King Faisal University (KFU) in Al-Ahsa is currently studying the possibility of admitting female students to specialize in veterinary medicine, the director of the university, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Saati, confirmed. He said the matter has been presented to the university administration as part of expansion and development plans.

The remarks came on the sidelines of the inauguration of the third phase of the 2020 Strategic Plan on Thursday morning.

“The study needs time and different departments need to review the possibility of establishing a specialty for female students in veterinary medicine for some pets, and this needs careful consideration as it must be socially accepted as well,” said Al-Saati. “There must be acceptance by the university and society, and it must be presented to the civil service to find a classification because we do not want to offer a specialty without a classification.”

“Veterinary medicine is still one of the most needed specialties in the Kingdom, especially in light of the rise of MERS and other animal-related diseases, but we still need to change the social perspective and view towards this specialty.”

As for introduction of some bachelor’s programs in community college, he said “we found that the diploma that the college offers is not attractive,” noting that “some colleges can be restructured to find some specialties that are needed by the labor market, and there is a movement to expand media and tourism specialties.”

He said the university has met with MASA University in the US for twinning programs and studies in the applied medical sciences college, as well as partnering with the College of Dentistry at the University of Texas to apply the program at KFU.

Regarding the university’s strategic and development plans, he said 80 percent of projects at the university have been carried out, and other areas are still in progress.

The strategic plan includes seven main elements: Excellence in teaching and learning; carrying out relevant research on community issues; continuous development of human resources; providing a stimulating campus environment in line with technological advances; offering enhanced learning opportunities; achieving effective management; and strengthening community partnerships. He said more than 150,000 students are currently enrolled in the continuing education path, most of whom are state, civilian and military employees.

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