5.1

Purpose and Scope

Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University (PSAU) is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in all its academic and administrative operations. This Whistleblower Framework (“the Framework”) is established to encourage and enable members of the University community to report suspected misconduct or violations in good faith, with the assurance that such reports will be handled confidentially and without fear of retaliation. The Framework applies to all students, faculty, staff, administrators, and any other individuals (such as contractors or volunteers) associated with PSAU.

Covered Misconduct: This Framework covers any academic or administrative misconduct that undermines the ethical or legal standards of the University. Examples of reportable wrongdoing include, but are not limited to:

Academic or Research Misconduct: plagiarism, cheating on exams, fabrication or falsification of research data, violation of research ethics, or other breaches of academic integrity.

Administrative or Financial Misconduct: embezzlement, fraud, theft of University assets, bribery, misappropriation of funds, procurement irregularities, or other corrupt practices.

Violation of Laws or University Policies: any action by a member of the University that violates applicable laws, regulations, or University policies – including discrimination or harassment, misuse of authority, endangerment of health and safety, and willful non-compliance with official regulations.

Other Unethical Conduct: serious improper conduct such as abuse of power, nepotism, gross mismanagement, or deliberate concealment of any wrongdoing listed above.

Definitions

For purposes of this Framework, the following definitions apply:

Whistleblower: An individual who reports in good faith a suspected act of misconduct, wrongdoing, or violation of law/framework within the University. Whistleblowers may include students, faculty, staff or any person associated with PSAU who voices a concern about improper activities.

Good Faith: The honest and reasonable belief that one is reporting a real or potential issue of misconduct. A report made in good faith means the reporter genuinely suspects wrongdoing, even if it is later found to be unsubstantiated. Reports made with knowledge of their falsity or with malicious intent are not in good faith and are not protected by this Framework.

Misconduct: Any unethical behavior, violation of law or regulation, or breach of University framework. This includes academic misconduct (such as cheating or research fraud) and administrative misconduct (such as financial impropriety or abuse of authority), as detailed under Purpose and Scope.

Retaliation: Any form of adverse action or reprisal against an individual for reporting misconduct or for cooperating in an investigation. Retaliation can include harassment, intimidation, demotion, firing or expulsion, unfair grading, blacklisting, or any other action that negatively impacts the individual’s status or working/learning environment as a consequence of their whistleblowing. Retaliation is strictly forbidden under this Framework.

Reporting Procedures

PSAU has established clear and multiple channels for reporting suspected misconduct. The University encourages individuals to report through the channel they are most comfortable with. These channels include:

Generic Reporting System: PSAU has implemented a confidential, web-based Generic Reporting System accessible through the University's official website. This platform allows all members of the University community to securely submit concerns, whether anonymously or with their identity disclosed. Reports are automatically logged and routed to the appropriate University units for review. The platform ensures user privacy and enables follow-up communication where needed.

Access the system at: www.psau.edu.sa/report

Features:

User-friendly interface for submitting complaints or reports

Anonymous submission option

Reference code for status tracking and follow-up

Secure data handling and confidentiality protection

Immediate Supervisor or Academic/Administrative Head: In many cases, employees or students should first consider reporting concerns to their direct supervisor, department chair, Dean, or another appropriate official within their faculty or unit.

Designated University Offices: Depending on the nature of the concern, certain offices have particular responsibility.

4.3.2 Public events (lifelong learning)

The Deanship of Library Affairs organized an eight-day event in conjunction with World Book and Copyright Day in the university city of Al-Kharj, in which culture and intellectual activities were launched, in collaboration with the Zahraa Al Maarifa Library for Publishing. More than 40 local publishing houses engaged in books, culture, and information, as well as several prominent government institutions and charitable groups, have pavilions at the expo. Knowledge, according to the university, is the foundation for civilization's renaissance and an influential factor in constructing a bright present and future as well as a creative and productive community. As a result, book fairs are increasingly important because they get books into the hands of readers and allow them to compare and contrast what is good and what is better. There is little doubt that promoting a reading culture and a culture of book acquisition is an important step toward good change in the community. The exhibition went to local families and educational institutions, and they put the book fair at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University to their stations' calendars so that they could attend and profit from this high-quality cultural event.

The university's achievements in this field are:

The number of books that the university has available is close to two hundred thousand books in the various libraries of the university, and we look forward to more, God willing.
PSAU has twenty-four libraries in various faculties and colleges of the provinces and scientific centers.
The university has been participating in the Saudi Digital Library since its inception, and the university has achieved advanced positions in the use and benefit of electronic scientific resources.
Organizing a book fair, which is being held by the university this year for the first time, as a culmination of the university's achievements, in support of the local university community, and contributing to scientific and cultural

Tenth Championship of Cross Country Running for Saudi Universities

Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University (PSAU) hosted the Tenth Championship of Cross Country Running for Saudi Universities. Various Committees have supervised this sport event. These Committees enjoyed great experiences in managing and organizing the crowds and youth gatherings. This activity is aligned with PSAU mission to serve and care for the youth in our community.