Page 16 - Staff Induction Handbook 2022-23

Part Four: Working at Dhofar University

4.1. Academic Advising

Academic advising is an integral part of academic staff duties. As such, all staff
members are required to dedicate office hours at least three times a week to meet
the students. One important aspect of academic advising at DU is guiding students
in registering for courses at the beginning of each semester. This arrangement aims
at strengthening the relationship between the students and their advisors and
ensuring that students are taking correct courses, according to their programs of
study. The key components in the process are the Program of Study (POS) for each
degree and the individual POS for each student that shows the progress of the
student on the degree's POS.

4.2. Academic Integrity

It is expected that all staff at DU shall have high moral and ethical values so as to set
an example before students. Any act of academic misconduct on the part of faculty
shall be investigated by the College Academic Council (CAC). The College Dean is
authorized to take necessary action, based on the recommendations of the CAC and
as per the DU Personnel Bylaws. The penalty may vary from a written warning to
termination of contract, depending on the severity of the academic misconduct.

4.3. Academic Calendar

The University’s academic calendar provides important information regarding special
events, deadlines and religious and national holidays. Staff members are expected to
make use of this when planning their course syllabus, giving tests and planning their
leave. For DU Academic Calendar 2022-2023 for Colleges refer to page 22 and for FP
refer to 23.

4.3.1. Attendance

All full-time staff members are expected to be present during the regular working
hours of the University, except for official holidays and while on approved leave.

4.3.2. Working hours

The teaching-schedule varies, depending on the type of program, regular and/or
evening courses. Regular program courses are offered in the morning/afternoon
and evening classes start in the late afternoon.

4.3.3. Vacations and Leave
Academic personnel at Dhofar University are entitled to an annual leave of 60
calendar days during July and August every year. In addition to the annual leave,
there are a number of leaves that all require prior approval of the immediate
superior. A more detailed description of each type of leave is available in the faculty
manual and the University Bylaws.

Dhofar University Staff Induction Handbook (2022-23) Page 15 of 29