The third meeting of the Sultan Qaboos University Council for the academic year 2017-2018, was chaired by HE Dr. Rawiya Saud Al Busaidi, Minister of Higher Education, and Chairperson of the University Council on 26 April.

The agenda included a number of topics on which appropriate decisions were taken. The Council deliberated on the measures taken by the University in order to rationalize the educational, community service and research process, based on the University's keenness to achieve its vision and objectives.

Meanwhile, the Council agreed to split the Department of Mathematics & Statistics at the College of Science into two departments: the Mathematics Department and the Statistics Department, in order to pay more attention to the statistics discipline by having a separate department so that it can perform its role as a center of national expertise.

Twelve 12 specializations were approved under the umbrella of five programs offered by the College of Economics & Political Science. The introduction of these specializations in the faculty is in line with the mission of the College in promoting the economic development of the Sultanate by providing the labor market with innovative and pioneering outputs in the field of business who are capable to meet the challenges and changes that occur over the period.

In addition, the University has been commended for the award of some services and privileges to the University's retired staff through which the university aims to maintain the relations with them. The Council approved the list of graduates for the academic year 2017-2018 for doctoral, master, bachelor and diploma degrees.