An official government website affiliated with the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
University policies
Code of Ethics
King Khalid University (KKU) is committed, in all its policies, decisions and dealings with ethical framework. It is also governed by a set of values derived from the teachings of our Islamic religion which have been approached by this country's leaders. Moreover, these values are consistent with the Ministry of Higher Education’s policies and are in harmony with the pursuit of King Khalid University into a unique excellent university. So, the university’s concerns are not confined only to the educational, research and community service activities, but it ensures that it is an academic institution which offers these three functions under a framework of ethical values. There is no doubt that the multifunctionality of the university and the increasing and complexity of the undertaken tasks, as well as the increase in internal and external relationships, have imposed the need for an ethical framework that instructs and directs the behavior of its employees, especially at varying points of view about a particular behavior pattern. Here ethical framework comes to set a number of specific ethical trends, standards, responsibilities, controls and caveats, that are agreed upon and which govern the practices within the university community. However, the ethical framework is so different from the terms, rules or regulations, in that it is a declared agreement among a group of sides on framework of ethical values and specific set of behavior rules in various situations. For that, it represents a compelling ethical value for all.
This framework reflects King Khalid University’s policy of adherence to the principles of Islam through a set of values that govern its conduct and the conduct of its members. It also aligns with the policy of the Ministry of Higher Education and the Kingdom in emphasizing integrity across all state institutions, and corresponds with the expectations and vision of individuals and institutions within society toward the University. Accordingly, all University members are committed to adhering to this sound framework, as each bears multiple responsibilities toward the University, including students, administrative staff, faculty members, and leadership, in addition to its physical components such as buildings, various resources, and the broader external community. This framework is not intended to introduce new values that are not already practiced within the University community, nor to compensate for deficiencies among its members; rather, it serves to affirm and clarify agreed-upon patterns of behavior and practices for all University members, particularly in cases of differing viewpoints. It also functions as a guide for new members and as a declaration to society’s institutions and individuals of the value system and behavioral approach governing King Khalid University. The framework includes a set of agreed-upon commitments and responsibilities among all University members, encouraging adherence, the reinforcement of positive values and practices, and the avoidance of prohibited conduct. It is centered on commitment to a clear and defined value system that ensures respect for individuals, protection of rights, accountability, provision of an outstanding academic and administrative work environment, development of individual and institutional capacities, promotion of academic values, equal opportunity, and excellence in performance. Given the diversity and evolution of the University’s relationships with community institutions over time, the practices of its members must align with this diversity to ensure meaningful positive engagement, which necessitates periodic development of the ethical framework in response to emerging behavioral patterns. This framework differs from a code of practice; however, it includes certain responsibilities of an ethical nature that intersect with professional practices. This does not represent overlap or misunderstanding, as the fundamental principle is the ethical execution of professional practices.
This ethical framework derives its importance from being:
All individuals associated with King Khalid University through a working relationship, including:
Faculty members perform multiple roles and responsibilities within the University to achieve the desired development. Therefore, a set of responsibilities and obligations is associated with each of these roles, which faculty members must adhere to. The most important of these are as follows:
Maintaining exemplary conduct and speech and serving as a positive role model.
Respecting and adhering to University regulations, policies, and ethical framework responsibilities.
Delivering outstanding performance in all assigned duties.
Pursuing academic, professional, administrative, and personal development.
Maintaining an appropriate personal appearance.
Refraining completely from receiving any gifts or benefits, whether material or non-material, from individuals with whom they have a relationship, including students and supervised graduate students.
Awareness of the University’s vision, mission, goals, and values, and contributing to their achievement.
Maintaining the safety and security of the University, its members, and facilities during professional activities.
Studying and contributing to the development of the department’s vision, mission, objectives, and values.
Actively participating in designing and developing academic programs and courses.
Collaborating effectively with colleagues to achieve program objectives.
Participating in official councils and activities related to academic, research, and administrative development.
Engaging in social and cultural activities within the department.
Participating in scientific and professional programs.
Preparing courses effectively and selecting appropriate teaching strategies.
