Student Handbook - Sohar University

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Sep 11, 2001 - The aim of the program is to develop student skills to the level of IELTS ... gain knowledge and skills i
Undergraduate

Student Handbook 2017/2018

Vice Chancellor’s Message It is my great pleasure to welcome you as a student to Sohar University. I hope you have a rewarding and enjoyable learning experience during your time at University. We aim to provide first-class tuition from well qualified and experienced academic staff delivered in modern state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities. The campus provides high-quality lecture theatres and modern laboratories with the latest teaching and research equipment. The Learning Resources Centre a world-class facility that is an asset to both students and staff. It is the focal point for learning on the campus. I encourage you to make the most of your time at the University by working hard, participate in activities, enjoy your stay with us and ultimately graduate to your place in the world. By so doing, you will not only assure your own future but also you will strengthen the reputation of Sohar University and contribute to the development of Oman. The University has a number of exciting projects linked to research and industry and as a student you will have the opportunity to benefit from these initiatives both through the related tuition in the degree programmes and through work undertaken in courses. This handbook is designed to help you throughout your course of study and you should retain it for future reference. I am sure you will enjoy the challenge that studying at University brings. Finally, may I take the opportunity of wishing you every success in your studies at Sohar University.

Professor Barry Winn Vice-Chancellor

Table of Contents Part 1:

University Context

Part 2:

Academic Programs and Units

Part 3:

Academic Information

Part 4:

Academic Program Information

Part 5:

Progression and Assessment

Part 6:

Academic Support Services

Part 7:

Student Support Services

Part 8:

General Rules and Regulations

Part 9:

Appendices

Part 1: University Context

Part One: University Context

Academic Calendar

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SEMESTER 1

SEMESTER 2

S1 Classes Begin 17 September 2017

S2 Classes Begin 18 February 2018

Registration Closes Add/Drop Period Ends 28 September 2017

Registration Closes Add/Drop Period Ends 1 March 2018

Student Orientation Week 1 October 2017

Student Activities Week 8-12 April 2018

S1 Student Feedback Survey Starts 20 November 2017

S2 Student Feedback Survey Starts 22 April 2017

S1 Student Feedback Survey Ends 4 December 2017

Student Feedback Survey Ends 7 May 2018

S1 Classes End 28 December 2017

S2 Classes End 31 May 2018

Exam Period 31 December -11 January 2018

Exam Period 3-14 Jun 2018

EXAM RESULTS 24 January 2018

EXAM RESULTS 4 July 2018

Re-Sit Revision and Exam Week 28-30 January 2018

Re-Sit Revision and Exam Week 8-10 July 2018

Re-Sit Exam Day 31 January 2018

Re-Sit Exam Day 11 July 2018

Re-Sit RESULTS 8 February 2018

Re-Sit RESULTS 19 July 2018

Sohar University (SU) was established by Ministerial Decree on 11 September 2001 as the first private university in the Sultanate of Oman. It was granted degree awarding powers, with the authority to provide programs and courses whose successful completion leads to the academic awards of the University. This authority is, of course, subject to the rulings of the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) and the Oman Academic Accreditation Authority (OAAA).

SU Mission, Vision and Values Mission To develop skilled, knowledgeable, articulate and enterprising graduates who, through their challenging learning experience at Sohar University, are able to contribute effectively to the changing world in which they live and work.

Vision To be recognised internationally as an inclusive university of excellence through quality teaching, research and engagement that increasingly adds value to the economy, society and culture of Oman.

Values

Part One: University Context

Supportive: Creating a supportive academic environment which ensures that learning is their central focus, combined with social, cultural, sporting and recreational opportunities to enable the full realisation of their potential for academic and personal development.

Ethical: Fostering the highest academic and professional standards and encouraging the spirit of open and critical thought and enquiry, academic exchange and dialogue and expecting the highest standards of professional and ethical behaviour.

Engaged: Engaging with our Omani community and society.

Flexible: Being responsive to the needs of industry.

Transparent: Accountability through effective management and governance.

Excellent: Productivity and excellent service through the setting and rewarding of high standards of performance.

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Part 2: Academic Programs & Units

The University’s General Foundation Program (GFP) provides a bridge for students transitioning from high school to faculties. Foundation students develop English language, mathematics and computing skills to prepare them for study in their future specializations. The program is designed to introduce students to academic core skills as a foundation for future learning.

English: GFP Students study English at three levels of progression – Elementary, Pre-Intermediate and

Part Two: Academic Program and Units

Intermediate. The aim of the program is to develop student skills to the level of IELTS 5. Students will also complete an English component called Academic Core Skills that prepares students to engage in academic research and report writing. GFP students also benefit from additional extra-curricular classes and activities held in the Learner Majlis and Writing Studio in the Learning Resources Centre.

