King Faisal Foundation
University Preparatory Program
Symposium on: "Modern University Preparatory Program Curriculum"
In Cooperation with AMIDEAST
May 26-30, 2007
Al Khozama Hotel, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

HH Prince Bandar bin Saud bin Khalid Al-Saud Hosts an Education Symposium to Develop an Internationally Innovative Academic Program Preparing Students for Higher Education

KFF and AMIDEAST strengthen their strategic alliance to develop a curriculum that educates students to become life-long learners, critical thinkers, and problem solvers able to succeed in higher learning institutions.

Curriculum specialists from the United States and the Middle East in consultation with Saudi Arabian educationalists will provide technical support and expertise to develop specialized curricula materials for this forward looking program. The latest educational technology in the integration of English language teaching, the sciences, mathematics, information technology, and study skills is core to the UPP.

Leslie Nucho, Vice President of AMIDEAST who has led the process in the USA, will be in Riyadh for the fruition of this collaboration. Consultants, Dr. Jose Vasquez, Dr. Kenneth DeNisco, Dr. Sabiha Aydelott, Ms Carol Brown, Mr. Robert Eady, Mr. John Atsu-Swanzy, Mr. Andrzej Sokolowski and Mr. Gilbert Schramm, will lead forums in collaboration with Deans of Medicine and Science, Engineering, and Business of Alfaisal University.

Dr. John Aydelott, UPP Director, has stated, "All UPP courses emphasize skills development in learning techniques, written and spoken communication, leadership, time management, and critical thinking. Instruction in the UPP is student-centered, where students assume an active and important role in their own learning and understanding."

Dr. Ala Al Bakri, UPP Academic Dean, Professor and technical symposium organizer, has stated, "The objective of this symposium is to gather internationally known experts who have developed such curricula and have the experience to discuss and recommend university preparatory programs applicable to KSA. This symposium consists of think-tank and workshop sessions to choose the latest state-of-the-art educational models to be implemented in the region. Preparatory programs for medicine, engineering, science and business pathways will be discussed and recommended during this 5-day important event. This symposium is organized as part of KFF and AMIDEAST cooperation. This approach in curriculum development fulfils the KFF and the Alfaisal University mission and vision supported by HRH Prince Khalid Al Faisal. This event which could not have materialized without the support and guidance of HH Prince Bandar bin Saud Al-Saud, addresses KSA leadership vision and direction related to the need for modern educational curricula and technology transfer that prepare students not only for higher education but also for the market needs in partnership and cooperation with the private sector and NGO's."