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فخورين بالإمارات
Governance
The standing committees that support governance at the University of Khorfakkan, each with a defined mandate spanning academic, administrative, financial, and conduct-related responsibilities.
The standing committees and their full mandates.
The Committee shall assess the actual staffing needs of all administrative and technical units of the University and conduct placement interviews to fulfill such requirements. It shall review grievances and complaints submitted by University employees and issue appropriate recommendations, as well as review employee performance evaluations. The Committee shall also issue recommendations regarding appointments to positions at Grade 3 and below, approve functional and financial promotions, and review financial matters concerning University employees, providing recommendations as necessary. In addition, the Committee shall develop and update human resources policies, procedures, and manuals in line with the latest international standards. The Committee shall carry out any other duties stipulated in President’s Decision No. (3) of 2024 concerning the Employee Affairs Bylaws and Law No. (2) of 2025 on Human Resources in the Emirate of Sharjah and its Executive Regulations, as well as perform any other duties assigned by the Chancellor or the Chair.
The Committee shall oversee the implementation of the University’s institutional quality assurance system to ensure the achievement of the University’s mission and strategic objectives, as well as those of its colleges and supporting units. It shall review and evaluate quality assurance procedures and related policies, develop improvement strategies for academic and administrative units, and monitor the implementation of academic curricula to assess their quality and effectiveness. The Committee shall oversee all academic accreditation activities and processes and ensure appropriate preparedness for external review and accreditation visits. It shall establish effective communication channels among colleges, departments, and administrative units to facilitate the implementation of quality assurance directives. The Committee shall review program learning outcomes to ensure their alignment with the missions and objectives of the colleges and the evolving requirements of the labor market, and monitor the periodic review of academic programs to ensure the achievement of intended learning outcomes. In addition, the Committee shall evaluate the quality of teaching and learning strategies and assessment methods and contribute to the development and implementation of continuous improvement initiatives. The Committee shall submit periodic reports on its activities, findings, and recommendations to the Chancellor and the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
The Committee shall oversee and monitor all procurement and tendering activities of the University in accordance with the Procurement Bylaws and applicable legislation. It shall prepare and review tender documents, manage procurement processes from the receipt of bids—whether manual or electronic—through evaluation and recommendation for contract award, and ensure compliance with Sharjah Government Law No. (8) of 2017 on Procurement, Tenders, Auctions, and Warehouses and its Executive Regulations. The Committee shall determine the value of bid securities and performance bonds, or approve exemptions where permitted by law, and safeguard the integrity, transparency, fairness, and competitiveness of the procurement process. It shall oversee the work of the Bid Opening Committee, the Procurement Team, and end users, evaluate bids in accordance with approved procedures, and submit recommendations to the Vice Chancellor for Financial Affairs, while retaining the authority to seek the assistance of technical subcommittees when specialized evaluation is required. The Committee shall review and approve contract award recommendations and supplier contracts before their submission to the competent authority, oversee negotiations with suppliers, and issue recommendations regarding direct purchases in accordance with Article (24) of the Procurement Bylaws. It shall support the Procurement Department in monitoring contract implementation in coordination with relevant departments, review requests for contract renewal, extension, termination, and change orders in accordance with approved authorities and regulations, and monitor and evaluate the performance of contracts and key suppliers while addressing procurement-related disputes and issues. Furthermore, the Committee shall provide guidance and recommendations to procurement personnel to enhance performance and ensure effective implementation of procurement policies and procedures, perform all responsibilities assigned under the University Procurement Bylaws, submit its recommendations to the Vice Chancellor for Financial Affairs for action within delegated powers, and carry out any other duties specified in the Procurement Bylaws or assigned by the Chancellor or the Vice Chancellor for Financial Affairs.
The Committee shall promote a culture of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship throughout the University and foster an environment that encourages faculty, staff, and students to engage in innovative initiatives and entrepreneurial activities. It shall collaborate effectively with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) and similar national and international institutions to support the development and transformation of promising business ideas into viable start-ups. The Committee shall formulate and implement policies and strategies that encourage innovation, identify and support opportunities for research commercialization, intellectual property development, patent registration, and start-up creation, and facilitate partnerships with industry, government entities, and international organizations to advance innovation and applied research. It shall oversee the establishment, operation, and continuous development of innovation laboratories, business incubators, and research centers, evaluate and approve project proposals and innovative initiatives, and provide guidance, mentorship, and resources to faculty members and students for idea development, prototyping, and venture creation. The Committee shall organize workshops, training programs, competitions, hackathons, and innovation challenges, including the annual “Hunt for Diamonds” entrepreneurship competition, and monitor the progress, outcomes, and impact of funded innovation projects, submitting periodic reports and recommendations to senior University leadership. Furthermore, the Committee shall foster interdisciplinary collaboration and support the integration of innovation into teaching, learning, research, and community engagement activities; promote capacity building through training, mentorship, and exposure to international best practices; ensure alignment of innovation initiatives with the University’s strategic objectives and national innovation priorities; collect feedback from stakeholders and implement continuous improvements to innovation programs and policies; undertake any responsibilities assigned under the University Bylaws; and carry out any additional duties assigned by the University Administration or the Committee Chair.
