Article 37 of the Saudi Law of Universities

This article regulates the vice deans of colleges, deanships and institutes.

First: number and who holds the post

• Each college, deanship or institute has one or more vice deans.
• They are from the faculty members.

Second: method of appointment

• The dean nominates them.
• Their appointment is by decision of the university president.
• For two years, renewable.

Third: duties

• The vice dean assists the dean in his work.
• The most senior vice dean, where there are several, deputizes for the dean during his absence or when his post is vacant.
• One of them serves as secretary of the college or institute council.

Note that the text sets seniority as the criterion for deputizing for the dean, so the matter is not left to choice. The article does not explain how seniority is calculated, for example by date of appointment or by academic rank, so this cannot be asserted from its text. Deputizing also covers both absence and a vacancy in the post.

This article is linked to Article 36, which has the dean manage the scientific, educational, administrative and financial affairs of the college or institute and submit a detailed annual report to the university president; the vice deans assist him in these responsibilities. It is also linked to Article 38, which provides for department heads to be appointed by decision of the university president on the nomination of college deans for two years, renewable.

Anyone concerned with the appointment of a vice dean or his deputizing for the dean may consult a lawyer specializing in administrative cases.