Employee Handbook for Northern Border University in Ar’ar, Saudi Arabia

1.
Employee
Handbook
and
Policies
Northern
Border
University
Ar’ar,
Saudi
Arabia
2011-­‐2012
Written
By
Andrew
Dullock
MA
Project
Manager:
Northern
Border
University
Aref
Al-­‐Bakr

2. Table
of
Contents
Introduction/About
the
Company
3
Ar’ar,
Saudi
Arabia
4
About
the
Kingdom
of
Saudi
Arabia
5
Employee
Handbook:
Hours
of
Operation/Work
Schedules
9
Team
Building/Cohesiveness
9
Attendance
Policy
9
Leave
of
Absence
9
Pay
and
Compensation
10
Overtime
10
Holidays
10
Vacation
11
Personal
Days
11
Sick
Days
11
Health
Benefits
11
Termination
11
Non-­Compete
12
Safety
Policy
12
Workplace
Security
Policy
12
Dress
Code
Policy
12
Smoking
Policy
13
Cancellation
of
Classes
13
Reprimands/Student
Behavior
13
Schedule
Change
13
Transportation
13
Contact
Information
14
2

3. Introduction
Welcome
to
Education
Experts.
This
handbook
was
developed
to
provide
you
with
an
information
resource
for
common
questions
and
concerns.
If
you
have
questions
or
concerns
about
the
policies
outlined
here,
you
should
contact
your
manager
or
Human
Resources.
The
policies
stated
in
this
handbook
are
subject
to
change
at
any
time
at
the
sole
discretion
of
the
Company.
From
time
to
time,
you
may
receive
updated
information
regarding
any
changes
in
policy.
The
contents
of
this
handbook
are
not
intended
to
create
a
contract
or
agreement
between
the
Company
and
you.
For
all
employees
in
a
contractual,
you
should
refer
to
the
agreement
which
governs
your
terms
and
conditions
of
employment.
There
are
specific
procedures
for
many
of
the
general
policies
stated
in
the
handbook.
Please
direct
any
questions
to
your
manager,
department
head,
or
to
Human
Resources.
About
the
Company
Education
Experts
is
a
national
company
that
strives
to
advance
institutions
and
individuals
with
endless
willingness
and
ambition
as
they
proceed
in
a
knowledge
era
that
does
not
compromise
on
high
quality
and
professionalism
standards.
The
company
works
in
the
production
and
spread
of
specialized
knowledge
through:
Education
and
training
for
individuals
and
institutions,
operating
and
improving
educational
and
training
facilities,
conducting
studies
and
research
and
providing
specialized
counseling,
organizing
conferences,
seminars,
and
specialized
gatherings.
The
Company’s
mission
is
to
spare
no
efforts
to
equip
individuals
and
institutions
with
educational,
training
and
counseling
services
and
to
operate
and
improve
related
facilities
to
efficiently
contribute
to
the
sustainable
societal
development,
armed
with
professional
experts
and
strategic
partnerships
that
activate
the
latest
internationally
accredited
criteria,
technologies
and
models
The
Company
vision
is
an
unprecedented
professionalism
in
the
building
of
a
knowledgeable
society.
3