The Committee shall ensure that all University examinations are conducted in a fair, secure, and efficient manner. It shall approve and publish semester examination timetables, allocate examination venues, and make appropriate arrangements for students with special needs. The Committee shall prepare invigilation schedules and ensure that invigilators receive adequate training, while maintaining strict confidentiality of all examination materials. It shall supervise the conduct of mid-term, final, and resit examinations and take necessary actions in cases of emergencies or disruptions during examination sessions. The Committee shall also be responsible for reporting, investigating, and documenting cases of cheating, impersonation, or other forms of academic misconduct, and shall recommend appropriate disciplinary actions in coordination with the Disciplinary Committee. In addition, the Committee shall oversee the complete process related to incomplete examinations (mid-term and final) and provide a formal mechanism for students to submit examination-related appeals, excluding matters related to grade moderation. It shall review complaints concerning examination procedures and ensure fair and transparent decision-making. The Committee shall collect and analyze feedback from both faculty and students regarding examination administration and recommend continuous improvements to enhance efficiency, security, and fairness within the examination system. Furthermore, it shall carry out any responsibilities assigned under the University bylaws and perform any additional duties assigned by the University Administration or the Committee Chair.
The Committee shall consider violations committed by students within the University campus, including student housing, and impose appropriate sanctions in accordance with applicable regulations. It may apply any of the penalties stipulated in Articles (6), (7), and (8) of the President’s Decision No. (7) of 2024 on the issuance of the Student Conduct Bylaws, as deemed appropriate to each case. The Committee shall be responsible for drafting and reviewing the University’s Student Code of Conduct and ensuring that conduct policies are clear, comprehensive, effectively communicated to students, and regularly updated to reflect evolving institutional needs and values. The Committee shall conduct thorough investigations into alleged violations, either based on reports submitted by college-level investigation committees or through independent inquiries as necessary. In this regard, it shall collect and examine evidence, interview relevant parties, and document findings while ensuring that all investigations are conducted impartially, confidentially, and in accordance with due process. The Committee shall organize and oversee hearings for students accused of misconduct and determine appropriate disciplinary measures based on the severity of the violation and the student’s disciplinary record. Furthermore, the Committee shall develop and implement educational initiatives to raise student awareness of the Code of Conduct and promote ethical behavior, as well as establish rehabilitation and restorative justice programs to support students in learning from their actions and reintegrating into the University community. It shall maintain accurate and confidential records of all conduct cases, investigations, and outcomes, and prepare regular reports on disciplinary trends to inform University leadership and support policymaking. The Committee shall ensure transparency and accountability in all its processes, collaborate closely with relevant University units including Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and Campus Security, and maintain open communication channels with students, faculty, and staff regarding conduct policies and procedures. Finally, the Committee shall carry out any responsibilities assigned under the University bylaws and perform any additional duties assigned by the Chancellor, Vice Chancellors, or the Committee Chair.
The Committee shall review disciplinary violations of faculty members referred to it by the Chancellor and impose appropriate sanctions in accordance with Article (41) of the Academic Staff Bylaw. It shall also review and decide on requests to extend the Chancellor’s decision to suspend a faculty member under investigation beyond a period of three months. The Committee shall conduct comprehensive, final, and impartial investigations into cases involving breaches of academic integrity and ensure that all proceedings adhere to principles of fairness, transparency, and due process. In addition, the Committee shall organize and supervise formal hearings for faculty members accused of misconduct and ensure that appropriate procedural safeguards are observed throughout the process. It shall develop and implement programs aimed at educating faculty members on professional standards, ethical conduct, and academic integrity. The Committee shall prepare periodic reports on disciplinary cases and emerging trends for the University leadership to support informed policy-making. It shall also work closely with colleges and the Human Resources Department to address all matters related to academic integrity and faculty discipline. Furthermore, the Committee shall carry out any additional duties assigned under University bylaws or by the Chancellor.
