SDG 4: QUALITY EDUCATION

4.3.2 Does your university as a body host events at university that are open to the general public: public lectures, community educational events?

TEDx University Almaarefa

AlMaarefa University hosted TEDx University Almaarefa, a campus TEDx conference featuring invited speakers and open public registration. The event provided public lectures and inspirational talks to students, professionals and members of the public, strengthening community engagement and lifelong learning [1].

AlMaarefa University organized the TEDx University Almaarefa event, a licensed TEDx conference designed to promote the exchange of ideas and inspire innovative thinking within the community. The conference, which featured invited speakers from diverse professional and academic backgrounds, was open to the public through an accessible registration process.

Through a series of public lectures, motivational talks, and knowledge-sharing sessions, the event offered valuable learning opportunities not only for AlMaarefa students, but also for professionals, educators, and members of the broader community. By hosting TEDx University Almaarefa, the institution reinforced its commitment to community engagement, open access to educational experiences, and the promotion of lifelong learning.

Scientific Research Day

AlMaarefa University runs an annual Scientific Research Day with an open call for abstracts; invitations explicitly extend to students from other Saudi universities. The activity functions as a public academic forum for dissemination of research and cross-institutional exchange [2].

AlMaarefa University organizes an annual Scientific Research Day, a flagship academic event designed to promote research dissemination and foster scholarly dialogue. The university issues an open call for abstracts each year, with invitations explicitly extended to students and emerging researchers from other Saudi universities. This inclusive approach transforms the event into a public academic platform that encourages cross-institutional participation and the exchange of scientific ideas.

During the Scientific Research Day, participants present posters, research papers, and innovative projects across a variety of disciplines, enabling constructive feedback from faculty experts, peers, and invited guests. By facilitating collaboration beyond its own student body, AlMaarefa University actively contributes to strengthening the national research ecosystem and cultivating a culture of inquiry and knowledge-sharing.

This initiative underscores the university’s commitment to open access to academic opportunities, community engagement, and the advancement of scientific research at both the institutional and national levels.

World Mental Health Day

On World Mental Health Day (Oct 10, 2024), AlMaarefa University activated an awareness corner on campus, in cooperation with student clubs and clinical partners, offering materials and specialist advice to students and visitors - a clear example of a public community educational event.

As part of the celebration of World Mental Health Day, the Integrity Club and the Capsule Student Club at the University of Knowledge activated an awareness-raising corner that aims to shed light on the importance of mental health and ways to maintain it. This corner was organized on the university campus as part of efforts to raise awareness among the university community about the need to care for mental health as an essential part of daily life [3].

The event, which coincided with World Mental Health Day, saw wide participation from male and female students, where awareness materials were distributed and open discussions were held on how to maintain mental health and achieve psychological balance in academic and personal life. Advice was also provided by specialists on the importance of psychological support and seeking help when needed.

This corner is part of a series of activities organized by the University of Knowledge to promote awareness of mental health and encourage the creation of an integrated educational and healthy environment that supports student success and development.

AI Enablathon / Hackathon (virtual workshops - open registration)

AlMaarefa University hosted the AI Enablathon and related hackathons with virtual workshops and open registration (onsite and remote). Sessions addressed AI applications for disability and mental health and were accessible to external participants, offering public education and skills training [4].

CME electronic training portal

The University’s CME and CPR portals provide open access to a variety of accredited courses and emergency-care workshops, offering registration options for both professionals and members of the general public. These training opportunities: some free and others offered at a nominal cost - cover essential areas such as continuing medical education, basic and advanced life support, and other emergency-response competencies.

By making these programs accessible beyond its enrolled student body, AlMaarefa University positions its CME and CPR platforms as public educational resources that strengthen community preparedness, enhance professional skills, and promote wider public awareness of lifesaving practices. These initiatives reflect the institution’s commitment to extending high-quality educational opportunities to practitioners, community members, and anyone interested in developing vital healthcare competencies) [5].

Aesthetic medical forum

Al-Maarifa University participated in the Aesthetic Medical Forum in cooperation with the organizing body, the Directorate of Health Affairs in the Riyadh Region, which was held at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center over a period of three days during the period 12/14 February 2019 AD [6]. Our delegation participating in the Knowledge Pavilion was hosted by the Deputy Minister of Health for Planning and Development, His Excellency Professor Fahd bin Abdul Rahman Al-Jalal, as well as a group of officials, stakeholders and health practitioners in public health from various regions of the Kingdom. Our participation included several topics such as healthy food, the harms of smoking and dental care and their effects on health and beauty. The pavilion contained a platform that included some medicines.

The university's participation came out of its belief in the importance of activating community participation in such occasions due to its interest in raising the level of health services to the highest levels.

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