SCA to partner with Effat University
The USC School of Cinematic Arts has entered into an agreement with Effat University in Saudi Arabia to collaborate in the establishment and development of a world-class academic program in Media and Digital Production (MDP).
The agreement was announced by Alan Baker, associate dean for international projects; Haifa Reda Jamalallail, president of Effat University; Elizabeth Garrett, USC provost and senior vice president for academic affairs; Holly Willis, academic programs director of the Institute for Multimedia Literacy; Her Royal Highness Princess Lolowah bint Faisal Al Saud; Doug Wellman, assistant dean of facilities; and Michael Renov, vice dean for academic affairs.
“We are very excited about the collaboration,” Garrett said. “I’m really honored to work with Princess Lolowah. I’ve read so much about the work that she’s done for women in Saudi Arabia, and I couldn’t be happier that we are playing a role in Effat University.”
The USC Institute for Multimedia Literacy will develop the curriculum for the undergraduate digital media program that begins next September. It will also participate in the Program Advisory Committee and commit to quality control audit visits for the MDP at Effat University. The two schools will work to train participants in the use of the moving image to convey stories, experiences and information and to advance the scholarship of new media.
“I want to thank everyone for your help,” Lolowah said. “It is very important to us, as a very old country, to be working with something so new. We have boosted education to a very high level, and I know how important this is to the future.
“To have excellent universities like USC with us will help all of the people of Saudi Arabia — particularly the females.”
Baker noted: “This ceremony initiates a groundbreaking relationship between the USC School of Cinematic Arts and Effat University.
“It was less than a year ago that we first met. In my experience, international agreements take an extraordinarily long time, and it’s a testament to Dr. Haifa’s dedication that we are standing here today.”
For more information on Effat University, visit www.effatcollege.edu.sa/Pages/Homepage.aspx
From left, Alan Baker, Haifa Reda Jamalallail, Her Royal Highness Princess Lolowah bint Faisal Al Saud and USC Provost Elizabeth Garrett (Photo/Roberto Gomez)