منطقة الجوف-جامعة الجوف

Jouf University President, Prof. Dr. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Shaya’, met with the University’s administrative staff at an open meeting held under the theme “Partners in Development: A Present Voice and a Lasting Impact.”

The meeting combined a presentation on services available to University employees with an open discussion of their workplace experience, ways to improve the work environment, and opportunities to contribute to the University’s progress and the preparation of its upcoming strategic plan.

In his remarks, the President commended the efforts of the University’s employees across its various departments. He noted that their experience and suggestions are valuable to the University, and that institutional performance depends on the integration of employees’ roles and their participation in development. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining communication between University leaders and employees, listening to their views, and providing a supportive environment in which they can perform their duties, develop their skills, and contribute to the University’s goals.

Employees raised questions and suggestions during the meeting. They thanked the President for maintaining direct and effective communication with University staff and leadership, and asked about employee contributions to improving the work environment, aligning training programs with the new strategic plan, introducing flexible biometric attendance, and enabling retired colleagues to continue contributing their experience to the University.

In response, the President directed that flexible biometric attendance be introduced, subject to applicable rules and procedures, beginning next week, following coordination with the relevant departments. He also directed that tuition-free scholarships for postgraduate study be made available to distinguished employees. The President also addressed a question about the potential role of retired employees and the ways their experience could continue to benefit the University.

Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Saad bin Awadh Al-Anzi presented the range of services, benefits, support, and participation opportunities available to employees, totaling 108 offerings. These cover digital and administrative services, healthcare, housing, sports, postgraduate study support, professional development, banking benefits, commercial discounts, and community participation.

The presentation included 40 digital and administrative services, covering transactions and employee services, technical and systems support, consultations, and qualification in quality management systems. The healthcare category comprises 23 services, including 16 specialized medical clinics, as well as care, examinations, treatment, rehabilitation, health awareness, and prevention.

The University also provides four housing services, covering university accommodation, maintenance and essential services, security, and safety, as well as five services supporting campus life, including restaurants and cafés, parking, internal transportation, and meeting and training rooms. The package further includes three sports and recreation services, such as sports halls, fields, and physical activities, and five banking services related to accounts, cards, financing, transfers, and ATMs.

In addition, employees can access offers and discounts from 18 commercial partners. Postgraduate support includes two pathways: partial scholarships for master’s programs and approval to continue studies, alongside services related to travel and accommodation, healthcare, and education. The package also features five career development and recognition benefits, including promotions, career-path development, awards, bonuses, and recognition for distinguished employees and retirees. Community engagement is supported through three areas: volunteering opportunities, community initiatives, and the use of employees’ expertise.

In training and development, the presentation reported 177 training courses in 2025 and 2026, attended by 699 trainees, at a cost exceeding SAR 2 million. The University also allocated SAR 1 million from its own resources to support professional certification preparation. In addition, 176 internal courses were delivered to 530 trainees, alongside six informational lectures on promotions. A total of 65 employees were promoted.

The presentation also outlined the University’s approach to employee recognition and workplace experience—from onboarding and orientation on rights, responsibilities, and employment regulations to skills development, career progression, quality of work life, and participation in decision-making. Communication channels include the Employee Advisory Council, regular meetings with University leaders, and satisfaction surveys to support continuous improvement.

The employee engagement index rose across successive measurement cycles from 76% to 81%, then 89%, reaching 93.6%. In 2025, the University ranked second in the Kingdom among educational and training entities in the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development’s employee engagement measurement.

Employees’ questions reflected their interest in the services presented and in improving their day-to-day work experience, with discussion spanning training, the work environment, flexible attendance, and continued contributions from retired colleagues. The meeting gave staff an opportunity to raise these matters directly and learn more about the services, benefits, development opportunities, and participation channels available to them.

The meeting is part of Jouf University’s efforts to strengthen institutional dialogue, involve employees in development, and draw on their experience and suggestions to improve the work environment and services—recognizing their role as partners in the University’s progress and future ambitions.