Announcing course objectives in the first session and linking them to program outcomes.
Providing required learning resources such as books, references, and websites.
Adhering to lecture schedules and utilizing time efficiently.
Announcing and maintaining office hours to support students.
Maximizing the use of available learning resources.
Linking theoretical and practical aspects of teaching.
Adapting teaching methods based on feedback and evaluation.
Monitoring achievement of course objectives.
Considering individual differences among students.
Treating students with respect and professionalism.
Providing academic and behavioral guidance to students.
Collecting student feedback during and after the course.
Avoiding any financial exploitation of students, including forcing them to purchase materials or private lessons.
Announcing assessment regulations and timelines at the beginning of the semester.
Clarifying assessment strategies used throughout the semester.
Using diverse assessment methods and tools.
Ensuring alignment between course objectives and assessment processes, including:
- Considering the relative weight of each objective and its corresponding questions.
- Balancing time allocated for each topic and its related questions.
- Matching exam duration with the time required to answer questions.
- Ensuring diversity in cognitive, skill-based, and affective objectives.
Providing an appropriate environment during assessments.
Utilizing technology in assessment whenever possible.
Using assessment results to improve curricula.
Maintaining confidentiality of exams and results.
Considering individual differences among students.
Not using grades as a form of punishment.
Ensuring scientific and quality standards in exam preparation.
Writing exam questions in clear and correct language.
Clearly indicating grade distribution on exam papers.
Being present during exams for emergencies.
Grading student responses personally using model answers.
Using both essay and objective question types.
Preparing a marking scheme before grading.
Evaluating responses with fairness and accuracy.
Providing feedback to students.
Allowing review of answers in case of complaints.
Announcing results using student identification numbers.
Adhering to academic integrity, honesty, and intellectual property rights.
Respecting rights in collaborative research.
Aligning research with departmental, college, and University plans.
Focusing on applied research addressing societal needs.
Avoiding unnecessary use of research resources.
Ensuring proper use of equipment.
When collecting data, the following must be observed:
- Clearly explaining the purpose and usage of collected data.
- Ensuring confidentiality of data.
- Proper disposal of documents after use.
Following ethical standards in experiments involving animals or human subjects.
Presenting results objectively without bias.
Maintaining neutrality when reviewing research work.
Indicating University affiliation in publications.
During supervision, the following must be observed:
- Acting as a professional role model.
- Maintaining respectful relationships with students.
- Avoiding assigning tasks outside research scope.
- Properly citing student work.
Avoiding research partnerships that create conflicts of interest.
Collaborating effectively when sharing resources.
Maintaining the confidentiality and privacy of University data and information, and avoiding confusion between freedom of expression and any negative impact on the University’s vision, mission, and ability to achieve its goals.
Acting as a positive role model in conduct, speech, and behavior, and representing the University in a distinguished manner.
Adhering to public ethics, regulations, and institutional policies.
Actively participating in community service activities at both individual and institutional levels.
Linking academic course content and examples provided to students with societal issues whenever possible.
Connecting research activities with societal issues and challenges whenever possible.
Guiding students toward positive ethics and desired social behaviors through words and actions.
Promoting values and ethical principles among students as future contributors to society.
Ensuring attention to public health and environmental well-being in all professional and research practices.
Representing the University positively in all interactions with colleagues inside and outside the University.
Maintaining positive and respectful relationships with colleagues.
Participating in social and academic activities organized by the department, college, or University.
Fully cooperating in shared academic tasks such as joint teaching responsibilities.
Contributing to program descriptions, reports, joint exam grading, and collaborative research activities.
Participating in broader initiatives for developing education, research, and community service.
Making available University resources in their possession to colleagues when needed, including equipment, materials, and educational tools.
Respecting colleagues’ privacy and refraining from interfering in personal matters or disclosing any information about them.
Adhering to proper conduct, ethical values, and public manners.
Representing the University positively both internally and externally.
Maintaining appropriate appearance and respecting social and cultural norms.
Complying with University rules, regulations, and policies.