4. The
Company’s
goals
include:
improving
the
operational
competence
of
the
human
and
material
resources
in
accordance
with
the
market
needs
and
beneficiaries’
satisfaction,
building
and
investing
in
effective
information
systems
that
participate
in
developing
outcomes
with
added
value,
creating
and
enhancing
outcomes
helpful
in
diversifying
investment
opportunities,
initiating
and
consolidating
creativity
supporting
strategic
partnerships,
taking
the
initiative
in
the
provision
of
community
service
programs,
inculcating
the
spirit
of
teamwork
among
co-­‐workers
to
deepen
the
feeling
of
institutional
loyalty
Ar’ar,
Saudi
Arabia
Ar’ar
city
is
located
in
the
northern
region
about
50
Km
from
the
Iraqi
border
at
an
elevation
of
1,854
feet
(565
meters).
Arʿar
was
settled
in
the
early
1950s.
Semi
nomadic
people
were
attracted
by
water
made
available
around
the
Trans
Arabian
Pipeline.
Agriculture
and
livestock
are
the
main
economic
activities.
Crops
include
alfalfa,
dates,
fruits,
and
vegetables.
Arʿar
has
a
technical
institute,
a
hospital,
and
an
airport.
the
estimated
current
population
is
145,237.
The
region's
population
receives
health
care
and
preventive
treatment,
through
a
number
of
health
institutions
equipped
with
modern
machinery
and
qualified
personnel.
The
town
of
Ar'ar
is
the
regional
headquarters
of
the
northern
border
region.
Ar'ar
is
the
crossing
point
for
many
of
the
Iraqi
pilgrims
entering
the
Kingdom
to
perform
Hajj.
It
is
approximately
1,100
kilometers
from
the
city
of
Riyadh.
Ar’ar
has
hot
summers
with
mild
nights.
It
is
very
cold
in
the
winter
and
winter
temperatures
drop
below
zero,
however,
rarely
it
snows.
In
2008,
Northern
Border
University
was
founded.
It
is
a
Saudi
university
that
consists
of
degrees
in
Science,
Education
and
the
Arts.
Several
colleges
in
the
provinces
of
Rafha
and
Tarif
came
together
to
form
the
University.
Recently
many
academic
disciplines
have
been
established
including:
the
university
of
science,
medical
sciences,
Pharmacy,
Social
Sciences,
Engineering,
and
Computer
Science.
As
of
today,
work
is
still
in
progress
expanding
the
campus
in
hopes
to
offering
more
disciplines’.
4

5. About
Saudi
Arabia
History: Saudi
Arabia
is
known
as
the
birthplace
of
Islam.
Islam
obliges
all
Muslims
to
make
the
Hajj,
or
pilgrimage
to
Makkah,
at
least
once
during
their
lifetime
if
they
are
able
to
do
so.
The
country
adheres
to
a
strict
interpretation
of
Islamic
religious
law
(Shari'a).
Men
and
women
are
not
permitted
to
attend
public
events
together
and
are
segregated
in
the
work
place.
Most
Saudis
are
ethnically
Arab.
Some
are
of
mixed
ethnic
origin
and
are
descended
from
Turks,
Iranians,
Indonesians,
Indians,
Africans,
and
others,
most
of
who
immigrated
as
pilgrims
and
reside
in
the
Hijaz
region
along
the
Red
Sea
coast.
Many
Arabs
from
nearby
countries
are
employed
in
the
kingdom.
There
also
are
significant
numbers
of
expatriate
workers
from
the
States,
Europe
and
some
of
the
far
Eastern
countries
The
Saudi
state
began
in
central
Arabia
in
about
1750.
A
local
ruler,
Muhammad
bin
Saud,
joined
forces
with
an
Islamic
reformer,
Muhammad
Abd
Al-­‐Wahhab,
to
create
a
new
political
entity.
Over
the
next
150
years,
the
fortunes
of
the
Saud
family
rose
and
fell
several
times
as
Saudi
rulers
contended
with
Egypt,
the
Ottoman
Empire,
and
other
Arabian
families
for
control
on
the
peninsula.
The
modern
Saudi
state
was
founded
by
the
late
King
Abdul
Aziz
Al-­‐Saud
(known
internationally
as
Ibn
Saud).
In
1902,
Abdul
Aziz
recaptured
Riyadh,
the
Al-­‐Saud
dynasty's
ancestral
capital,
from
the
rival
Al-­‐Rashid
family.
5

