Spring 2020

Exploring the Role of Scientific Research in Program Accreditation

The Women's Scientific Research Committee hosted an informative seminar on March 2, 2020, focusing on the critical role of scientific research in program accreditation. The seminar was facilitated by Dr. Eman Alzaanin, Supervisor of the Academic Development and Quality Unit, who delved into the importance of research in maintaining the rigorous standards expected in higher education. Dr. Alzaanin commenced the session by defining program accreditation as an evaluation process in which a program of study presents its activities and achievements to an external body. In the context of Saudi Arabia, this body is the National Commission for Academic Accreditation & Assessment (NCAAA). This external body then independently evaluates the program, issuing a public judgment based on established standards of value and quality. Dr. Alzaanin proceeded to outline the NCAAA standards for program accreditation and the underlying mission and objectives that should guide all operational aspects of a program. Emphasizing the significance of research capabilities, Dr. Alzaanin noted that it is vital to nurture the research competencies of both faculty members and students. She further pointed out that the program administration should shoulder the responsibility for drafting and monitoring the scientific research plan. This includes ensuring adherence to the research plan of the institution through specific performance indicators and fostering values of scientific integrity, intellectual property rights, ethical practices, and proper conduct across all academic, research, administrative, and service domains. She concluded the seminar by underlining the expectation that teaching staff should regularly participate in academic activities such as conferences, group discussions, research projects, and thesis arbitration. Effective participation in research activities and scientific production is seen as a criterion for staff evaluation and promotion.The seminar, attended by staff members from the Bachelor of Arts in English program, along with the Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics and Master of Arts in Translation programs, was enriched by a lively discussion driven by valuable contributions from the attendees. Date: 3/7/2020 Source: Dr. Amal Metwally – Women's Scientific Research Committee Coordinator

Exploring the Role of Scientific Research in Program Accreditation

The Women's Scientific Research Committee hosted an informative seminar on March 2, 2020, focusing on the critical role of scientific research in program accreditation. The seminar was facilitated by Dr. Eman Alzaanin, Supervisor of the Academic Development and Quality Unit, who delved into the importance of research in maintaining the rigorous standards expected in higher education. Dr. Alzaanin commenced the session by defining program accreditation as an evaluation process in which a program of study presents its activities and achievements to an external body. In the context of Saudi Arabia, this body is the National Commission for Academic Accreditation & Assessment (NCAAA). This external body then independently evaluates the program, issuing a public judgment based on established standards of value and quality. Dr. Alzaanin proceeded to outline the NCAAA standards for program accreditation and the underlying mission and objectives that should guide all operational aspects of a program. Emphasizing the significance of research capabilities, Dr. Alzaanin noted that it is vital to nurture the research competencies of both faculty members and students. She further pointed out that the program administration should shoulder the responsibility for drafting and monitoring the scientific research plan. This includes ensuring adherence to the research plan of the institution through specific performance indicators and fostering values of scientific integrity, intellectual property rights, ethical practices, and proper conduct across all academic, research, administrative, and service domains. She concluded the seminar by underlining the expectation that teaching staff should regularly participate in academic activities such as conferences, group discussions, research projects, and thesis arbitration. Effective participation in research activities and scientific production is seen as a criterion for staff evaluation and promotion.The seminar, attended by staff members from the Bachelor of Arts in English program, along with the Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics and Master of Arts in Translation programs, was enriched by a lively discussion driven by valuable contributions from the attendees. Date: 3/7/2020 Source: Dr. Amal Metwally – Women's Scientific Research Committee Coordinator