Understanding program objectives and striving to achieve them.
Attending lectures and academic sessions on time.
Maintaining an appropriate academic and research environment.
Respecting faculty members and treating them appropriately.
Participating in student activities to enhance development and belonging.
Maximizing use of University facilities and resources.
Preserving University property.
Claiming rights through official and legitimate channels.
Maintaining ethical conduct and professional behavior.
Complying with institutional rules and regulations.
Understanding job responsibilities and ensuring competence.
Engaging in continuous professional development.
Maintaining and protecting University facilities.
Ensuring confidentiality of information.
Exerting maximum effort to achieve institutional goals.
Cooperating effectively with all University members.
Treating all beneficiaries respectfully.
Managing working time efficiently.
Demonstrating dedication and commitment.
University resources include all facilities, communication systems, networks, office equipment, printing devices, vehicles, chemicals, laboratory samples, and all services funded by the University such as electricity, water, and telecommunications.
Using resources strictly for work purposes except in emergencies.
Using resources efficiently without waste.
Handling equipment properly to extend usability and reduce maintenance costs.
Ensuring fair access to shared resources.
Maintaining safety in handling all resources.
Establishing a permanent committee to monitor implementation and propose improvements.
Reviewing proposals and violations submitted by University units.
Submitting violations to authorized officials for action.
The ethical framework represents a shared commitment among University members. Violations hinder progress and negatively affect the institution’s reputation, requiring appropriate regulatory actions.
The framework aims to improve conduct and includes graduated measures based on severity and recurrence of violations.
Issuing warnings from verbal to written.
Applying institutional regulations.
Compensating for damages.
Restricting participation in relevant activities.
Removing leadership responsibilities.
Suspending privileges temporarily.
Restricting participation in activities for students.
As part of the University’s commitment to protecting the privacy of its female staff and students and upholding the values and principles that foster a safe academic environment in which everyone’s privacy is respected, the University emphasizes the importance of complying with the regulations governing the use of mobile phones and smart devices equipped with cameras, as well as the procedures and penalties resulting from their misuse or violation of these regulations.
Female students are permitted to use mobile phones or smart devices equipped with cameras when needed for communication or for accessing educational systems and platforms, such as Blackboard, the academic system, and others, provided that the device is not pointed directly at others.
It is strictly prohibited to take a camera-equipped mobile phone, or any similar smart device, out of a bag inside classrooms, laboratories, the auditorium, the prayer room, the library, or facilities designated for extracurricular or physical activities.
Recording theoretical or practical lectures is strictly prohibited. Playing music or any content that may disrupt the academic environment is also prohibited.
It is strictly prohibited to point a camera-equipped mobile phone, or any similar smart device, at others within building corridors, passageways, or public facilities, particularly in outdoor areas, lounges, cafeterias, cafés, and restrooms.
It is strictly prohibited to photograph or record the College, its female staff, students, or visitors, or to attempt to violate their privacy by any means. This includes a female student photographing or recording herself or another student, whether with or without her consent, using smart-device applications or social media platforms such as Snapchat, WhatsApp, and others.
In the event of a violation of any of the regulations set out in items (2) through (5), the female student must immediately hand over the mobile phone or camera-equipped device to the responsible female staff member or female security officer. The device shall then be handed over to the Dean of the College, her assistant, or the Chair of the Female Student Affairs Committee, regardless of whether photography or recording actually occurred.
The student who commits the violation shall be referred to the College Disciplinary Committee for the appropriate regulatory procedures, which may include permanent dismissal. The device shall be handed over to the student’s guardian after the investigation has been completed.
If the circumstances so require, the matter shall be referred to the competent security or judicial authorities to take the necessary action in accordance with the relevant regulations, and the case shall be treated as a cybercrime whenever the applicable legal provisions governing such offenses apply.
In conclusion, the University and its colleges trust in the awareness of their female staff and students and their commitment to the responsible and appropriate use of smart devices in a manner that safeguards privacy, enhances the safety of the academic environment, and respects the rights of all members of the University community.
May Allah grant success.