6. Continuing
his
conquests,
Abdul
Aziz
subdued
Al-­‐Hasa,
the
rest
of
Nejd,
and
the
Hijaz
between
1913
and
1926.
In
1932,
these
regions
were
unified
as
the
Kingdom
of
Saudi
Arabia.
Boundaries
with
Jordan,
Iraq,
and
Kuwait
were
established
by
a
series
of
treaties
negotiated
in
the
1920s,
with
two
"neutral
zones"-­‐-­‐one
with
Iraq
and
the
other
with
Kuwait-­‐-­‐created.
The
Saudi-­‐Kuwaiti
neutral
zone
was
administratively
partitioned
in
1971,
with
each
state
continuing
to
share
the
petroleum
resources
of
the
former
zone
equally.
Tentative
agreement
on
the
partition
of
the
Saudi-­‐Iraqi
neutral
zone
was
reached
in
1981,
and
partition
was
finalized
by
1983.
The
country's
southern
boundary
with
Yemen
was
partially
defined
by
the
1934
Treaty
of
Taif,
which
ended
a
brief
border
war
between
the
two
states.
It
remains
undefined
in
many
areas.
The
border
between
Saudi
Arabia
and
the
United
Arab
Emirates
was
agreed
upon
in
1974.
Boundary
differences
with
Qatar
remained
unresolved.
Climate:
Hot
and
dry
conditions
are
typical
of
most
of
the
country,
although
the
Asir
highlands
in
the
southwest
can
be
relatively
cold
and
moist.
In
summer,
daytime
temperatures
exceed
40
degrees
C
in
most
parts
of
the
Peninsula,
with
lower
areas
balanced
by
higher
humidity.
Most
hotels,
shops
and
restaurants
are
air-­‐conditioned.
The
cooler
months
from
November
to
April
are
very
pleasant,
although
in
Riyadh
and
higher
elevations
the
temperature
may
fall
at
night
to
zero
or
even
slightly
lower.
Language:
The
official
language
of
the
Kingdom
is
Arabic,
although
English
is
widely
understood
in
hotels,
department
stores
and
business
circles,
and
in
many
places
connected
with
tourism.
English
and
other
foreign-­‐language
newspapers
and
magazines
are
widely
available,
and
international
radio
and
satellite
TV
programs
are
also
received
in
a
variety
of
languages.
English
can
also
be
seen
in
some
advertisement
and
on
most
highway
signs.
Dress:
The
religion
and
customs
of
Saudi
Arabia
dictate
conservative
dress
for
both
men
and
women.
Any
depiction
of
religious
signs
or
symbols
on
clothing
in
public
is
strictly
prohibited.
Foreigners
are
given
some
leeway
in
the
matter
of
dress,
but
they
are
expected
to
follow
local
customs,
particularly
in
public
places.
As
a
general
rule,
foreign
men
should
wear
long
trousers
and
shirts
that
cover
the
upper
torso.
Foreign
6

7. women
should
wear
loose
fitting
skirts
with
hemlines
well
below
the
knee.
Sleeves
should
be
at
least
elbow
length
and
the
neckline
modest.
The
best
fashion
guideline
is
"conceal
rather
than
reveal".
Teenagers
are
also
required
to
dress
modestly
in
public
places.
Jeans
should
not
be
tight
fitting
and
low
necks
and
tank
tops
are
not
recommended.
Shorts
and
bathing
suits
should
not
be
worn
in
public.
Whatever
job
or
social
status,
Saudi
men
wear
the
traditional
dress
called
a
thobe.
Wearing
the
thobe
expresses
equality
and
is
also
perfectly
suited
to
the
hot
Saudi
climate.
During
warm
and
hot
weather,
Saudi
men
and
boys
wear
white
thobes.
During
the
cool
weather,
wool
thobes
in
dark
colors
are
not
uncommon.
At
special
times,
men
often
wear
a
bisht
or
mishlah
over
the
thobe.
These
are
long
white,
brown
or
black
cloaks
trimmed
in
gold.
A
man's
headdress
consists
of
three
things:
the
tagia,
a
small
white
cap
that
keeps
the
gutra
from
slipping
off
the
head;
the
gutra
itself,
which
is
a
large
square
of
cloth;
and
the
igal,
a
doubled
black
cord
that
holds
the
gutra
in
place.
Some
men
may
choose
not
to
wear
the
igal.
The
gutra
is
usually
made
of
cotton
and
traditionally
Saudis
wear
either
a
white
one
or
a
red
and
white
checked
one.
The
gutra
is
worn
folded
into
a
triangle
and
centered
on
the
head.
When
a
Saudi
woman
appears
in
public,
she
normally
wears
a
voluminous
black
cloak
called
an
abayah,
a
scarf
covering
her
hair
and
a
full-­‐face
veil.
There
are
varying
opinions
regarding
the
wearing
of
the
abayah
and
the
veil;
however,
Saudi
women
cover
themselves
in
public
and
in
the
presence
of
men
who
are
not
close
relatives.
Women's
fashions
do
not
stop
with
the
abayah
though
if
you
are
a
male
that
is
all
you
are
likely
to
see.
Beneath
the
black
cloak,
Saudi
women
enjoy
fashionable
clothing
and
take
great
pride
in
their
appearance.
They
enjoy
bright
colors
and
lavish
material.
Non-­‐Muslim
women
living
in
Saudi
Arabia
often
wear
the
abayah
as
a
sign
of
respect
for
local
customs.
Business
Hours:
Government
offices
are
open
Saturday
through
Wednesday
from
7:30
a.m.,
to
2:30
p.m.
The
official
weekend
holiday
for
the
government
and
some
private
businesses
is
Thursday
and
Friday.
Private
business
working
hours
vary
but
are
generally
from
7:30
or
8:00
a.m.
to
noon
and
from
3:30
or
4:00
p.m.
until
7:00
or
8:00
p.m.
General
banking
hours
are
from
9:00
a.m.
until
4:30
p.m.
7