Academic Writing Workshop: Methodology

  On March 2, 2020, the Women's Scientific Research Committee of the Bachelor of Arts in English program organized the third session of the Academic Writing series of Workshops by Dr. Nada Alqarni, supervisor of the Department of English language.   This workshop was devoted to exploring how researchers should write the methodology section in their research papers. The purpose of the methods section, said Dr. Alqarni, is to accurately and clearly describe the research design and the procedures undertaken to collect and analyze data, and to present the rationale for choosing each for the study. In addition, the methods section should explain in detail how a study was conducted so other researchers may be able to assess the merit of the research and even replicate the study themselves. This section should also highlight the unique features of a given study and show the reader that the research has been carried out appropriately and, therefore, the results can be believed.   Dr. Alqarni indicated that the methodology section has certain features. It explicitly describes the exact procedures and rationale, when developing data-set, results, and conclusions in an empirical research study. It does not include much background knowledge; however, it should contain justifications, explanations, and examples.   "There are four key elements included in the methodology," said Dr. Alqarni. These are: research design, population sample and selection of participants, data collection procedures, and statistical treatment/planned data analysis or analytic procedures. She also referred to the basic methodological concepts, namely; the variables, reliability, validity, and bias and error. She also reviewed the study design, including a description of the study setting and population of interest, as well as a description of the study’s sample or units of evaluation.   Dr. Alqarni explained the data collection methods, including qualitative research, interviews, and observational studies. She then reviewed some examples clarifying the methods of data collection and the language tense and grammatical structures commonly used.   The workshop was attended by students and teaching staff. The workshop ended with questions raised by the participants, which fostered a lively discussion on the topic. Date: 3/6/2020 Source: Dr. Amal Metwally – Women's Scientific Research Committee Coordinator

Academic Writing Workshop: Methodology

  On March 2, 2020, the Women's Scientific Research Committee of the Bachelor of Arts in English program organized the third session of the Academic Writing series of Workshops by Dr. Nada Alqarni, supervisor of the Department of English language.   This workshop was devoted to exploring how researchers should write the methodology section in their research papers. The purpose of the methods section, said Dr. Alqarni, is to accurately and clearly describe the research design and the procedures undertaken to collect and analyze data, and to present the rationale for choosing each for the study. In addition, the methods section should explain in detail how a study was conducted so other researchers may be able to assess the merit of the research and even replicate the study themselves. This section should also highlight the unique features of a given study and show the reader that the research has been carried out appropriately and, therefore, the results can be believed.   Dr. Alqarni indicated that the methodology section has certain features. It explicitly describes the exact procedures and rationale, when developing data-set, results, and conclusions in an empirical research study. It does not include much background knowledge; however, it should contain justifications, explanations, and examples.   "There are four key elements included in the methodology," said Dr. Alqarni. These are: research design, population sample and selection of participants, data collection procedures, and statistical treatment/planned data analysis or analytic procedures. She also referred to the basic methodological concepts, namely; the variables, reliability, validity, and bias and error. She also reviewed the study design, including a description of the study setting and population of interest, as well as a description of the study’s sample or units of evaluation.   Dr. Alqarni explained the data collection methods, including qualitative research, interviews, and observational studies. She then reviewed some examples clarifying the methods of data collection and the language tense and grammatical structures commonly used.   The workshop was attended by students and teaching staff. The workshop ended with questions raised by the participants, which fostered a lively discussion on the topic. Date: 3/6/2020 Source: Dr. Amal Metwally – Women's Scientific Research Committee Coordinator