Computing: Students will study IC3 Modules 1 and 2 to prepare them for research and other needs in Faculty. Students enrolled in the Faculty of Engineering will need to achieve and demonstrate higher skills in computing, including design software.

Mathematics: Students will study mathematics at three levels – SET 1, 2 and 3. However, the degree program which a student is enrolled on will determine which of these 3 SETs are compulsory. Faculty of Engineering and Computing & IT students are required to complete SET 1 and 3. Faculty of Business and Language Studies are required to complete SET 1 and 2. Contact: Ms. Asia Al Kishry

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Faculty of Engineering (FE) The Faculty offers students outstanding learning opportunities in state of the art laboratories across all major disciplines. Learning is enhanced through a blend of academic and practical hands-on experience which supports the development of knowledge and skills. Contact: Ms. Amal Al Alawi

Faculty of Business (FB)

Part Two: Academic Program and Units

The Faculty provides students with the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in business and management to enhance employability and enterprise. The Faculty collaborates with industry and professional bodies to ensure programs meet international standards and market demands. These links offer students opportunities for training and employment. Contact: Ms. Amal Al Badi

Faculty of Computing and IT (FCIT) The Faculty offers outstanding learning opportunities in student-centered programs with cutting-edge curricula. Students are provided with the knowledge, hands-on experience and competencies that lead to innovative and enterprising graduates. Strong links with industry offer real-life training and employment opportunities Contact: Ms. Khulood Al Farsi

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Faculty of Language Studies (FLS) The Faculty supports and encourages students to become leaders in language education and translation. Students develop skills in communication and critical and creative thinking to maximize their potential. Partnerships with external agencies ensure that curricula are relevant, appropriate and contemporary.

Contact: Ms. Roqia Al Busaidi - EXT492

Part Two: Academic Program and Units

Faculty of Education & Arts (FEA) The Faculty offers outstanding learning opportunities across a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs to enhance employability and promote lifelong learning. Students develop the knowledge, skills and values to prepare for careers in education. All programs comply with the Ministry of Education to ensure standards are met and best practice is promoted.

Contact: Ms. Huda Al Jahwari

Faculty of Law (FoL) The Faculty provides students with the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills to become experts in the legal profession. The program offers a blend of theoretical and practical scholarship, placing emphasis on high quality legal training and professional integration to prepare students for a range of positions in the judicial field.

Contact: Ms. Asma Al Muqbali

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Part 3: Academic Information

Admission Regulations Admission is based on the reasonable expectation that a student will be able to fulfil the objectives of the program and achieve the standard required for the award. Numbers of students admitted may be controlled by directives issued by the Ministry of Higher Education. All entry qualifications must be authenticated, so students are required to provide proof of qualifications gained. Any student not complying with such a request, or falsifying evidence, is liable to exclusion from the University.

The Academic Year The Faculty academic year commences on 17 September and ends in July 2018. Each academic year consists of two semesters of study. The duration of each semester comprises 15 weeks of teaching and 2 weeks of final examinations. For students, there is usually a three week break between the semesters. Hence an academic year will consist of 34 weeks divided into two 17 week semesters. For full details on the start and end dates of classes and exam periods, please refer to the calendar on page 5.

Part Three: Academic Information

Entry Requirements for Undergraduate Programs (Omani Students) To be eligible to apply for entry to undergraduate programs prospective students must have:  Completed the General Diploma, formerly Secondary School Completion Certificate, or (‘Thannawiya Amma’) in Oman, or equivalent  Achieved a score at least equal to the entry score determined by the University Academic Board The entry score may vary according to academic program, and is reviewed annually. For qualifying students, entry to the University will be based upon order of merit. Additional requirements may be specified for particular programs of study. In particular, admission to the Faculty of Engineering requires prior study of Pure Maths and Physics in the Diploma of General Education certificate (and prior study of Chemistry for those joining Chemical Engineering).

Entry Requirements for Undergraduate Programs (Foreign Students) Admission to the University is open to all nationalities resident in Oman, and others wishing to come to Oman. Enrolment for foreign students will not be valid until all immigration procedures for staying in Oman as a student are finalized. Foreign students obtaining a General Education Diploma from outside Oman must seek accreditation from the Omani Embassy and Ministry of Foreign Affairs in that country.

Registration for New Students All new students of the University must register at the beginning of each semester. Instructions on how to register will be made available at the time a student receives an offer of a place at the University. Students are required to have registered by the first two weeks of a semester. Failure to do so may end in losing your position or not being able to use any of the University facilities. See the University calendar on page 5 for important dates. Registration is not completed until all fees due have been paid, or other arrangements made to the satisfaction of the University.