8. Markets
and
shops
are
open
from
9:30
a.m.
until
12:30
p.m.,
and
from
around
4:00
p.m.
until
10:00
p.m.
During
the
month
of
"Ramadan",
working
hours
are
reduced.
Shops
and
Governmental
Offices
usually
open
late
evenings
during
the
month
of
Ramadan.
Religion:
Freedom
of
Religion
does
not
exist.
Islam
is
the
official
religion,
and
all
citizens
must
be
Muslims.
The
Government
prohibits
the
public
practice
of
other
religions.
Private
worship
by
non-­‐Muslims
is
permitted.
The
Government
has
declared
the
Islamic
holy
book
the
Koran,
and
the
Sunna
(tradition)
of
the
Prophet
Muhammad,
to
be
the
country's
Constitution.
The
Government
bases
its
legitimacy
on
governance
according
to
the
precepts
of
a
rigorously
conservative
form
of
Islam.
Neither
the
Government
nor
society
in
general
accepts
the
concept
of
separation
of
religion
and
state.
Conversion
by
a
Muslim
to
another
religion
is
considered
apostasy.
Public
apostasy
is
a
crime
under
Shari'a
(Islamic
law)
and
punishable
by
death.
Islamic
practice
generally
is
limited
to
that
of
the
Wahabi
order,
which
adheres
to
the
Hanbali
school
of
the
Sunni
branch
of
Islam
as
interpreted
by
Muhammad
Ibn
Abd
Al-­‐Wahab,
an
18th
century
religious
reformer.
Practices
contrary
to
this
interpretation,
such
as
visits
to
the
tombs
of
renowned
Muslims,
are
discouraged.
The
Shi'a
Muslim
minority
(roughly
800,000
of
nearly
14
million
citizens)
lives
mostly
in
the
Eastern
Province,
where
it
constitutes
about
one-­‐third
of
the
population.
8

9. Employee
Handbook
Hours
of
Operation/Work
Schedules
The
office
is
open
from
7:30
am
until
5:00
pm.
Certain
employees
may
be
assigned
to
different
work
schedules
and/or
shifts
outside
of
normal
office
hours.
If
an
employee
must
be
outside
of
the
office
for
non-­‐
business
related
reasons
during
their
normal
work
schedule,
they
should
inform
their
manager.
Team
Building/Cohesiveness
The
Company
is
committed
to
creating
a
work
environment
where
the
needs
of
our
students,
employees,
and
the
Company
are
balanced.
Therefore,
the
Company
tries
to
be
flexible
in
its
approach
to
work
styles
and
location.
Arrangements
may
be
made
on
an
“as
needed
basis”
or
set
up
on
a
regular
schedule.
In
either
case,
employees
are
encouraged
to
spend
time
working
in
the
office
whenever
possible.
This
allows
employees
to
be
accessible
to
students
and
creates
a
sense
of
consistency
and
collaboration
among
work
teams.
Attendance
Policy
Regular
attendance
is
essential
to
the
Company’s
efficient
operation
and
is
a
necessary
condition
of
employment.
When
employees
are
absent,
schedules
and
commitments
fall
behind,
and
other
employees
must
assume
added
workloads.
Employees
are
expected
to
report
to
work
as
scheduled
and
on
time.
If
it
is
impossible
to
report
for
work
as
scheduled,
employees
must
call
their
manager
before
their
starting
time.
If
your
manager
is
unavailable,
a
voice
message
should
be
left.
If
the
absence
is
to
continue
beyond
the
first
day,
the
employee
must
notify
their
manager
on
a
daily
basis
unless
otherwise
arranged.
Calling
in
is
the
responsibility
of
every
employee
who
is
absent.
Absence
for
three
consecutive
workdays
without
notifying
the
manager
is
considered
a
voluntary
termination.
Leave
of
Absence
Employees
are
eligible
to
apply
for
an
unpaid
leave
of
absence
if
they
have
been
a
regular
employee
of
the
Company
for
at
least
one
year
and
scheduled
to
work
20
hours
or
more
a
week.
The
employee’s
manager
9

