Introduction

King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) realized from the very beginning the vital importance of continuous improvement and development of its faculty, academic programs and instructional technology which forms the corner stone in the quality of its graduates. Although the University has a rigorous academic system based on the national and international standards and through various academic committees at all University levels, it has always been dynamic in exploring ways and means that lead to excellence in all academic activities. The Deanship of Academic Development (DAD) has, therefore, been established to help the university community, particularly the faculty members, to increase their effectiveness in teaching and learning, to ensure the highest quality in academic programs, and to utilize the latest technologies in teaching.

DAD was originally established as the Academic Development Center (ADC) in the year 2000, which was later promoted to a Deanship in the year 2003. The DAD creates a focal point for the emphasis on academic matters such as teaching excellence, program development, quality assurance, and e-Learning at KFUPM. It deals directly with issues related to the development of academic excellence for all faculty members through a variety of means such as workshops, discussion forums, seminars, publications, and faculty peer consultation.