You can view the IT Services and Infrastructure Management Policies and Processes, which provide a general regulatory framework for governing and controlling the development of technology services at the University.
This policy helps in setting the conditions, principles and rules that must to be followed and must be committed to their requirements while preparing materials that will be displayed and published on the electronic website.
The policy includes the following:
General conditions and principles.
Rules of posting texts content.
Rules of posting images.
Rules of posting links.
Rules of posting English content.
Content and easiness of search.
Rules of posting of publications.
First, general conditions and principles:
Attention to the quality of published materials in terms of the goodness of wording, the organization of ideas and the smoothness of expression.
The content should follow the regulations of the website and of the rules of the country.
The content should not expose the privacies of the others.
Making sure the content does not have any grammatical or language errors.
Formatting the content to look properly in terms of consistency, arrangement and appearance.
Archiving and keeping the data and the information saved on the website, to make them readily available for use when necessary.
The content must not contradict with the regulations of religion and that of the government, or the adopted policies of the University, and or of the country, or of other supervising authorities of information technology.
Second, posting rules of content texts:
The first page must include a title that attracts the readers and which makes them understand the subject.
The text should use main heading and subheadings, showing clear distinction between them.
The text should not over-use different types of fonts; should concentrate only on the use of two fonts, or just one.
Checking the correctness of the text to ensure it is free from grammatical and language errors.
The text should be short in presenting the ideas.
As much as possible, a page should not include more than one subject.
Summarizing the subject and putting the main ideas at the beginning in order to give opportunity for users who do not read in details.
Highlighting the important information with a mark e.g title, list etc.. and making them easy to find by users.
Third, posting rules of images:
Attention to the quality and artistic presentation of the image and its element of attraction.
Adjusting the sizes of the image as required.
The image must be appropriate and expressive of the topic.
Using text in the images that include diagrams, graphics and illustrations.
The published image should adhere to the Islamic law and to the country's regulations and to the rules of politeness.
Forth, posting rules of links:
Use effective links and do not hyperlink a full phrase or a sentence, but only highlight the part which leads to a page or a document. This will help the users to determine, depending on their needs on clicking the link or not.
All links in the content must work without any problems.
The link must include information about its type like, (PDF, WORD) and whether it refers to another page or website.
The link must not refer to unknown websites. The websites must be governmental or authorized.
All links must include content, hence must not be empty.
Fifth, Posting rules of English content:
The English content on the website must match the Arabic content in terms of content and organization.
The translation of scientific terminology must be certified, and there must be a specialized team for translating and proofreading.
Sixth, the content and easiness of search:
Use a variety of commonly used words to raise the search possibilities on the content.
The title of the content must be clear and as detailed as possible, in order to facilitate the search within the website, as well as in the external search engines like, Google and Yahoo.
Seventh, posting rules of publishing:
The content must be reviewed and proofread before publishing it.
The content must be approved by the competent authority before publishing it.
The content must be published rapidly (as soon as possible), so as to coincide with the actual event.
The published materials must be arranged according to the date of publication.
The copyright and intellectual property rights must be considered.
Achieving the university's vision, mission, and objectives, and activating its values, is a shared responsibility and a goal pursued by the university's leadership, administrations, and all its affiliates. Achieving this goal enhances the benefits derived from educational and research services and enables the university to offer a new range of services in line with the needs of the community, its individuals, and institutions.
This cannot be achieved without a balanced and integrated system that combines individual rights and their corresponding duties, with clear and specific mechanisms to protect these rights and monitor the fulfillment of duties through corrective and disciplinary measures for those who deviate from proper behavioral and ethical conduct.
To view or download the Directory of Student Rights and Duties click here.
The General Administration of Cybersecurity at King Khalid University notes the necessity of obtaining prior official approval and permission from the designated authority before examining or performing any test for electronic services or network. If found otherwise, it is considered a violation of the laws and exposes whomever responsible to legal accountability.