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Registration for Returning/Enrolled Students All continuing students of the University must register at the beginning of each semester. Instructions on how to register are made available with annual examination results. Students who do not register within the first two weeks of a semester will no longer be considered to be students of the University, and will not be able to use any of the University facilities. See the University calendar on page 5 for important dates. Registration is not completed until all fees due have been paid, or other arrangements made to the satisfaction of the University (please refer to section on student fees).

Recognition of Prior Learning Candidates who have undertaken studies at other higher education institutions, in Oman or elsewhere, may be given recognition of prior learning if it can be demonstrated by means of evidence that particular learning outcomes have been achieved. This may result in exemption from particular courses, if rigorous examination of the evidence (transcripts, course profiles, etc.) by subject specialists concludes that learning outcomes have already been met.

Part Three: Academic Information

The proportion of recognition by prior learning (RPL) permitted in any program may vary but must be agreed with the Dean. This proportion may not exceed 50% of the units for a particular program, including no more than 25% of level three units and normally no level four units. Intending candidates should consult with the Faculty well in advance.

Full and Part Time Study Full time study is defined as studying 8 or 9 units per semester. Although courses can vary so that the learning outcomes can be best achieved, a 2- unit course usually has 4-6 contact hours per week. Academic work outside of classroom time is very important: students are encouraged to use Free-labs, the extensive study space in the LRC, and faculty-provided study space to work individually or collectively on tutorial preparation, assignments, revision etc. Part-time students normally enrol for less than a full load. Although not always possible due to resource issues, where enrolments are sufficient, the University will try to cater for those wishing to complete their studies while working by providing evening and weekend classes.

Changing Program of Study Students who wish to change their program of study and enter another program may do so, subject to:  The entry requirements of the proposed program  The availability of a place on the proposed program  The agreement of the Deans of the former and proposed programs  The viability of completion of the proposed program, including sufficient time available (admission to the new program may need to be at a lower level academically than that which the student is leaving)  Obtaining the agreement of the student’s scholarship sponsor, if any

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Transferring of Sponsored Students It is the responsibility of the student to:  ensure the availability of a vacant place in the institution to which the student wishes to transfer  ensure that the transfer will not cause any additional financial obligation on the sponsor  ensure that transferring to another institution does not delay the student's graduation more than the duration of his/her scholarship  obtain credits from the institution to which he/she is transferring for courses

Study Deferral

Part Three: Academic Information

A sponsored student may apply for a study deferral period of up to two semesters; the scholarship will not continue during deferred semesters. The maximum duration can be consecutive or separate semesters. An application must be received at least two weeks before the start of the semester and must gain the approval of the sponsor. Students studying at their own expense may apply for a study deferral until the end of the second week of a semester. If they defer after the second week, fees will not be refunded for that semester.

Student Withdrawal A student must submit a request to withdraw from the University. Students will be liable for that semester’s course fees unless they withdraw in the first two weeks of the semester. Before withdrawal a student must complete the release form in order to make sure that there are no financial, accommodation, transportation and library obligations.

Termination of Study The enrolment (registration) of any student may be cancelled if that student:  fails to attend classes for more than three weeks without an acceptable excuse  exceeds the maximum study completion period  fails a required course for the third time  is suspended from the University

Medium of Instruction The medium of instruction for the majority of University programs is English, with the exception of the Faculties of Education and Arts and Law where the medium of instruction is Arabic.

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Special Circumstances

Part Three: Academic Information

There may be occasions when a student requires extra help or guidance. For example, he/she may be late to register with good reason, may feel they are taking the wrong courses, or may wish to improve their GPA etc. On these occasions, there is an established procedure to follow. A student cannot expect to see the Dean, Head of GFP, PVC Academic Affairs or the Vice Chancellor unless the following procedures are met:  Talk to the Academic Advisor or Programme Coordinator. Most issues can be resolved at this stage  If the issue is not resolved, then complete the Special Circumstances Form (available at the back of the Handbook, on the student portal, or from Faculty/GFP Office). The Advisor of a Faculty student will endorse this and arrange for a meeting with the Dean. The Dean will not see any student without this completed form, endorsed by the advisor. Likewise, the Advisor of a GFP student is required to endorse the form and arrange for a meeting with the Deputy Head/Head of GFP.  If the Dean/Head of GFP considers it appropriate, a meeting with the PVC Academic Affairs will be arranged. The PVC Academic Affairs may refer the issue to a Special Circumstances Committee. The PVC will not see any student without the completed form, endorsed by the Faculty Dean.  If the PVC Academic Affairs or Special Circumstances Committee considers it appropriate, they will arrange for a meeting with the Vice Chancellor. The Vice Chancellor will not see any student without the completed form, endorsed by PVC Academic Affairs.