10. will
make
a
decision
on
the
leave
request.
The
request
for
leave
will
be
reviewed
based
on
the
reason
for
the
request,
previous
attendance
record,
previous
leave
requests
and
the
impact
the
absence
will
have
on
the
Company.
Authorized
leaves
for
illness
or
disability
begin
after
employees
have
exhausted
accrued
sick
leave,
vacation
and
personal
holiday
time.
A
personal
leave
of
absence,
if
granted,
begins
after
vacation
and
personal
holiday
time
have
been
used.
Human
Resources
can
provide
employees
with
which
benefits,
in
addition
to
retained
seniority,
can
be
continued
during
the
leave.
If
an
employee
wishes
to
continue
benefits,
it
must
arrange
for
directly
with
Human
Resources.
If
the
request
for
leave
of
absence
for
personal
reasons,
the
employee’s
manager,
with
the
advice
of
Human
Resources,
will
decide
whether
the
current
position
will
be
held
open,
or
if
a
position
will
be
made
available
upon
the
employees
return
from
leave.
Pay
and
Compensation
Employees
are
paid
on
the
last
day
of
each
month.
New
employees
will
be
subjected
to
a
pro-­‐rated
salary
and
will
be
paid
upon
completing
one
full
month
of
work.
Overtime
Employees
are
eligible
to
receive
overtime
pay
if
they
work
more
than
30
contact
hours
in
a
given
week.
Holiday,
vacation,
and
sick
time
are
not
included
in
hours
used
to
determine
overtime
eligibility.
Overtime
pay
equals
1.5
times
the
employee’s
regular
hourly
rate.
Holidays
The
main
public
holidays
are
the
religious
festivals
of
Eid
al-­‐Fitr
(End
of
Ramadan)
and
Eid
al-­‐Adha
(Feast
of
the
Sacrifice),
when
government
offices,
educational
institutions
and
some
businesses
close
for
five
to
ten
days,
and
the
Saudi
National
Day
(Unification
of
the
Kingdom,
23
September
(1932))
as
well.
The
country’s
main
cultural
festival
is
Janadriya,
held
at
a
large
permanent
exhibition
site
about
30
km
northeast
of
Riyadh.
10

11. Vacation
All
full-­‐time
employees
are
eligible
for
vacation
pay.
Employees
are
entitled
to
a
paid
yearly
vacation
of
thirty
days
at
the
end
of
each
contractual
year
as
well
as
paid
official
holidays.
If
the
contractual
vacation
falls
outside
of
June,
July,
or
August,
the
employee
may
be
obliged
to
take
the
vacation
during
those
months.
All
vacations
require
approval
by
the
employer.
Employees
should
notify
their
manager
at
least
one
month
in
advance
of
taking
vacation
time.
All
vacation
requests
are
subject
to
manager
approval.
In
addition,
employees
should
directly
communicate
vacation
dates
to
co-­‐workers
to
ensure
students’
needs
are
met.
Personal
Days
Employees
are
not
eligible
for
paid
personal
days
per
calendar
year.
Sick
Days
Sick
days
are
not
provided
for
illness
of
the
employee,
their
spouse
or
children.
Employees
should
use
their
discretion
for
non-­‐illness
related
time
off.
All
full-­‐time
employees
will
be
subjected
to
receive
sick
days
according
to
the
following
schedule:
Employees
will
be
eligible
for
paid
sick
days
in
the
event
the
employee
produces
a
doctor’s
note
regarding
their
care
upon
returning
to
work.
Health
Benefits
Full-­‐time
employees,
their
spouses
and
eligible
dependent
children
are
eligible
for
health
benefits
on
the
first
day
of
the
month
following
30
days
of
continuous
employment.
For
health
benefits,
full-­‐time
employees
are
defined
as
regular
employees
who
work
exceed
30
hours
per
week.
Employees
should
consult
the
separate
materials
prepared
directly
by
the
Company’s
health
care
insurance
policies
for
details
of
the
plan.
Termination
Employees
who
voluntarily
resign
from
the
Company
are
asked
to
provide
at
least
two-­‐week
advance
notice
of
their
resignation
in
their
first
ninety
days,
and
thirty
days
advance
notice
after
completion
of
11

