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The Acting President of King Khalid University, Professor Saad bin Mohammed bin Dajem, inaugurated the executive framework for the talented and distinguished students programs yesterday morning, Sunday, at his office in the university campus in Al-Faraa. The framework, consisting of a set of comprehensive organizational procedures to support gifted and outstanding students, was launched in the presence of the Director-General of Education in the Asir Region, Mr. Fahd bin Saleh Aqala. This initiative aims to foster innovation and creativity among students in line with Saudi Vision 2030 by providing an advanced educational environment that motivates students to excel in various fields and enables them to play a leadership role in Saudi society.

Dr. Ali bin Misfer Al-Qahtani, Dean of Student Affairs at King Khalid University, explained that this initiative is part of the university’s strategy to promote academic excellence and innovation among its students. The university seeks to attract distinguished and gifted students from various regions of the Kingdom to develop their abilities and guide them toward specialties that suit their potential, thereby contributing to preparing a generation capable of achieving tangible accomplishments that drive the nation’s development. He added, "We believe in creating an educational environment that encourages students to excel in their respective fields, whether academic, scientific, athletic, or creative."

Al-Qahtani pointed out that the university recruits talented students from secondary schools through various pathways, such as academic acceleration, which allows students to shorten their university studies by transferring credits from courses they completed in secondary education, in line with the academic standards of the university. He also highlighted that one of the distinctive programs offered to talented students is the dual enrollment program, allowing them to study university courses while still in high school, with these courses later counted toward their university credits upon admission.

These measures also include a flexible learning track, which consists of advanced remote learning courses provided via accredited platforms like FUTUREX, EDX, and COURSERA. Talented students can benefit from these courses to enhance their skills and knowledge in specialized fields before and during their university studies. As for student exchange, Al-Qahtani explained that the university offers talented students the opportunity to complete part of their university studies at prestigious international universities under specific standards, providing them with a rich educational experience and broadening their academic horizons. He emphasized that the university is committed to providing exceptional opportunities for creative and innovative students by offering mentorship programs that connect them with faculty members and experts in their fields, effectively nurturing their talents.

Among the beneficiaries of these initiatives are academically distinguished students with exceptional scientific abilities. Al-Qahtani noted that the university has established recruitment standards for these students, based on their achievements in exams like the International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Advanced Levels, and Advanced Placement tests. In addition, special opportunities are offered to students who excel in non-academic fields such as arts and sports. The university also grants special privileges to distinguished athletes by recruiting them based on their official athletic achievements recognized by the Ministry of Sports and Saudi sports federations.

The university also provides unique opportunities for creative and innovative students by assessing their individual accomplishments in global competitions and patents, granting them special opportunities to study and participate in international scientific activities. Al-Qahtani added that the university supports innovative talents by representing students in local and international competitions and offering financial rewards to participants and winners of these competitions. All these programs are managed under the Talent and Innovation Unit of the Deanship of Student Affairs.

In terms of the organizational structure, Al-Qahtani mentioned that an executive council for the care of talented students has been formed, headed by the university’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, with members including the Dean of Student Affairs, the Dean of Admissions and Registration, and a group of academics and experts in education and talent fields. This council is responsible for approving the programs and procedures that ensure the effective implementation of this initiative in line with the university’s vision and strategic goals.

In conclusion, Dr. Al-Qahtani emphasized their efforts to create an academic environment that enables students to discover and develop their talents, considering them partners in building a bright future for the Kingdom. He affirmed that the university spares no effort in providing necessary support and guidance to gifted and distinguished students, expressing confidence that these efforts will result in outstanding graduates capable of making a positive impact in society and leading the nation’s development and progress.