Failing a Course for the Third Time The University operates a policy of dismissing any student who fails a course for the third time consecutively. In this case, any student who fails a course three times may not be re-admitted before one academic year.

Re-Admission after Failing a Course for the Third Time A student has to apply for re-enrolment before starting the semester. A student may re-enrol in the University, with the same ID and the same student record, one academic year after his/her studies were suspended after failing a course three times consecutively. This student must provide evidence to satisfy the Dean why failure should not recur. He/she may not take more than 4 units in the first semester after readmission, and may be liable to further exclusion for failure in a course upon readmission. Any student excluded twice from the University will not be eligible for readmission. For more information on readmission, please refer to the policy available on the student portal.

Definition of Awards Programs are delivered to a specific award level and duration. Variations may occur between Faculties and among programs in a Faculty, but programs normally have four 2-unit courses in each of two semesters per year (16 units per level).

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In levels 1 and 2, additional Ministry of Higher Education required courses may increase the total to 17 or 18 units per year. The following table shows the general framework

Level

Award

Foundation Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4

_____ _____ Diploma Advanced Diploma Bachelor’s Degree

Note: For a standard full time student, each level is nominally one year in duration

Requirements for Completion of an Award

Part Three: Academic Information

For a student to complete and award and graduate, he/she must pass all required courses, have achieved the required number of units, and fulfil all other academic requirements of the program. The maximum duration of study will be twice the standard full time duration. For official part time students, the maximum duration will be twice the standard full time duration plus two years. The student must pay all University bills and must return all University property. The student must have achieved a GPA of greater than or equal to 2 at all levels:  Diploma GPA ≥ 2.00.  Advanced Diploma GPA ≥ 2.00  Bachelor Degree GPA ≥ 2.00

Award for Academic Excellence There are two lists for Student Academic Excellence at Sohar University:  Vice-Chancellor’s List  Dean’s List The Vice Chancellor’s List is declared per semester and contains the names of students who have:  accumulated GPA ≥ 3.7  completed Level One (16 – 19 units depending on the program)  passed all courses in the semester with a full load of at least 8-9 units  not been issued with a penalty for either academic misconduct or misbehaviour The Dean’s List is declared per semester and contains the names of students who have:  accumulated GPA ≥ 3.5  completed a minimum of 8-9 units  passed all courses in the semester with a full load of at least 8-9 units  not been issued with a penalty for either academic misconduct or misbehaviour

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Academic Advising All new students joining a Faculty will be assigned an Academic Advisor, and will usually continue with the same advisor through to graduation. Academic advising provides supportive and informative services that assist students make informed decisions regarding their educational, career, and life goals. The Advisor will also help students understand academic program requirements, program options, university rules and regulations, and campus services.

Part Three: Academic Information

Each member of academic staff serves as an Academic Advisor, and will help students:  transition to university life  become familiar with and follow academic policies, rules, procedures, and requirements  take responsibility for their learning and goal setting  develop educational plans consistent with their interests, abilities, and goals  graduate in a timely manner, successfully meeting all requirements Students also have responsibilities regarding their transition to University life and developing their educational plan. As a student, you are responsible for:  Checking your own University email account regularly, reading messages from official University offices, and responding as appropriate.  Acquiring the information needed to assume final responsibility for course scheduling, program planning, and the successful completion of all graduation requirements  Finding out about University as well as program requirements, and checking course prerequisites  Knowing University rules, requirements, policies, and procedures  Knowing about important dates and deadlines (e.g., the last day to drop/add a course, last day to pay tuition fees without incurring a late fee, last day for obtaining student ID, etc.), from the calendar available on the University website and student portal  Meeting at least once a semester with your Academic Advisor to ensure you are making steady progress towards graduation. Academic Advisor Office Hours’ is posted on his/her door  Seeking assistance from the Advisor whenever academic concerns or difficulties arise

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Grading System The grading scale is standardised across all University courses. Hence it applies to awards at Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Bachelor and Postgraduate Levels. It also applies equally to grading for individual assignments and is aggregated according to the weightings of assessments, to courses as a whole. The grading system is based on a 0 to 4 scale and it is used as set out in the following table. Note: SU uses criterion-based assessment, thus, descriptors should be established so that students are clear about what is expected of them.

%

Descriptor

4.0

Exceptional performance: The student provided an exceptionally high quality of performance and through this demonstrated an exceptionally high standard of learning achievement in relation to the course learning outcomes.

3.5 -