The Formation of Administrative and Advisory Councils at the College of Pharmacy: A Pillar for Excellence and Innovation
The formation of administrative and advisory councils within the College of Pharmacy represents a fundamental pillar for achieving excellence and innovation in both educational and research processes. It is also a strategic step that ensures integration among all scientific and administrative departments of the college while enhancing its ability to address future challenges within an ever-evolving educational environment.
The College is distinguished by having multiple councils that work collaboratively to achieve the objectives of both the College and the University, in alignment with strategic plans and regulatory frameworks that govern their operations. These councils play a critical role in enabling the College to make well-informed decisions, drawing on the insights of experts and specialists from various sectors, thereby enhancing the credibility and effectiveness of adopted policies. Moreover, they serve as a bridge between the College and the industrial and professional sectors, opening up broad avenues for practical training and applied scientific research.
Among these councils are the following:
1. College Council
The College Council serves as the primary platform for shaping the policies and strategic plans that define the future direction of the College. Chaired by the Dean, this council includes vice deans representing both male and female student divisions, heads of academic departments, and selected employers and alumni, ensuring a diversity of perspectives and expertise. Through this council, ideas and proposals are exchanged to develop academic programs in alignment with labor market needs and contemporary challenges in the field of pharmacy. Additionally, the Council formulates strategies aimed at improving the quality of education and fostering a stimulating learning environment for both students and faculty members.
2. Departmental Councils
The Departmental Councils form the cornerstone of the College’s academic and research responsibilities. The College comprises five main departments: Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics, Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmacognosy, and Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
Each council is composed of the department head and all faculty members, collectively contributing to decision-making processes, thereby providing an ideal setting for discussing academic challenges and planning for the future. Each department is committed to developing its curricula to keep pace with global advancements in pharmacy. These councils also focus on scientific research and innovation within their respective specialties, contributing to enhancing the College’s reputation on both regional and international levels.
3. Advisory Council
The Advisory Council is chaired by the Dean of the College and includes one of the Vice Deans, employers, and some of faculty members from Colleges of Pharmacy at other universities.
The council aims to offer insights and recommendations for developing curricula and programs in alignment with labor market demands and scientific advancements. It also serves as a channel of communication between local and international expertise, allowing the College to benefit from successful experiences in prestigious educational institutions. The Advisory Council plays a vital role in providing strategic perspectives that contribute to improving educational quality and developing curricula in accordance with global standards.
4. Student Advisory Council
The Student Advisory Council is an important platform for communication between students and the College administration. It comprises distinguished students who are actively involved in university activities.
This council conveys students' opinions and needs, ensuring they are addressed while encouraging active student engagement in the decision-making process. It fosters a sense of belonging and responsibility, contributing to a motivating and innovative educational environment. Furthermore, the Student Advisory Council works on enhancing communication channels and offering new ideas that improve the quality of academic services and extracurricular activities.