The Committee shall monitor emerging trends in teaching and learning and promote the adoption of innovative and effective pedagogical practices across the University. It shall provide resources, structured training programs, and continuous professional development opportunities to enhance faculty teaching capabilities and support academic excellence. The Committee shall oversee the design and implementation of systems for evaluating teaching effectiveness, including student surveys, peer reviews, and external evaluations, while ensuring alignment of teaching and learning practices with the requirements of the Commission for Academic Accreditation and other relevant external agencies. The Committee shall promote active engagement with the wider academic community through participation in conferences, workshops, and collaborative initiatives with other higher education institutions. It shall ensure clear and transparent communication of all decisions, initiatives, and their underlying rationale, particularly in relation to teaching and learning developments. The Committee shall also ensure that teaching and learning practices are inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs and learning styles of students, and shall adopt a proactive approach to continuous improvement by integrating best practices and innovation. Furthermore, the Committee shall engage students, faculty, administrators, and external stakeholders in decision-making processes related to teaching and learning, while ensuring that all decisions and actions uphold student well-being, promote equity, and maintain academic integrity. It shall reinforce the importance of high-quality education in achieving the University’s mission and enhancing its reputation, and shall monitor the commitment of academic departments and faculty members to maintaining high teaching standards and achieving strong student learning outcomes. The Committee shall carry out any additional duties assigned by the Chancellor, the Chair, or the Co-Chair.
The Committee shall monitor, review, and update the University’s Business Continuity Plan and ensure institutional readiness to maintain academic, administrative, research, and support operations during emergencies and crises. It shall oversee strategic and operational risks, Business Impact Analysis (BIA), and the preparedness of response, recovery, IT continuity, data protection, and e-services plans to ensure organizational resilience. The Committee shall coordinate with relevant University units to ensure the timely response to disruptions and the restoration of critical services, and may recommend the activation of remote learning, remote work, or other alternative operational arrangements when required. It shall monitor the implementation of business continuity initiatives and assess institutional readiness through key performance indicators, simulations, drills, and periodic testing. The Committee shall also promote awareness of business continuity, crisis management, and emergency preparedness through training programs and awareness initiatives. In addition, the Committee shall prepare periodic reports on its activities, institutional readiness levels, challenges, and recommendations for submission to the Chancellor. It shall carry out any other business continuity-related duties assigned by the Chancellor or the Chair.
The Committee shall follow up on the implementation of plans approved by the Board of Trustees related to the recruitment and contract renewal of faculty members, and shall audit and verify the correctness of procedures undertaken by colleges, centres, and central appointment processes in determining the University’s faculty needs. It shall receive annual faculty manpower requests from colleges and centres within one month from the start of the academic year, including any specific requirements for candidates, and shall set the annual timeline for announcing faculty vacancies. The Committee shall supervise the preparation and publication of vacancy advertisements, including the selection of publication channels and duration, and may authorize additional announcements in cases of urgency. The Committee shall draft policies, standards, and procedures governing faculty recruitment, evaluation, promotion, tenure, and contract renewal, and ensure their compliance with University regulations, academic standards, and applicable legal requirements. It shall evaluate applications for faculty positions, promotions, tenure, and renewal based on academic merit, research output, teaching effectiveness, and community service. The Committee shall conduct comprehensive reviews of candidates’ records, publications, and references, organize and conduct interviews, and assess candidates through teaching demonstrations, research presentations, and other evaluation methods as appropriate. It shall submit recommendations regarding appointments, promotions, tenure, and renewals to the Chancellor, and evaluate contract renewals for Assistant Professors and above based on structured assessments conducted at the college level, typically undertaken in the first month of the final year of the contract. The Committee shall ensure full compliance with University policies and legal standards in all appointment processes, address complaints and inquiries related to faculty recruitment and promotion, and develop strategies to enhance diversity and inclusion in faculty hiring and retention. It shall ensure that all recruitment processes are free from bias and discrimination, encourage the appointment of faculty from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, and work closely with academic departments, deans, and relevant University committees. The Committee shall maintain clear and consistent communication with candidates throughout the recruitment process and provide regular updates and reports to University administration on its activities and outcomes. In addition, the Committee shall identify and promote opportunities for faculty development and mentorship, support initiatives that enhance academic career progression and scholarly contribution, and encourage continuous professional development and excellence in teaching, research, and community service. It shall also review matters related to non-faculty members concerning appointment, evaluation, and contract renewal where applicable. The Committee shall carry out any tasks stipulated in University bylaws within its mandate and undertake any additional duties assigned by the Chancellor.
The Committee shall review and examine complaints and grievances of an ethical nature submitted to it in accordance with the University’s bylaws, regulations, and policies. It shall review, develop, and recommend updates to the University’s ethics policies and Code of Professional Conduct, ensuring alignment with best practices and evolving institutional needs. The Committee shall approve and promote effective whistleblowing mechanisms and ensure the protection of whistleblowers in accordance with applicable policies. The Committee shall oversee complaint and grievance procedures to ensure that all cases are handled with confidentiality, fairness, impartiality, and the avoidance of conflicts of interest. It shall monitor and follow up on ethical complaints and grievance cases to ensure timely and appropriate resolution. The Committee shall also review actual and potential conflicts of interest and establish preventive measures to mitigate associated risks. Furthermore, the Committee shall monitor compliance by University employees with approved integrity, ethics, and professional conduct policies, and ensure that ethics policies, the Code of Conduct, and reporting and grievance mechanisms are clearly published, accessible, and regularly updated on the University’s website.