12. their
probationary
period.
This
notice
should
be
in
writing
and
should
briefly
state
the
reason
for
leaving
and
the
anticipated
last
day
of
work.
If
a
terminating
employee
is
eligible
for
any
incentive
compensation,
bonus,
and/or
awards,
they
must
be
actively
employed
on
the
date
the
compensation,
bonus
or
awards
are
presented
or
paid,
in
order
to
receive
the
compensation,
bonus
or
award.
Non-­Compete
The
employee
shall
not
work
for
any
other
competitive
company
or
perform
the
same
activity
performed
for
a
period
of
two
years
following
the
expiry
of
the
employees
contract
without
prior
written
consent.
Safety
Policy
The
Company
is
sincerely
interested
in
the
safety
and
well
being
of
our
employees.
The
Company
will
make
every
effort
to
keep
the
office
equipment
in
excellent
condition
and
make
sure
that
all
safety
devices
are
working
properly.
If,
in
spite
of
our
efforts
to
ensure
safe
working
conditions,
an
employee
has
an
accident
or
becomes
ill
on
the
job,
it
should
be
reported
to
the
manager
immediately.
They
will
see
that
prompt
medical
attention
is
provided.
Workplace
Security
Policy
The
Company
is
committed
to
maintain
a
safe
and
secure
workplace.
In
order
to
maintain
a
secure
work
environment,
the
company
strictly
prohibits
employees
and
visitors
from
bringing
any
harmful
item
on
Company
property.
In
addition,
all
visitors
are
asked
to
check
in
with
the
guard
at
the
front
gate.
Failure
to
comply
with
this
policy
will
result
in
disciplinary
action
up
to
and
including
termination.
Dress
Code
Policy
The
Company
maintains
a
professional
business-­‐working
environment.
All
employees
should
use
discretion
in
wearing
attire
that
is
inappropriate
for
the
office
and
customer
interaction.
Slacks,
shirts
must
have
collars
and
tucked
in
at
all
times,
ties
are
optional
for
males.
Please
verify
the
dress
code
with
your
school
on
special
circumstances.
Women
are
required
to
respect
the
culture
in
which
they
are
employed,
12

13. and
they
are
to
observe
conservative
dress
to
and
from
their
respected
workplace.
Smoking
Policy
The
Company
maintains
a
non-­‐smoking
policy
within
the
office.
Employees
should
smoke
only
in
those
areas
of
the
building
which
are
smoking
designated.
Cancellation
of
Class
Employees
must
use
their
discretion
in
the
event
that
cancellation
of
classes
is
warranted.
Circumstances
include:
weather,
no
attendance,
and/or
inoperable
conditions.
Reprimands/Student
Behavior
Employees
must
give
three
verbal
warnings
to
the
student
in
the
event
of
class
disruption,
inappropriate
language,
violence,
or
any
action
not
suitable
for
the
classroom
environment.
Following
the
third
verbal
warning
the
employee
may
direct
the
student
to
the
administration
for
further
punishment.
Schedule
Changes/Alterations
Employees
have
the
option
to
submit
a
schedule
change.
Schedule
changes
must
be
met
with
a
mutual
agreement
between
the
students
and
the
employee.
In
addition,
a
written
document
with
students’
signatures,
time
and
location
of
class,
and
employee
signature
must
be
submitted
to
the
administration
for
approval.
Transportation
Employees
will
be
given
a
transportation
schedule
after
approval
from
the
administration.
13