Classes will be suspended at Qassim University and technical colleges tomorrow, Thursday
Qassim University has officially announced the suspension of in-person classes and the shift to distance learning for all students across all its campuses and branches tomorrow, Thursday. This decision was made in response to reports from the National Center for Meteorology and in the interest of the safety of university staff and students due to the expected weather fluctuations in the region.
In a related context, the General Directorate of Technical and Vocational Training in the Qassim region has taken a similar decision to suspend in-person training in all technical colleges, industrial institutes and training institutes in the region, and to adopt remote training via approved electronic platforms, in order to ensure the continuity of the training process without interruption while maintaining the safety of male and female trainees.
Decision-making mechanism and weather warnings
This measure activates the powers granted to university administrators and education departments in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, enabling them to suspend in-person classes based on field data and reports from the National Center for Meteorology. The center's automated early warning system serves as a primary resource in such cases, issuing color-coded alerts (yellow, orange, red) to indicate the severity of the weather conditions, thus assisting officials in making appropriate proactive decisions.
Digital readiness and the continuity of education
The smooth and sudden transition to distance learning reflects the robust digital infrastructure of educational institutions in Saudi Arabia, a key outcome of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which prioritizes digital transformation across all sectors. Qassim University and the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) possess advanced educational platforms (such as Blackboard and e-learning platforms) that ensure the efficient delivery of lectures and lessons. This means that the "suspension" option does not signify a halt to education, but rather a shift in its format to prioritize safety.
Public safety priority
The relevant authorities in the Kingdom prioritize the safety of lives and property during the rainy season and periods of unstable weather. Decisions to suspend in-person classes primarily aim to reduce traffic congestion on streets and roads during heavy rainfall or strong surface winds. This facilitates the work of service and security agencies in dealing with any water accumulations or field emergencies, and protects students and educational staff from road hazards.
