This policy establishes Alfaisal University’s institutional approach to lifelong learning and formalizes its commitment to providing inclusive and equitable access to learning opportunities throughout the lifespan.
The policy aims to support continuous skills development, employability, social participation, and community engagement by enabling learners to pursue education within and beyond formal degree programs.
This policy applies to lifelong learning opportunities offered or supported by Alfaisal University and includes the following groups:
- Current Alfaisal University students (undergraduate and postgraduate).
- Alumni of Alfaisal University.
- Visiting and non-degree learners registered in approved courses, workshops, or programs.
- Members of the wider community participate in authorized outreach, professional development, or educational initiatives.
Policy Statement/ Definitions/Procedures
Definitions
For the purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Lifelong Learning | A continuous, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge, skills, and competencies for personal, professional, and societal development across the lifespan. |
| Non-Degree Learning | Educational activities that do not lead to a formal academic degree including short courses, workshops, certificates, professional development programs, and independent or directed study. |
| Digital Learning | Learning is delivered or supported through online platforms, digital resources, and information technology systems that enable flexible and remote access to educational content. |
| Community Learning | Educational and capacity-building activities offered to members of the wider community through outreach programs, partnerships, and social responsibility initiatives. |
Goals
The key objectives of this policy are:
- Promote lifelong learning as a continuous process for personal and professional advancement.
- Ensure fair, inclusive, and non-discriminatory access to learning opportunities and educational resources.
- Expand access to academic and digital learning resources, including library services and online learning platforms.
- Facilitate participation in short courses, workshops, independent study, and skills-development programs.
- Strengthen community engagement through outreach-based learning initiatives.
- Align lifelong learning initiatives with institutional sustainability goals and SDG 4 (Quality Education)
Policy Statement
Alfaisal University is committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning by providing equitable access to diverse educational opportunities and learning resources. Lifelong learning opportunities are made available without discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, disability, nationality, immigration status, or gender, in accordance with national regulations and international principles of equality and inclusion. Lifelong learning at Alfaisal University is supported through:
- Formal learning: Undergraduate, postgraduate, certificate, and accredited academic programs.
- Non-degree learning: short courses, workshops, independent or directed study, and visiting-student programs.
- Learning resources: Access to University library and LABs services, digital databases, and IT-supported e-learning platforms.
- Co-curricular development: Student clubs, volunteering, innovation, leadership, and experiential learning activities coordinated through relevant University units
Access to these opportunities is guided by Alfaisal University’s commitment to academic excellence, inclusivity, and community partnership.
Key Principles
Lifelong learning at Alfaisal University is guided by the following principles:
- Lifelong learning is an essential component of the University’s educational philosophy and mission.
- Learning opportunities should be inclusive, equitable, and accessible to all eligible learners.
- Access to physical and digital learning facilities prioritizes enrolled students while encouraging participation from alumni and community learners where feasible.
- Educational resources and learning environments should be accessible to individuals with diverse needs, including people with disabilities.
- All activities under this policy shall comply with Ministry of Education regulations and align with the University’s values, sustainability commitments, and strategic priorities.
Roles and Responsibilities
| Role | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| 1.Vice President for Academic Affairs | Oversees implementation of this policy and ensures alignment with institutional strategy and academic priorities. |
| 2.Deanship of Student Affairs, Admissions & Registration | Manages access pathways and administrative processes for non-degree, visiting, and alumni learners. |
| 3.Library and IT Services | Maintain and support continuous access to learning resources, digital platforms, and e-learning systems for students, faculty, and approved learners. |
| 4.Colleges and Center of Executive Education & Development | Develop and deliver academic, professional, and skills-based programs that support lifelong learning objectives. |
| 5.Social Responsibility | Promote outreach initiatives and partnerships that extend learning opportunities beyond the University campus. |
| 6.Sustainability and Strategic Planning Office (SSPO) | Monitor alignment with SDG 4, support data collection and reporting on lifelong learning participation, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives. |
Monitoring and Reporting
Student Affairs will monitor participation and engagement in lifelong learning activities and report relevant indicators in alignment with institutional strategy, national priorities, and applicable international frameworks. Data collected will support transparency, quality enhancement, and continuous improvement of lifelong learning offerings.
Related Policies
This policy should be read in conjunction with relevant Alfaisal University policies and guidelines, including those issued by:
- Deanship of Student Affairs
- Library and IT Services
- Sustainability and Strategic Planning Office
Review and Amendments
This policy will be reviewed every two (2) years to ensure continued alignment with evolving educational practices, accessibility standards, regulatory requirements, and the University’s strategic priorities. Amendments may be made as necessary to enhance inclusivity, digital access, and community engagement.