Policy Against All Forms of Discrimination

Policy on Equal Access and Non-Discrimination

Effective 2025

Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University (PSAU) upholds a comprehensive and publicly accessible institutional framework to ensure the dignity, rights, and equitable treatment of all individuals within its academic, professional, and community environments. The University expressly prohibits all forms of discrimination on the basis of gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, immigration status, or any other protected characteristic.

This policy is aligned with PSAU’s public commitments through the Policy on Equal Access to All, the Policy Against All Forms of Discrimination, and the University’s SDG Policy Formulation Framework. Together, these frameworks reinforce PSAU’s ongoing efforts to provide inclusive, fair, and merit-based access to its opportunities and resources.

Core Principles and Provisions

Access to Academic Programmes and Services
All academic programmes, campus facilities, and support services are available to students without discrimination. Inclusive admissions procedures, needs-based accommodations, and accessible programme design ensure that individuals from all backgrounds and abilities are supported.
Employment and Participation
Faculty and staff recruitment at PSAU is merit-based, transparent, and free from bias. Equal opportunity policies extend to student employment, internships, and professional development. Discriminatory practices based on gender, nationality, religion, or disability are explicitly prohibited.
Outreach and Lifelong Learning Activities
PSAU ensures inclusive access to community outreach programmes and continuing education, whether delivered through its academic colleges or engagement centres. Activities are intentionally designed to include women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds.
Preventive Measures and Grievance Redress
The University provides internal grievance mechanisms and ethical reporting channels to address violations of this policy. These systems are confidential, non-retaliatory, and designed to uphold principles of justice, accountability, and transparency.
Monitoring and Continuous Review
The implementation of this policy is monitored through annual and biennial reviews conducted by PSAU’s Quality Assurance and SDG Committees. These evaluations assess progress, recommend adjustments, and ensure policy alignment with national and international standards.
Policy Communication and Accessibility
All non-discrimination policies are made publicly available in both Arabic and English through the PSAU website. Awareness of these policies is supported through induction sessions, workshops, and internal communications to ensure that all members of the university community understand their rights and responsibilities.

Policy of Non-Discrimination Against Women

PSAU holds a clear and deliberate commitment to gender equity, ensuring that women are afforded full and equal access to all academic, employment, and leadership opportunities within the University.

The policy affirms the University’s obligation to provide a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment for all students, faculty, and staff—regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, nationality, or background.

Key provisions specific to non-discrimination against women include:

Equal Access to Programmes and Leadership
Women have equitable access to all academic disciplines, leadership development pathways, and institutional governance mechanisms. Female students, faculty, and staff are represented across all departments, with institutional targets set to promote gender balance where underrepresentation exists.
Workplace Equity and Academic Inclusion
The University guarantees gender-equal terms for employment, promotion, and professional development. Discriminatory barriers to female participation in research, outreach, and executive roles are actively dismantled through policy enforcement and cultural awareness initiatives.
Safeguards and Grievance Procedures
Dedicated grievance channels and ethical reporting systems are in place for all members of the university to confidentially report violations. These mechanisms protect the rights of women and ensure accountability without fear of retaliation.
Dedicated Support Systems
PSAU provides safe, inclusive learning environments for women through dedicated facilities, mentorship programmes, and psychosocial support services. Career guidance, maternity support, and work–life balance frameworks are embedded into institutional practices.
Policy Enforcement and Protection
Women at PSAU are protected from all forms of gender-based discrimination and harassment. Violations are addressed swiftly through dedicated ethics offices, with established pathways for redress and support.
The policy is overseen by PSAU’s Quality Assurance and Strategic Planning Unit, in coordination with SDG implementation bodies, and is subject to regular internal and external review to assess compliance and propose improvements.
Public Commitment and Leadership Accountability
The University’s senior leadership is accountable for the effective implementation of gender inclusion policies. Progress in promoting women’s participation is transparently reported through institutional SDG updates and national education performance indicators.
Public Accessibility
The full policy is available in Arabic and English on the website:
https://ca.psau.edu.sa/en/p sau-sdg-p olicy-form ul ation