On Monday Jumada al-awwal 16, 1438H, Dr. Bakri bin Maatouq Assas, UQU President, launched the programs of the Deanship of Student Affairs within the framework of the events of Makkah Cultural Forum “How to Be a Role Model?”. Held at King Abdulaziz secondary hall on Al-Abodiyyah campus, the event was attended by Dr. Abdulaziz bin Rashad Surouji, UQU Vice President for Educational Affairs, Dr. Amr bin Taha Al-Saqqaf, Dean of Student Affairs, and the Deans of the deanship.

The ceremony began with Qur’anic recitation, followed by a speech for Dr. Surouji in which he talked about how important it is for the human to be a role model in his society, and he cited the prophets and messengers and stated that they were the best role models since the beginning of the creation. He also counted the characteristics of Prophet Muhammad bin Abdullah (peace and blessings be upon him), and mentioned that he is the excellent pattern sent by Allah to all mankind.

Moreover, he noted that “How to be a Role Model” initiative, launched by the Consultant of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Prince of Makkah al-Mukarramah, HRH Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, must be translated into living figures we see, and touch its results on the ground, so as to provide for us role models from the students and faculty members. And he continued stating that we here in UQU, through the Deanship of Student Affairs, have worked on preparing and directing these programs through a working team formed to execute these initiatives and ideas in a distinct way that enables our students and sons to be role models in their community, and for their nation. Furthermore, Dr. Surouji mentioned that these ideas were submitted to the Region Council and the Emirate who approved them, and now they are being launched in this ceremony. Over and above, Dr. Surouji praised the follow-up of Dr. Bakri bin Maatouq Assas on the activation of this initiative, and extended thanks to the Dean of Student Affairs and the Vice-deans of the Deanship and all faculty members of the Deanship for their efforts.

On his part, Dr. Al-Saqqaf presented the programs of the Deanship which included: The University Role Model Competition; its objectives, stages and prizes, the Caricature Gallery, the Painting Gallery and the Role Model Camera.

Following, Dr. Faridah Al-Ghamidi, Vice-Dean of the Deanship, gave a word on behalf of the Dean of University Studies for Girls, in which she said that the university considers its sons and daughters as a national wealth and a factor for the intellectual, moral and distinct renaissance of the society. From this point on, the Deanship of Student Affairs launched the programs and events in collaboration with Makkah Cultural Forum to hold “The University Role Model” competition within “How to Be a Role Model?” program, with the aim of developing the creative skills of the students, promoting the spirit of competition among them and stimulating their potential and cognitive abilities.

On his part, Dr. Assas praised the care and support of the wise leadership –May Allah support it- and the eagerness and interest of the Consultant of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Prince of Makkah al-Mukarramah, HRH Prince Khaled Al-Faisal –May Allah protect him-, to activate this initiative through the universities and their human and scientific capabilities, and reinforce the ideal social values. He also confirmed that UQU will work hard to achieve this national goal, and he noted that the message of UQU is proceeding from the nobility of the place and status it occupies to perform its societal role. And he gave example of the students of the Saudi universities generally, and the students of UQU specifically who study abroad, and represent a good role model to be followed.

Moreover, Dr. Assas urged the faculty members of UQU to be role models for the students, and he also encouraged the scientific departments and colleges to activate their roles to refine the talents of the students through the programs, events and different activities. Concluding, Dr. Assas extended his thanks to Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Surouji, UQU Vice President for Educational Affairs, Dr. Amr Al-Saqqaf, Dean of Student Affairs, and the executives of such programs. Following, he inaugurated the electronic page dedicated to The University Role Model competition.