According to the Saudi Cyber Crimes Law, note the following:
Intentional access to a computer, website, information system, or computer network that you are not authorized to access is considered a violation of the laws and exposes you to a penalty of imprisonment for a period not exceeding ten years and a fine not exceeding five million riyals, or one of these two penalties.
Eavesdropping on what is sent via the information network or a computer - without a valid legal justification - or capturing or intercepting it is considered a legal violation according to the Anti-Cybercrime Law and exposes you to a penalty of imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year and a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand riyals. Or one of these two penalties in accordance with the Anti-Cybercrime Law.
access (without proper legal justification) to personal, banking, credit data, or data related to the ownership of securities in order to obtain data, information, money, or the services they provide is considered a crime and exposes you to a penalty of imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years and a fine not exceeding two million riyals, or one of these two penalties.
Stopping the network, disabling it, destroying or recording the programs or data present or used in it or deleting, leaking, destroying, or modifying it is considered a violation and exposes you to a penalty of imprisonment for a period not exceeding four years and a fine not exceeding Three million riyals, or one of these two penalties in accordance with the Anti-Cybercrime Law.
illegal access to a website or service related to King Khalid University, to change the design of this website, damage it, modify it, occupy its address, impede access to the service, confuse it, or disable it by any means is considered a cybercrime and exposes you to imprisonment for a period not exceeding four years and a fine not exceeding three million riyals, or one of these two penalties in accordance with the Anti-Cybercrime Law.
Defaming others, and causing harm to them, through various means of information technology is a crime and exposes you to a penalty of imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year and a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand riyals, or one of these two penalties in accordance with the system for combating information crimes.
Legal or illegal access to King Khalid University systems to threaten or blackmail a person; To force him/her to do or abstain from doing an act, even if doing or abstaining from that act is lawful, it is considered a crime and exposes you to a penalty of imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year and a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand riyals, or one of these two penalties.
Infringing on private life by misusing data resulting from your legal or illegal access to university systems is considered a crime and exposes you to a penalty of imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year and a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand riyals, or one of these two penalties.
illegal access to the systems or websites of King Khalid University directly, or through the information network, or one of the computers to obtain data affecting the internal or external security of the state, or its national economy is considered a crime and exposes you to a penalty of imprisonment for a period not exceeding ten years and a fine not more than five million riyals, or one of these two penalties.
To contact the General Administration of Cybersecurity
Phone Number 0172416665 
Email soc@kku.edu.sa
You can review the terms and regulations governing the services provided through the University's Academic System Portal, which outline the rules and procedures for accessing and using electronic academic services, helping beneficiaries understand the requirements of these services and how to use them in accordance with the regulations and policies approved by the University.
You can review the terms, regulations, and guidelines for organizing events at the University, which outline the rules and requirements governing the organization of events, as well as the procedures and mechanisms to be followed in planning, organizing, and implementing them, helping to ensure that events are conducted in accordance with the regulatory frameworks approved by the University.
You can review the regulations governing the training of medical interns, which outline the objectives, conditions, regulations, and procedures governing the training of male and female medical interns at the College of Medicine at King Khalid University, as well as the requirements for joining the training program and its implementation mechanisms, helping to organize the internship period and achieve its educational and training objectives in accordance with the approved rules and regulations.
You can review the regulatory and procedural rules governing the attendance and participation of University faculty members in scientific meetings, which outline the rules and procedures governing faculty members’ attendance and participation in conferences, seminars, and scientific meetings, as well as the requirements and mechanisms for participation, helping to ensure that scientific participation is organized in accordance with the frameworks and regulations approved by the University.
You can review the general terms and conditions for nomination for the King Khalid University Award for Excellence, which outline the requirements and regulations for nomination, helping applicants understand the framework governing participation and fulfill the requirements necessary for nomination.
You can review the terms and regulations governing nominations for academic leadership positions, which outline the rules, criteria, and procedures governing the nomination process, helping to strengthen governance and transparency and support the selection of qualified individuals to assume academic leadership positions at the University.
