training sessions for both male and female instructors at different locations. Dean of Faculty of Languages & Translation, Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi, presided over and coordinated the whole program. ESL author & educator Peter Lucantoni commenced the workshop with his lively presentation. Mr. Lucantoni explained how the authors of this series reached out to teachers and learners to make sure they truly understood what they needed from a course. He reiterated that the Unlock series would motivate learners with engaging materials and visually stunning graphics in inspirational storytelling which would eventually develop their critical thinking skills in addition to language learning. Of note, Discovery Education videos are incorporated into the learning content, which is considered to be a brand new approach that equips learners with the skills and language needed for academic success.   King Khalid University Rector, Prof. Falleh R. M. Al-Solamy, Vice Rector of Academic Affairs, Saad Muhammad Du'ajim, and Vice Rector of Academic Development and Quality, Dr. Merzin Al-Shahrani, presided over the training sessions on day 2. After a brief closing ceremony, His Excellency Rector Al-Solamy wished all of the students and faculty great success with the new textbook series and course enhancement initiative. Dean Al-Melhi thanked the representatives of Cambridge University Press for their efforts and His Excellency Rector Al-Solamy and Vice Rector Du'ajim for their continued support and encouragement. 'The adoption of these new textbooks and the associated teaching techniques represent a momentous achievement for the English Language Center. We hope that it will unlock the potential of our students', said Dean Al-Melhi. He further noted that this textbook initiative was a long and difficult process. 'This project would not have come to fruition but for the dedication and persistence of my team's tireless work, and executive leadership support and encouragement of the initiative', he said.   The English Language Center at the Faculty of Languages & Translation has adopted and launched a set of new textbooks for numerous courses. These new materials are tailored to language learning for students enrolled in ENG 011, 012 and 019 English skills courses. This is an exciting development for the ELC as these new textbooks utilize cutting-edge language learning methods developed over many years. The textbooks are part of the 'Unlock' series by Cambridge University Press.   The Unlock series of books provides instruction on five essential academic language skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking and grammar). The textbooks employ a comprehensive approach to language learning in which students study all five subjects contemporaneously. This provides a near immersive exposure to the language that is of great help in achieving fluency. Moreover, the Unlock series also utilizes a 'scaffold' approach in which the materials help students progress up through a hierarchy of learning in accord with Bloom's Taxonomy. Unlock provides learners with the tools for developing the analytical and critical thinking skills necessary for mastering languages. The textbooks also stress the development of skills that will enable the students to speak and write proficiently at each level of language learning.   Unlock texts employ many different types of learning methods. The materials include many videos. These are helpful for both auditory and visual exposure to language usage. Unlock also prescribes a wide variety of both individual and group exercises designed to enhance language development. Moreover, Unlock is an effective tool for motivating students to learn. Most ordinary textbooks are dry and boring. The Unlock series focuses on study material that is engaging and sparks students' inherent curiosity. For example, the texts use interesting stories about real people and places in its lessons. Unlock is, in short, a critical component of an improved teaching strategy which will be of great benefit to our students. Adopting these new textbooks is one element of the university's goals of continuous improvement in all aspects of education.   The entire university offers its gratitude to Cambridge University Press. Textbooks are inherently expensive, especially those texts including state of the art educational materials and techniques. The university and Cambridge University Press worked very hard to provide these new textbooks at an affordable price. Ultimately, the parties found a way to sell these books to our students for 80 SR each. This is the lowest price for this series anywhere in the world. The university is so pleased to provide our students with optimal educational tools at a modest cost.   The Faculty of Languages and Translation is committed to providing the best possible language education to our students. The textbook initiative represents yet another success on the endless path of continuous improvement that helps make King Khalid University a world-class educational institution. Date: 1/16/2019 Source: Md. Jahangir Alam Multimedia Source: Sayed Mohammed Abdul Karim

As part of the international cooperation initiative at King Khalid University, His Excellency King Khalid University Rector, Pro. Falleh R.M. Al-Solamy, was pleased to welcome a delegation from Swansea University in the United Kingdom. Swansea University is a world recognized top-400 educational institution and is Welsh in origin. In fact, in Wales, the university is also known as 'Prifysgol Abertawe' in the Welsh language.   Dr. Parfitt is the Head of the English Language Training Services. She, along with her entourage, visited the Faculty of Languages and Translation. Dean Abdullah Al-Melhi, Vice Dean Yahya Asiri, Chairman Munassir Alhamami, and ELC Director Musa Al-Ahmari led them on a tour of the labs, the LEP, the IELTS Center, and other related facilities.   In addition to touring the facilities, there was a roundtable discussion on international cooperation led by Dean Al-Melhi. 'We welcome our honored guests to Abha. Cooperation among universities from around the world is a worthy objective. We all have much to learn and to teach one another. In the spirit of international cooperation, we are most pleased to collaborate with Dr. Parfitt and Swansea University. We are most grateful to His Excellency Rector Al-Solamy for organizing and supporting this worthwhile endeavor. It is worth noting that other representatives from Swansea visited and toured other colleges within the university. These efforts are of mutual benefit to everyone at both universities', said Dean Al-Melhi.   Dr. Parfitt said 'We are privileged to be welcomed to King Khalid University. We plan to establish a mutually beneficial and on-going educational cooperation initiative with the Faculty of Languages and Translation. We hope to implement such useful projects like internship programs, faculty and student exchanges, and joint degree programs. Everyone we met at King Khalid University and in Abha were most gracious and inviting. We look forward to a long and productive relationship with King Khalid University'.   The Faculty of Languages and Translation is committed to developing our university, students, and faculty through international cooperation and bilateral agreements with top universities throughout the world.   If you are a representative of a foreign educational institution, organization, or enterprise and interested in establishing a memorandum of cooperation, please send an email to amalmelhi@kku.edu.sa. Date: 12/15/2018 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation