Developmental Review of the Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition Program

     Between 10 - 14/11/1429H (8 - 12/11/2008G), the Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition, on behalf of the College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, hosted a team of international reviewers from the United States and Australia to assess the academic program for students, developed by the Department and sponsored by the National Commission for Academic Accreditation and Assessment (NCAAA). The Department started preparing for this review from the beginning of 1429H (2008G), including the preparation of a self-study report, quality assurance criteria, program descriptions etc. This task was undertaken by a committee, which prepared and submitted its report through university channels to the NCAAA. During the summer vacation, a revised version of the report was prepared to incorporate comments and additional requirements by the NCAAA. Subsequently, a visit was scheduled for the reviewers, and a committee, comprising the Dean of the College, the Vice-Dean for Development and Quality Assurance and the Chairman and all faculty members (males and females) of the Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition was formed to meet the reviewers' team. Two offices were set for the reviewers for interviews with all individual concerned and to examine all required documents, materials and exhibits to ascertain the factual accuracy of the self-study report submitted by the College to the reviewers. A carefully prepared schedule, extending over a 5-days period, was prepared to allow the reviewers to pursue their evaluation process in both men and women students' sections, since the program is unified for both. The evaluation process included personal interviews with faculty members, students and other personnel in each section, as well as current and prospective employers of the Department's students and graduates. The entire reviewers schedule was completed smoothly and successfully, thanks, after Allah, to the meticulous efforts of all the staff of the Department at Diri'ya and Malaz campuses, who prepared for the meetings well in advance and organized them in a series of morning and evening sessions extending during the entire reviewers' visit. This was an extremely useful experience that enabled the Department to identify points of strength and weakness, and recognize difficulties and hurdles that ought to be overcome. The Developmental Review constitutes an important first step towards academic accreditation, which will ultimately determine the quality of the educational and research programs, their relevance to the Department's objectives and their impact – in terms of studies and services - on the community.

     On the final day of the reviewers' visit, an extended meeting was held with all groups that revised the programs of 10 Departments selected by the University, each group presenting the results of their respective program revision. Another meeting was then held with the President of the University, Deans of Colleges and supporting Deanships, as well as the Chairpersons of the 10 University Departments chosen for developmental review of their programs.

     The Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition will hold a workshop to convey its experience in Developmental Review and emphasize the importance of good and timely preparation. It is hoped that the workshop will prompt other Departments in the College to benefit from such reviews in furthering their educational and research aspirations.