Alumni Unit Helps Guide Students' Futures

  On March 3, 2020, Hassan Costello delivered a workshop titled 'Résumé and Cover Letter Basics'. The workshop, under the supervision of Vice Dean for Academic Development & Quality, Dr. Abdulrahman Almosa, was developed to help Bachelor of Arts in English program upperclassmen and alumni effectively communicate their qualifications to prospective employers. Many of our upperclassmen or alumni often say that building a résumé or cover letter mystifies them. To address this, Mr. Costello explained that the first step is not to treat the résumé or cover letter as a formality. Rather, he related, job seekers should understand how an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) tailored résumé and cover letter can help them land their first interview. Guidance and Counselling Unit Supervisor, Dr. Dawood Mahdi, Alumni Unit Coordinator, Mohsin Khan, and 25 students attended the workshop.   As ATS software is the standard recruitment tool for HR departments, Mr. Costello framed the workshop on how students can build their 'no experience' résumé or cover letter to get past the wall of bots and onto the desk of a recruiter.   In his presentation, Mr. Costello introduced participants to their challenge as an English major – transferable skills. "Think about how what you've learned as an English major is transferable to work situations. All companies need employees with skills in writing, editing, critical analysis, and managing information," he said. He then explained how literature, and specifically our ENG 431 Novel Course, offer stimulating examples of complex material that will develop critical thinking skills of evaluation, description, and comparison.   Mr. Costello then distributed curated handouts that provided an introduction to and the best practices of the following:   Conveying skills and abilities to a potential employer with no professional experience; Writing a functional format ATS-friendly resume; Writing an ATS-friendly cover letter; Using targeted keywords.   While acknowledging that writing an ATS-friendly resume and cover letter with little to no experience is a challenge, participants were encouraged that the skills most employers report they are after can be obtained from the Bachelor of Arts in English Program at the Faculty of Languages and Translation. "Using targeted keywords matching the job description will get you to an interview. In the interview, show that you have the ability to see things through other contexts. Show them that you are flexible and adaptable, "Mr. Costello said.   At the end of the workshop, Mr. Khan announced, along with Dr. Mahdi, that eligible students will be able to put themselves up for nomination to the new LinkedIn Learning program. They both explained that 50 Students will be selected, noting that enrollment is on a first-come, first-serve basis. With over 13,000 courses to enroll in, LinkedIn Learning represents an exciting new development to hone the top three 'soft skills' wanted by employers: creativity, persuasion, and collaboration. Date: 3/6/2020 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

Alumni Unit Helps Guide Students' Futures

  On March 3, 2020, Hassan Costello delivered a workshop titled 'Résumé and Cover Letter Basics'. The workshop, under the supervision of Vice Dean for Academic Development & Quality, Dr. Abdulrahman Almosa, was developed to help Bachelor of Arts in English program upperclassmen and alumni effectively communicate their qualifications to prospective employers. Many of our upperclassmen or alumni often say that building a résumé or cover letter mystifies them. To address this, Mr. Costello explained that the first step is not to treat the résumé or cover letter as a formality. Rather, he related, job seekers should understand how an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) tailored résumé and cover letter can help them land their first interview. Guidance and Counselling Unit Supervisor, Dr. Dawood Mahdi, Alumni Unit Coordinator, Mohsin Khan, and 25 students attended the workshop.   As ATS software is the standard recruitment tool for HR departments, Mr. Costello framed the workshop on how students can build their 'no experience' résumé or cover letter to get past the wall of bots and onto the desk of a recruiter.   In his presentation, Mr. Costello introduced participants to their challenge as an English major – transferable skills. "Think about how what you've learned as an English major is transferable to work situations. All companies need employees with skills in writing, editing, critical analysis, and managing information," he said. He then explained how literature, and specifically our ENG 431 Novel Course, offer stimulating examples of complex material that will develop critical thinking skills of evaluation, description, and comparison.   Mr. Costello then distributed curated handouts that provided an introduction to and the best practices of the following:   Conveying skills and abilities to a potential employer with no professional experience; Writing a functional format ATS-friendly resume; Writing an ATS-friendly cover letter; Using targeted keywords.   While acknowledging that writing an ATS-friendly resume and cover letter with little to no experience is a challenge, participants were encouraged that the skills most employers report they are after can be obtained from the Bachelor of Arts in English Program at the Faculty of Languages and Translation. "Using targeted keywords matching the job description will get you to an interview. In the interview, show that you have the ability to see things through other contexts. Show them that you are flexible and adaptable, "Mr. Costello said.   At the end of the workshop, Mr. Khan announced, along with Dr. Mahdi, that eligible students will be able to put themselves up for nomination to the new LinkedIn Learning program. They both explained that 50 Students will be selected, noting that enrollment is on a first-come, first-serve basis. With over 13,000 courses to enroll in, LinkedIn Learning represents an exciting new development to hone the top three 'soft skills' wanted by employers: creativity, persuasion, and collaboration. Date: 3/6/2020 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

