Scientific Excellence Medal Initiative

Initiative Description

The Scientific Excellence Medal Initiative is one of the initiatives aimed at developing and enhancing the skills of graduate students at Taibah University in alignment with labor market requirements. The initiative is directly linked to achieving one of the University’s strategic plan objectives, which focuses on developing students’ skills and competencies.
The initiative emphasizes strengthening graduate students’ research, professional, and leadership skills by building an integrated skills portfolio that highlights their scientific achievements, high-quality volunteer contributions, and professional development. This, in turn, enhances their professional readiness and competitiveness in the labor market. The initiative also seeks to motivate high-achieving students by honoring outstanding individuals and awarding the Distinguished Graduate Student Medal in recognition of their efforts and achievements, thereby promoting a culture of excellence and positive competition.

Objectives of the Initiative

To develop the research, professional, and leadership skills and competencies of graduate students in line with labor market requirements and to enhance their professional readiness.
To build a comprehensive skills and research portfolio for graduate students that showcases their scientific achievements, distinguished volunteer participation, and professional growth.
To train graduate students through specialized professional training programs delivered via global platforms and training programs, ensuring their readiness to compete in the labor market.
To recognize and motivate outstanding students by awarding the Distinguished Graduate Student Medal in appreciation of their achievements, thereby encouraging continued excellence and innovation.

Target Group

Graduate students who are registered and enrolled at the University.

Duration of the Initiative

One year from the launch date of the initiative:
23/12/2025 – 03/07/1447 AH.

Initiative Ownership

Administration of Graduate Studies under the Vice Presidency for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research.

Initiative Partners

Deanship of Student Affairs.
Administration of E-Learning.

Terms and Conditions

The applicant must be a registered and enrolled student in one of the University’s graduate programs.
The student must have completed at least nine credit hours.
Submission of two academic recommendations from University faculty members.

Initiative Procedures

Preparatory Phase

Students apply through a dedicated application link within the specified initiative period.
All required documents must be attached to the application.
The Administration of Graduate Studies conducts an initial review to verify eligibility; applications that do not meet the terms and conditions are excluded.

First Phase

Participating students build their skills portfolio in accordance with the required criteria and upload it via the designated link.
Students’ files are referred to the competent committee at the Administration of Graduate Studies for evaluation based on first-phase selection criteria.
The committee announces the names of the top ten students based on the first-phase criteria to qualify for the second phase.

Second Phase

The top ten nominated students receive a six-month subscription license to the FutureX platform.
Participating students add certificates from completed courses to their skills portfolio according to the required criteria and upload it via the designated link.

Third Phase

Students’ files are referred again to the competent committee at the Administration of Graduate Studies for evaluation based on second-phase selection criteria.
The committee announces the names of the top five students based on third-phase selection criteria through the initiative committee at the Administration of Graduate Studies.

Final Phase

Students receive an official certificate of appreciation issued by the Vice Presidency for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research at Taibah University.
Winners are awarded the Distinguished Graduate Student Medal.

First-Phase Selection Criteria

Criterion	Evaluation Method	Weight
Cumulative GPA	Score = (GPA / 5) × 15 Condition: The student must have completed at least nine credit hours.	15
Volunteer Work	Score = (Volunteer hours / 20) × 20 Conditions: Volunteer work must be directly related to the academic specialization or educational/research activities; documented on the volunteer platform; general (non-academic) volunteer work is not counted; maximum of 20 hours.	20
Research Participation	Published or accepted paper in peer-reviewed journals: Q1 = 25 points, Q2 = 20 points, Q3 = 15 points, Q4 = 10 points OR conference presentation participation (varied levels: 10, 8, 6, or 4 points) Condition: Maximum score for this criterion is 25 points; only the highest score is counted.	25
Training Programs	Score = (Number of training programs / 20) × 40 Conditions: Programs must be offered by the Deanship of Graduate Studies in collaboration with internal or external entities; programs must be conducted during the student’s graduate study period.	40
Total		100

Second-Phase Selection Criteria

Criterion	Evaluation Method	Weight
Skills Portfolio (First Phase)	20% of the total first-phase score	20
FutureX Platform Subscription	Score = (Number of training certificates / 5) × 40 Maximum of 5 certificates	40
Professional Certifications	Specialized professional certification	40
Total		100

Tie-Breaking Rules

In the event of a tie in the final scores at any stage of the initiative, and after applying the approved selection criteria, tied cases are referred to the Initiative Committee for review and a final recommendation following deliberation, in a manner that ensures fairness and equal opportunity among applicants.