You can review the Study and Examination Regulations for Undergraduate Programs and their Implementing Rules at King Khalid University, which govern the academic aspects related to study and examinations and outline the rules and procedures concerning registration, courses, assessment, and examinations, ensuring clarity of rights and obligations and regulating students’ academic progress in accordance with the regulations and rules approved by the University.
You can review the Regulations Governing Graduate Studies in Universities and their Implementing Rules at King Khalid University, which outline the frameworks and regulations governing graduate programs and the associated procedures for admission, registration, academic supervision, study, examinations, theses, and graduation, helping to regulate the academic progress of graduate students in accordance with the regulations and rules approved by the University.
Patient has the right to:
Be informed about their rights and responsibilities.
Be informed of the services provided in the hospital.
Receive care in a safe environment.
Know the identities of the physicians and other practitioners responsible for their care.
Be treated with respect and dignity at all times and under all circumstances.
Receive care that is respectful of their values and beliefs (provided they don’t conflict with Islamic rules).
Respect and maintain their privacy during care and according to their needs.
Have a significant other, chaperone, or a staff member from the same gender present during physical examination, treatment, or procedure.
Maintain confidentiality of all information, communication, and records related to their care.
Be protected from physical and verbal assault.
Appropriate assessment and management of pain.
Participate in their care process, including making decisions regarding their care and treatment, and seek a second opinion without fear of compromising care.
Be informed about their health status, diagnosis, and prognosis, and be involved in treatment planning.
Refuse treatment, anesthesia, and use of blood and blood products after being informed about the possible consequences.
Refuse to participate in research and to be informed of the consequences of the decision and available care and treatment options.
Receive kind and compassionate care at the end of their life.
Be fully informed about clinical research they may participate in, and the right to refuse to participate or withdraw without affecting the care provided.
Be informed about donation and transplantation of organs, tissues, and their personal and hospital rights.
Voice a complaint about care or hospital services, and receive a response within a specific period.
Have their possessions protected once the hospital assumes responsibility for protecting possessions or when the patient asks for safe custody.
Receive a report on their medical condition according to hospital regulations.
Patient and Family Responsibilities
The Patient is responsible to:
Follow the hospital’s rules and regulations.
Provide accurate and complete information about his/her past medical history and current medication condition.
Inform his/her care provider when he/she does not understand information related to care.
Keep all patient and admission appointments, or call to cancel if unable to attend.
Follow the hospital’s no-smoking policy.
Follow his/her care provider’s instructions, and accept responsibility for his/her actions when refusing treatment or not following the care provider’s instructions.
Be considerate of other patients and the hospital’s property.
Show courtesy and respect to the hospital personnel.
Inform the hospital about changes in his/her eligibility condition.
Must leave the hospital without delay when discharged.
Note: The hospital has the right to adjust this bill if needed.
Recognizing the importance of digital learning as an integrated environment for enhancing the educational process, developing students who are capable of constructive engagement and effective integration with their communities, and improving learning outcomes overall, King Khalid University, represented by the Vice Presidency for Academic Affairs, has developed the Digital Education Policies to govern the University's core processes and practices related to digital education.
You can view the Policies for the Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools and Applications, which define the principles and controls governing the responsible and safe use of artificial intelligence tools at the University and provide guidelines for their use in the educational process, assessment, scientific research, and innovation, thereby promoting integrity, privacy, transparency, and accountability.
Usage Policy
Open data is provided to all benefiting citizens without any fees or financial restrictions. You have the right to use current and future data for any purpose you may benefit from, without prejudice to the terms and conditions of this policy.
This license does not grant you authorship or any other ownership rights.
If you publish or send this data to others, whether in its original or modified form, a copy of the open data policy mentioned on this page must be included.
It is prohibited to use this data for any suspicious, misleading, or Saudi Arabian law-violating purposes.
You must remove all intellectual products based on this data if requested by the university due to the removal of this data from the open library or due to a breach of any of the terms and conditions of this policy.
You can view the Business Continuity Policy, which provides a regulatory framework for enhancing the University’s preparedness and business continuity and mitigating the impact of potential risks and disruptions, thereby contributing to ensuring the sustainability of critical operations and services.