Anti-Smoking Campaign

  The Women's Advising and Counseling Unit of the Bachelor of Arts in English program conducted a smoking and drug awareness campaign that lasted for three days(6-8/7/1441). The campaign included lectures and workshops as well as an exhibition.   The success of the campaign was achieved through cooperation with the associations and hospitals as follows:    The Tobacco Control Program in Asir; The Saudi German Hospital; The Poison Control and Medical Chemistry Center in Asir;  Alkawther Health Association in Asir;  Peace Association for Rescue and Help in Asir;  Cosmoline Clinics in Abha. Date: 3/5/2020 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

Anti-Smoking Campaign

  The Women's Advising and Counseling Unit of the Bachelor of Arts in English program conducted a smoking and drug awareness campaign that lasted for three days(6-8/7/1441). The campaign included lectures and workshops as well as an exhibition.   The success of the campaign was achieved through cooperation with the associations and hospitals as follows:    The Tobacco Control Program in Asir; The Saudi German Hospital; The Poison Control and Medical Chemistry Center in Asir;  Alkawther Health Association in Asir;  Peace Association for Rescue and Help in Asir;  Cosmoline Clinics in Abha. Date: 3/5/2020 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

English Club Picnic

أقام نادي The English Club بكلية اللغات والترجمة وبالتعاون مع عمادة شؤون الطلاب لشؤون الطالبات  فعالية The English Club Picnic (نزهة النادي) وذلك يوم الأربعاء الموافق ١٤٤١/٧/٩ من الساعة ٩-١٢.  تكونت النزهة من عدة جلسات مختلفة ترفيهية وتعليمية ممتعة:  - (جلسة النقاش) والتي تحتوي على بطاقات مواضيع مختلفة وعلى الحضور إختيار موضوع وتبادل الحوار حوله.  - (جلسة التعليم الذاتي للغات) والتي جمعت طالبات تعلمن لغات مختلفة كاليابانية والكورية والصينية والتركية ويشرحن للحضور عن اللغة و طريقة تعلمهن لها.  - (جلسة ألعاب تعليمية للغات) والتي أحتوت على ألعاب تعليمية للغة الإنجليزية كتمثيل وتخمين المفردات، بطاقات الكلمات المتقاطعة، تحدي قول بس لا تقول بالإنجليزية وغيرها..  - (جلسة ملهمون) والتي جمعت بين من ترى بأن لديها حديث أو إنجاز ملهم تود مشاركته مع الآخرين. -(جلسة رسم) وهي مساحة للرسم والتعبير.  حضر الفعالية ١٢٣ طالبة و ٩ من أعضاء هيئة التدريس والموظفات.  رائدة النادي: أ. مرام المالكي  رئيسة النادي: سهام العبدلي Date: 3/5/2020 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

English Club Picnic

أقام نادي The English Club بكلية اللغات والترجمة وبالتعاون مع عمادة شؤون الطلاب لشؤون الطالبات  فعالية The English Club Picnic (نزهة النادي) وذلك يوم الأربعاء الموافق ١٤٤١/٧/٩ من الساعة ٩-١٢.  تكونت النزهة من عدة جلسات مختلفة ترفيهية وتعليمية ممتعة:  - (جلسة النقاش) والتي تحتوي على بطاقات مواضيع مختلفة وعلى الحضور إختيار موضوع وتبادل الحوار حوله.  - (جلسة التعليم الذاتي للغات) والتي جمعت طالبات تعلمن لغات مختلفة كاليابانية والكورية والصينية والتركية ويشرحن للحضور عن اللغة و طريقة تعلمهن لها.  - (جلسة ألعاب تعليمية للغات) والتي أحتوت على ألعاب تعليمية للغة الإنجليزية كتمثيل وتخمين المفردات، بطاقات الكلمات المتقاطعة، تحدي قول بس لا تقول بالإنجليزية وغيرها..  - (جلسة ملهمون) والتي جمعت بين من ترى بأن لديها حديث أو إنجاز ملهم تود مشاركته مع الآخرين. -(جلسة رسم) وهي مساحة للرسم والتعبير.  حضر الفعالية ١٢٣ طالبة و ٩ من أعضاء هيئة التدريس والموظفات.  رائدة النادي: أ. مرام المالكي  رئيسة النادي: سهام العبدلي Date: 3/5/2020 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation