Prince Mohammed bin Fahd University abbreviated as PMU is a private university in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. PMU is an initiative of Prince Mohammad bin Fahd former Governor of Eastern Province who in the year 2002 decided to establish a University in the Eastern Province. The university’s Motto is ‘Making History. Building Leaders’ and has Dr. Issa Al- Ansari as the University President.

The feasibility study which was done by The Consulting Center for Finance and Investment – CCFI was finalized in June 2003. The findings of the feasibility study aided in decision making on which academic programs were to be offered by Prince Mohammed bin Fahd University. It also offered recommendations concerning needed capital investments and operational costs. 

The university was later established in September, 2006. Inauguration took place in April 2006 and was formally opened on 8 October 2008 with bachelor’s degrees in 17 academic programs with some courses taught in Arabic. (Gotti, 2014).

PMU is an accredited University and is accredited by the Saudi Ministry of Education and regionally by NCAAA (The National Commission for Academic Accreditation and Assessment) which is responsible for determining standards and procedures for accreditation and quality assurance and accrediting post-secondary institutions and programs within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

1.2 Courses and Programs

It is composed of four colleges: College of Engineering, College of Computer Engineering and Science, College of Business Administration and College of Sciences and Human Studies.

The courses offered in the various colleges are as below:

• College of Engineering.

– B.S. in Electrical Engineering.

– B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.

– B.S. in Civil Engineering.

• College of Computer Engineering & Science.

– B.S. in Information Technology.

– B.S. in Computer Science.

– B.S. in Computer Engineering.

• College of Business Administration.

– B.S. in Accounting.

– B.S. in Business Administration.

– B.S. in Finance.

– B.S. in Management Information Systems.

– B.S. in Human Resource Management.

– Executive Master in Business Administration (EMBA).

– Masters in Business Administration (MBA).

• College of Sciences and Human Studies.

– B.A. in LAW

The university makes use of English Language as its language of instruction in all degree programs and courses apart from those students who major in the study of Arabic Language and Islamic Studies.

Prince Mohammed bin Fahd University emphasizes on the utilization of information Technology throughout the institution in all academic programs and in the Management.

2.1 Mission statement.

The university mission is to achieve the following objectives:

• Contribute to the advancement of human intelligence and promulgation and development of knowledge.
• Prepare specialized candidates in various fields of human knowledge through utilizing modern technologies in the education process.
• Transform the graduate to play a pioneering and leading role in the community, enabling him or her to take responsibilities and contribute to solving problems through innovative thinking, collective work, reflection and self-development.
• Link academic programs and specializations with actual requirements of the surrounding work environment. This is undertaken by maintaining effective participation and cooperation between the University and local business firms.
• Guide research activities to create solutions for persistent problems in surrounding communities, through applied research and technical consultation. The importance of performing basic scientific research for enriching human intelligence should not be neglected.
• Provide community service through continuous training and education.

2.2 Vision statement.

The vision of the founders is to ensure that the University is a unique and distinguished higher education institution that participates in:

• Preparing future leaders in various fields of human knowledge and its application.
• Enriching and developing intelligence.
• Exploring innovative methodologies and technologies to achieve its objectives.
• Breaking the barrier between the academic and business society.

2.3 Values of the Company.

Prince Mohammed bin Fahd University has established defining institutional characteristics that have a significant impact on the nature of the university, its degree programs as well as its faculty. Those characteristics include.

• A student-centered approach to education and instruction including utilization, engagement, feedback and repetition.
• A willingness to undertake professional development activities necessary to learn how to implement a student-centered, communicative classroom environment.
• A personal and professional commitment to lifelong learning.
• Sensitivity to Arab culture and Islamic religious practices and expectations.

PMU has a number of departments who are charged with different responsibilities that enhance the success of the university as a whole.  (“RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES AT THE DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AT PRINCE MOHAMMAD BIN FAHD UNIVERSITY”, 2017) The various departments and their functions are as discussed below:

3.1 Human Resource Department.

The Human Resources (HR) Department at Prince Mohammad University (PMU) fosters high-end professional working environment with the highest level of human resources services and customer satisfaction. (“Accounting System and Financial Performance Measurements”, 2011)

Responsibilities carried out in this department include:

• Providing quality HR services for Staff and Faculty which includes transportation, housing & educational allowance, leave among others.
• Recruiting and supporting the hiring of quality individuals.
• Providing quality compensation and benefits programs responsive to employee needs.
• Developing and motivating employees through education and training.
• Enhancing the quality of work life.
• Creating and valuing diversity.

` 3.2 Information Technology Department. (IT)

This is the department that oversees the installation and maintenance of computer network systems within a company. Its primary function is to ensure that the network runs smoothly (Alothman, Robertson & Michaelson, 2017).The It Department in PMU is charged with the following responsibilities

• Provide different departments with technology infrastructures that ensure the delivery of effective instruction and information.
• Provide students with technology infrastructure that equips them with necessary skills and knowledge in various working environments.
• Provide the overall PMU Administration with reliable, secure and cost effective IT environment that meets the day to day business needs of the university.
• Provide technology tools to facilitate effective student support services. 

3.3 Public relations department.

Public Relations department in an organization helps a business to maintain an image in the market by building a strong customer base and managing issues and affairs related to business that directly or indirectly affects the public. (Miles, 2016)

The public relations department in PMU carries out this function through the following ways:

• Building strong connections with government agencies and other universities.
• Manage Public Relations in planning, coordinating and executing public relations activities and events at the University to promote a positive image.
• Manage Public Relations and other staff in coordinating University print, broadcast and new media advertising campaigns.
• Supervise production, delivery, distribution and payment of University publications such as, college catalogs, printed programs brochures, news and other media report.
• Approves writing and distributing news releases announcing important university information and events; updates and maintains University online calendar of events.
• Proofs print and broadcast copy for grammatical and typographical errors.
• Arranges for timely purchase, acquisition, and solicit bids from vendors.
• Arranges photo shoots with professional photographers and provides digital photography for publications and to record special events; maintains District’s electronic photo archives; coordinates mass-mailings of weekly/daily internal newsletter and other special mailings.
• Supervise and manage every event, on and off campus activities.

3.4 Finance affair department.

Department of Finance acts as a guide to various departments in financial matters. Finance department is also responsible for monitoring and review of financial allocations. (Clausen & Flor, 2015)

The Accounting Department at Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU) is responsible for managing the accounting policies, procedures, and financial reporting of the University. (“Asian Finance Association 2012 International Conference”, 2011) This includes functions such as:

• Payroll- Refers to the function of calculating and payment of employees’ salaries and wages, bonuses, and withheld taxes as well as maintenance of records on the same.
• Budgeting- Refers to the function of coming up with a plan on how to utilize financial resources of the company.(Clemens, 2000)
• Accounts Receivable (Cash Receipts)-Refers to the function of managing records on money owed by the company by its clients as well as following up and collecting the same.
• Banking Functions- Refers to functions such as depositing and writing of cheque, withdrawal and deposit of money as well as bank reconciliations.(Haigh, 2014)
• Financial Accounting, general ledger and all internal and external financial reporting(Baker & Passmore, 2007)
• Fixed Assets acquisition and disposal.

3.5 Housekeeping department.

The department has a team of workers who arrange and clean the campus.

3.6 Security and safety department.

The department protects both the student staff as well as university’s assets from random and intended incidents. The department achieves this through measures such as:

• Checking all vehicles (In and Out) PMU and Housing Compound: All vehicles going in and out of the campus/housing compounds must be inspected by security staff.(“Investments in Human Capital: Elements of Investments, Their Valuation, and the Related Financial Performance Ratios”, 2013)
• Classrooms Inspection: Daily inspection of classrooms and other learning points.
• Inspection for all contractors going in & out of the campus: All contractors will be inspected by security.

3.7  Career Services Department.

PMU acknowledges the fact that planning for a career is essential for developing a rewarding and successful career path.

 The Department of Career Services provides students from freshman through graduate level with services that promise students a brighter career. (Garis, 2014)
The department assists students with career development and help search for part-time and full-time employment. To further develop students for the job market, the Department of Career Services holds annual career fairs and year round workshops for polishing student skills and traits. (“Impact of Using E-learning Skills by Academic Staff Members in their Teaching at Some Saudi Universities”, 2016)
The department offers students several services such as resume and portfolio building, graduate study advising, internship opportunities, and job placement.

The department has a mission to empower, support, and educate students and alumni in exploring rewarding career paths locally and internationally with a vision to provide valuable career development services that are beneficial for the students and the community. 

The departments achieve its goal through:

• Assisting students in choosing a major for success at the university.
• Assisting students with internship and volunteer opportunities.
• Help students and alumni in exploring, choosing, and implementing successful career plans.
• Provide employment opportunities, job market trends, and career related information to students and alumni.
• Promote students and alumni to utilize and develop interpersonal and soft skills.

The university has approximately 100 employees who fall under various departments and have distinct duties as summarized in the organizational chart below; (Aita, 2016).I was attached at the Students affairs department. This department is also known as

Student support or student services department. It is the department or division of services and support for student success at institutions of higher education to enhance student growth and development. (Collins, 2013)

This department ensures that students learning environment is conducive and offers opportunities for growth and development within the campus and also impart skills to help students adapt

The Students affairs department in PMU performs functions such as:

• Providing programs to orient new students to the university.

This ensures that the students are familiar with all amenities, rules, policies and procedures of the university and thus can access them with no difficulties. The students are also made familiar of the channels they can use to air their grievances if need arises. (Chaney & Rojas-Guyler, 2015)

• Providing opportunities for student involvement and leadership.

PMU through the student’s leadership offers opportunities of involvement in leadership by students. This prepares the students for better leadership position after their education by imparting them with skills such as motivation, communication, creativity, delegation, trustworthiness among others.

This is a support process in which a trained and acknowledged individual known as a counselor holds face to face talks with any student to help him or she solves a personal problem, or helps improve that person’s attitude, behavior, or character.

Counselling in PMU plays a big role in enhancing students’ self-esteem, reducing cases of gross misconduct and also enhances team spirit. This shapes an individual mentally and the result is improved performance in all areas of life including education.

• Providing a safe, orderly and positive campus climate, and eventually developing a safe and supportive residential community.

During my internship period I carried the following student affairs duties among other duties:

• Front list registration

This entailed helping and registering the students in their various courses of interest. Registration was essential so as to know the number of students undertaking a particular course in a given time period. This also ensured that the students had registered in the correct course of interest and in accordance to their qualification. 

• Orientation

Under this I created electronic brochures and maps to help and guide the new students in the university, make a presentation to introduce the student to the university and its departments. Orientation was key action to ensure students familiarized themselves with PMU University, its facilities, processes, procedures, rules and regul

• Student council election.
• I coordinated a competitive campaign that ensured delivery of PMU mission and vision to the students before they voted. 
• I used a voting program and inserted the potential student council for 2018, taught the students how to use it and sent an electronic announcement to the student body with details of the time and date of the voting,
• Marketing PMU.

I was involved in the following activities that enabled me to market the university. (“Improving a graduate Marketing Management course: a case study with input from students”, 2016)

• School Visits.

I coordinated and planned three school visits to market the University among the students in those schools. In this I prepared a plan and communicated with all departments who provided me with a representative to speak briefly about her major in the university and what makes it different.

From this marketing activity I have created a data system to collect the potential students’ information for marketing purposes. I have also come up with videos about the culture and facilities of the university that enabled me to market the university efficiently. 

• Law Fait

Law Fait was one of the events I have worked on together with the students from various departments. I communicated with companies to sponsor the event. The event had entrepreneurs and booths about different subjects in law. I invited schools to attend the event for marketing purposes 

• Job fair.

Make a job fair at the university and send invitations to different companies to show the six competences of the university students. The event aimed at marketing the university quality and its student’s level. (Beam, 2016)

• Innovation Center Events

I coordinated an event where I invited different companies and the local TV to make a report of the event. This event was aimed at promoting the university as an innovation center. The event was open to students, faculty, staff and local community. From this I made a database from the visitors who attended. The main goal of this event was to promote the university and show its quality. (Schulte-Römer, 2017)

• Budgeting and planning.

Every event I worked on or places I paid visits I had to create a proposal which communicated the purpose and objective of the event. (Showstack, 2017)  I was also required to give the agenda and budget required to run the event. This improved my planning and budgeting skills.

• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Breast Cancer Awareness.

I was also engaged in CSR activity which entailed Breast cancer awareness. (Summerour, Parvaiz & Isgar, 2013) In this I had to liase with hospitals by email for the preparation and coordination for the success of the event. I Sent E-invitation to the students to attend the event. (Trong Tuan, 2012)

I also did preparation of the auditorium to have a lecture there.

• Denim event.

The main concept of the event was to recycle used denims and gift it to charities as a community service. In this I invited different businesses from outside and the event also helped in promotion of the university.

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