Chapter Twelve: General Provisions
Chapter Twelve of the higher education regulations encompasses various general provisions that are essential for the administration and governance of graduate studies within universities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This chapter, comprising Articles 55 to 64, addresses special circumstances such as posthumous degree awarding, administrative procedures for degree conferral, alternative degree options for students who do not complete their intended programs, exceptions for health-related programs, and guidelines for the implementation and interpretation of the regulations.
Article 55 stipulates that if a student passes away before being able to defend their thesis, the university may award the degree posthumously. This action is to be carried out in accordance with regulations approved by the University Council, based on a proposal from the Standing Committee. This provision honors the student's academic efforts and provides recognition of their work up to the point of their untimely passing.
Article 56 assigns the responsibility to the Authorized Vice-President to submit recommendations for awarding academic degrees to the University Council for final decision. This ensures that there is a formal and hierarchical process for degree conferral, maintaining academic integrity and adherence to institutional protocols.
Article 57 allows the University Council, upon recommendations from the Department and College Councils and with the support of the Authorized Vice-President, to grant alternative degrees to students who have completed portions of higher-level programs but are not qualified to obtain the intended degree. Specifically:
- A higher diploma may be awarded to a student who has passed a number of master's program courses without qualifying for a master's degree.
- A master's degree may be awarded to a student who has passed a number of doctoral program courses without qualifying for a doctoral degree.
These provisions are to be implemented without prejudice to what is stated in the national Classification and Framework and must adhere to regulations approved by the University Council based on the Standing Committee's proposal. This allows students to receive academic recognition for their completed coursework, even if they cannot fulfill all requirements of the original program.
Article 58 addresses the issuance of graduation certificates in joint programs where a student obtains the same academic degree from two educational institutions. In such cases, a joint graduation certificate may be issued by both institutions, or independent certificates may be issued by one or both institutions. The University Council is tasked with issuing guidelines and procedures regulating this process, based on a proposal from the Standing Committee. This provision facilitates collaboration between institutions and ensures that students receive appropriate recognition for their achievements in joint programs.
Article 59 specifies that health diplomas and health fellowships are excluded from the provisions of this Regulation. Instead, these programs are governed by separate regulations and rules issued by the University Council. This acknowledges the unique nature of health-related graduate programs, which may require different standards and procedures due to their specialized content and professional requirements.
Article 60 mandates that the council of each university is responsible for approving the executive rules for this Regulation. This empowers universities to develop detailed procedures tailored to their specific contexts while remaining within the overarching framework of the national regulations.
Article 61 clarifies that in situations where this Regulation does not provide a specific provision, other relevant laws and regulations shall apply. For universities subject to the Law of the Council of Higher Education and Universities issued by Royal Decree No. (M/8) dated 4/6/1414 H, that law is applicable. For universities under the Law of Universities issued by Royal Decree No. (M/27) dated 2/3/1441 H, that law and its regulations are applicable. Additionally, all effective laws, regulations, and decisions in the Kingdom are to be observed. This ensures a comprehensive legal framework governing all aspects of university operations and graduate studies.
Article 62 states that this Regulation nullifies the Unified Statute for Graduate Studies in Universities issued by the Higher Education Council Resolution No. (3/6/1417) dated 26/8/1417 H, along with any provisions that are inconsistent with the new Regulation. This establishes the current Regulation as the authoritative guideline for graduate studies, eliminating any confusion arising from conflicting or outdated policies.
Article 63 grants the Council of Universities’ Affairs the authority to interpret this Regulation. This centralization of interpretative power ensures consistent application and understanding of the Regulation across all universities, promoting uniformity in the governance of graduate studies.
Article 64 declares that this Regulation shall enter into force at the beginning of the academic year 1444 H. This provides universities with a clear timeline for implementing the new policies and adjusting their internal regulations accordingly.
In summary, Chapter Twelve consolidates the general provisions that ensure the effective administration of graduate studies within the Kingdom's universities. By addressing special circumstances, outlining the authority and processes for degree conferral, and specifying the applicability of other laws, this chapter provides a comprehensive framework that supports the integrity and quality of graduate education. The provisions facilitate academic recognition for students under various situations, promote institutional collaboration, and ensure that universities operate within a cohesive legal structure. The chapter's guidelines contribute to the advancement of higher education and align with national objectives for educational excellence in Saudi Arabia.
Article 55
If a student passes away before being able to defend their thesis, the degree may be awarded posthumously in accordance with regulations approved by the University Council based on the proposal of the Standing Committee.
Article 56
The Authorized Vice-President shall submit the recommendation to award the academic degree to the University Council for a decision.
Article 57
- Without prejudice to what is stated in the Classification and Framework, and in accordance with regulations approved by the University Council based on the proposal of the Standing Committee, the University Council may, based on the recommendation of the Department and College Councils and the support of the Authorized Vice-President, grant the student:
- A higher diploma when they have passed a number of master's program courses without being qualified to obtain a master's degree.
- A master's degree when they have passed a number of doctoral program courses without being qualified to obtain a doctoral degree.
Article 58
In the event that a student obtains the same academic degree from two educational institutions within the framework of a joint program, a joint graduation certificate may be issued by the two institutions or an independent graduation certificate from one or both institutions. The University Council shall issue the guidelines and procedures regulating this based on a proposal from the Standing Committee.
Article 59
Health diplomas and health fellowships are excluded from the provisions of this Regulation; the regulations and rules issued by the University Council shall apply to them.
Article 60
The council of each university shall approve the executive rules for this Regulation.
Article 61
Whenever there is no special provision in this Regulation, the Law of the Council of Higher Education and Universities issued by Royal Decree No. (M/8) dated 4/6/1414 H shall be applied to the universities that are subject to this Law, and the Law of Universities issued by Royal Decree No. (M/27) dated 2/3/1441 H shall be applied to the universities subject to that Law and its Regulations, in addition to the effective laws, regulations, and decisions in the Kingdom.
Article 62
This Regulation shall nullify the Unified Statute for Graduate Studies in Universities issued by the Higher Education Council Resolution No. (3/6/1417) dated 26/8/1417 H, and all provisions inconsistent therewith.
Article 63
The Council of Universities’ Affairs has the right to interpret this Regulation.
Article 64
This Regulation shall enter into force at the beginning of the academic year 1444 H.