Governance and Hierarchical Structure of the Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (MATEFL) Program

The Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Foreign Language program (MATEFL) at King Khalid University is governed by a multi-layered organizational structure that starts at the college level and extends to the department and program levels. This structure is designed to ensure academic rigor, quality assurance, and alignment with NCAAA standards. Below is a detailed description of the hierarchical governance structure, starting with the broader college framework and then moving into the specific structure of the MATEFL program.

1. Broader College Governance Structure

The MATEFL program is housed within the College of Languages and Translation at King Khalid University. The college plays a crucial role in the overall governance and administration of the program. The governance structure at the college level provides oversight and resources for all departments, including the English Department, which directly manages the MATEFL program.

1.1 College Council

The College Council is the top decision-making body within the College of Languages and Translation. It is responsible for setting strategic goals and ensuring that all departments, including the English Department, align with the broader objectives of the university and the Ministry of Education.

1.2 Dean of the College

The Dean of the College oversees the daily operations of the college, providing leadership and managing the resources allocated to each department. The Dean works closely with the department chairs, quality unit, and department quality committees, including those managing the MATEFL program, to ensure the smooth functioning of all academic activities. The Dean plays a vital role in supporting program growth and development by overseeing budgets, faculty recruitment, and quality assurance.

1.2.1 College Governance and Organizational Structure

1.3 Department Council

The Department Council is the governing body at the department level, supporting the Department Chair of the English Department in decision-making related to academic policies, faculty matters, and curriculum development. For the MATEFL program, this council plays a critical role in shaping the educational outcomes and ensuring that the program meets the needs of both students and faculty.

1.4 Vice Dean for Research & Higher Studies

This role is integral to fostering research initiatives and postgraduate education within the college. The Vice Dean for Research & Higher Studies oversees the research activities and postgraduate programs, including the MATEFL program. This office ensures that research conducted within the MATEFL program aligns with the strategic vision of the university and supports innovation.

1.5 Vice Dean for Academic Affairs & Quality

The Vice Dean for Academic Affairs & Quality is responsible for maintaining academic standards and ensuring quality assurance across all programs in the college. The Vice Dean monitors the effectiveness of teaching, curriculum delivery, and assessment in the MATEFL program, ensuring it meets both national and international academic standards.

1.6 Vice Dean for Female Campus

This office ensures that all academic programs, including the MATEFL program, are accessible and supportive of female students. The Vice Dean for Female Campus manages the facilities and resources available to female students and ensures their academic and extracurricular needs are met.

1.7 Students Advisory Council

The Students Advisory Council provides a platform for students to give feedback and voice concerns regarding the MATEFL program. This feedback is crucial for the continuous improvement of the program and allows students to play an active role in shaping their academic experience.

1.8 Internal Audit Committee

The Internal Audit Committee is responsible for evaluating the academic and administrative processes within the college. This includes auditing the effectiveness and compliance of programs like the MATEFL with internal and external standards.

2. Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Foreign Language Program Structure

At the program level, the MATEFL is housed within the English Department of the College of Languages and Translation. It operates under a dedicated hierarchical structure that ensures effective administration, robust academic oversight, and stringent quality assurance tailored to the field. Directly reporting to the English Department is the Quality Unit, which oversees the Department of English Quality Committee. Additionally, the Program Advisory Committee, Academic Advisors, and Faculty Members also report to the English Department, fostering cohesive governance and maintaining high standards for the MATEFL program.

2.1 English Department

The English Department is the home of the MATEFL program and provides direct academic and administrative oversight. The department ensures that the MATEFL program adheres to both university guidelines and national education policies set by the Ministry of Education.

2.2 Department Chair

The Department Chair is responsible for the overall management of the MATEFL program. The chair oversees the faculty, manages the curriculum, and ensures that the program meets the educational goals and objectives of the university. The chair also works closely with the Dean of the College to ensure that the program has the resources needed for success.

2.3 Quality Unit

The Quality Unit within the English Department is tasked with maintaining and improving the quality of the MATEFL program. This unit monitors teaching practices, curriculum relevance, and overall program outcomes. It works in tandem with the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs & Quality at the college level to ensure continuous quality improvement.

2.4 Program Coordinator

The Program Coordinator manages the day-to-day operations of the MATEFL program. This includes handling student admissions, overseeing curriculum development, and managing relationships with faculty members. The coordinator ensures that the program runs smoothly and efficiently while adhering to academic standards.

2.5 Program Advisory Committee

The Program Advisory Committee provides strategic direction and advice on the development of the MATEFL program. This committee includes experts who offer recommendations on curriculum updates, program expansion, and alignment with current trends in the field.

2.6 Academic Advisors and Faculty Members

The Academic Advisors and Faculty Members of the MATEFL program are responsible for teaching, advising students, and contributing to research. Faculty members ensure that the curriculum is delivered effectively, and academic advisors support students in their academic journey, helping them with course selections, thesis work, and career planning.

3. Collaborative Oversight and Quality Assurance

The governance of the MATEFL program is characterized by collaboration between the College of Languages and Translation and the English Department. At the college level, broad policies, resources, and quality assurance frameworks are established, while the department level focuses on the specific academic needs of the MATEFL program.

• The Quality Unit within the English Department works in close collaboration with the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs & Quality at the college level to ensure the program meets academic and quality benchmarks.

• The Program Coordinator and the Program Advisory Committee ensure that the program remains relevant and continues to evolve with advancements in the field.

This integrated governance structure allows for both top-down oversight and program-specific management, ensuring that the MATEFL program remains robust, high-quality, and aligned with the strategic goals of King Khalid University.