Page 8 - Staff Induction Handbook 2022-23
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and master degree programs. For details refer the DU catalog available on the
University website.
2.6. Foundation Program
The University also offers a pre-college program known as Foundation Program
(FP). The FP is designed to bridge the gap between secondary education and
undergraduate studies at colleges. The program’s focus is to ensure students’
readiness to embark on their university studies.
The General FP is a one-year bridge program intended to equip high school graduates
to pursue university majors and is undertaken by most university students in Oman.
The program focuses on three major areas: English, Mathematics and IT, plus general
study skills. The curriculum is aligned with the learning outcomes stated in the Oman
Academic Standards for General Foundation Programs. The emphasis of the English
program is on the general communication and academic skills.
2.7. Student Characteristics
The number of students in the DU academic programs grew rapidly from 774 in fall
2004-2005 to around 5298 in the Fall semester, 2020-21. The overwhelming majority
of students are 18-25 years of age and some 60% are on Ministry of Higher Education,
Research & Innovation (MoHERI) scholarship. Most students are Omanis, from Dhofar.
However, the number of students from other Governorates of Oman is increasing each
year. Female students outnumber males.
2.8. Campus
Dhofar University campus is built on a 450,000 square meter plot of land at the foot
of the mountains. The campus meets international design standards, as well as those
of the MoHERI, while taking into consideration local needs and cultural context. The
campus can accommodate up to 10000 students. At the moment, the first phase of
the long-term construction has provided us with 3 separate buildings for the 4 colleges
and FP, as well as a common classroom building, engineering workshop, an
administration building, a library, a conference center, a student activities center and
a mosque.
2.9. Workplace
A fully equipped office is assigned to each staff member. The office has a computer
with Internet access and all the necessary programs installed. Each staff member gets
an email account @du.edu.om. Each staff members are provided with all the basic
stationery they need for their teaching and administrative duties. The department
secretary will provide and guide staff members with other requirements.
Dhofar University Staff Induction Handbook (2022-23) Page 7 of 29