Page 17 - Staff Induction Handbook 2022-23

4.4. Teaching Load

In the regular academic programs at colleges, the teaching load is 12 credit hours per
semester for Full Professors and Associate Professors, 15 Credit hours for Assistant
Professors and 18 credit hours per semester for Lecturers. The teaching load in the
Foundation Program is 20 contact hours. Staff members who have administrative
responsibilities, like chairing a department or directing a center, get load reduction.
For the summer term, which is optional, the maximum teaching load for all staff
members is set at 6 credit hours.

As on the date of release of this handbook, due to COVID-19, the spring 2019-20 has
majorly been online. The Summer 2019-20 also will be online. The future course will
depend on the decision of the Supreme Committee to handle COVID crisis.

4.5. Research

Research is emphasized in the University Mission and Strategic Plan and is accounted
for when considering staff promotion and annual merit increments. As such, the
University supports efforts directed toward conducting research by staff and
encourages commercial development and applications of research outcomes, subject
always to protecting the University’s rights.

For more details, please contact Ms. Sara Iqbal in the Department of Research located
in the main Administration Building on Second Floor.

4.6. Community Service

The University fosters cooperation with local and national organizations in various
sectors, such as industry, commerce and education. In this regard, the University
encourages volunteer work by its students and staff.

4.7. Cultural Sensitivity and Conduct

In their day-to-day classroom interaction and contact with students, staff members
must exercise cultural sensitivity and show respect for the Omanis’ traditions and
values. Staff members need to be aware of societal norms, values and linguistic factors
that determine, shape and affect student involvement and attitude. Misunderstood
cultural assumptions can cause frustration, disappointment, lack of motivation, anger
and even disputes with students and the local community.

Thus, staff members must avoid:

 Speaking or acting in a manner that impinges upon religious beliefs, or smears
the reputation of Dhofar University or that of the Sultanate of Oman.

 Expressing cultural disrespect when discussing ideas and concepts inside and
outside the classroom.

 Possessing or showing pictures, movies or other communication media that
violate the Islamic morals and/or those of the Omani society.

 It is also forbidden for staff members to be involved in the following:

Dhofar University Staff Induction Handbook (2022-23) Page 16 of 29