Academic achievement: Accreditation of design and arts programs at Jeddah University
In a move reflecting its institutional excellence and the quality of its educational outcomes, Jeddah University a significant academic milestone by obtaining full programmatic accreditation for two programs in the College of Design and Arts from the Education and Training Evaluation Commission, represented by the National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation. This programmatic accreditation is the first of its kind at the university, encompassing the Bachelor of Fashion Design and the Bachelor of Fine Arts programs, thus enhancing the college's academic standing and supporting its programs' compliance with quality standards in higher education.
Academic Excellence Journey at Jeddah University
Jeddah University was established in 2014, and since its inception, it has been committed to leading the way in providing academic programs that keep pace with global changes and meet the evolving needs of the job market. The College of Design and Arts' attainment of this accreditation comes within the broader historical context of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which places great importance on the culture and arts sectors. The Education and Training Evaluation Commission has established rigorous standards to ensure the quality of higher education, making the achievement of these standards a definitive indicator of the educational system's effectiveness. This accomplishment is a continuation of the university's efforts to develop its educational system and enhance the quality of its academic programs, in pursuit of excellence and innovation, and to prepare qualified national talent in the fields of arts and design.
The strategic impact of accrediting Jeddah University's programs locally and internationally
This accreditation carries significant weight that extends far beyond the university campus, impacting local, regional, and international levels. Locally, this achievement contributes to supplying the Saudi labor market with specialized talent capable of leading the rapidly growing fashion and arts sector, supported by the Ministry of Culture and the Fashion Commission. Regionally and internationally, graduating students according to globally recognized academic standards strengthens the Kingdom's soft power and opens doors for Saudi creatives to compete in international forums and exhibitions, thus contributing to the export of Saudi culture and its integration with global artistic trends.
Developing study plans and updating courses
The Dean of the College of Design and Arts at Jeddah University, Dr. Sarah Al-Zahrani, affirmed that the college's programs receiving full program accreditation is the culmination of continuous and systematic efforts to develop curricula and improve the quality of the educational process, in accordance with the highest national standards. She pointed out that this achievement reflects the college's commitment to adopting best academic practices and enhancing the integration between theoretical and applied aspects, thus contributing to preparing graduates with creative and technical skills capable of competing in the job market. She added that the college has worked during the past period to develop a stimulating learning environment for creativity and innovation by updating curricula, activating partnerships with relevant entities, providing modern facilities and equipment that support the educational process, and attracting distinguished academic talent.
Empowering students and supporting the creative economy
The college also emphasized its commitment to enabling students to participate in local and international exhibitions and competitions, thereby enhancing their professional presence and providing them with valuable practical experience that contributes to honing their skills. Al-Zahrani expressed her gratitude to the university president, Professor Dr. Obaid Al-Mudhaffar, and the university's vice presidents for their ongoing support. She also commended the efforts of her colleagues at the university and the college, affirming that this achievement is the fruit of collective work and institutional integration. Al-Zahrani explained that this accreditation serves as an incentive to continue the path of development and continuous improvement, raising the efficiency of the college's outputs to align with national development goals. She stressed that the next phase will focus on expanding specialized programs and enhancing research and innovation in the fields of design and arts, contributing to supporting the creative economy, showcasing national talents at both the local and international levels, and solidifying the college's position as a leading academic center of expertise in this field.
