Sultan Qaboos University opened its doors to as many as 3070 new students admitted during the academic year 2019-2020. The induction week for the 34th batch of students commenced on Sunday, 25 August 2019. The students have been admitted to as many as 65 undergraduate academic programs offered in nine colleges of SQU. The induction program includes several activities by different units: Deanship of Admissions & Registration, Deanship of Student Affairs, Center for Preparatory Studies and others at the Grand Hall of SQU Cultural Center. The University has allocated 24 seats for students with disabilities.
H.E. Dr. Ali bin Saud Al Bimani, the Vice Chancellor of SQU, congratulated the new students while addressing them and their parents at the University’s amphitheater on Sunday evening. The Vice Chancellor called upon the students to benefit from the advice and instructions of the academic advisors in choosing courses and specializations that suits their skills and competencies. “The students should make best use of the facilities and services at the university which includes labs, libraries, student societies, cultural events, lectures conferences, and recreational and sports facilities”, he said
The Vice Chancellor pointed out that the vision of Sultan Qaboos University is to continue its national leading role in higher education and community service and to be internationally recognized for innovative research, quality of its graduates, and strategic partnerships. He mentioned the mission of SQU, which is translated into exceling in teaching and learning, research and innovation, and community service by promoting the principles of scientific analysis and creative thinking in a collegial and stimulating environment and to participate in the production, development and dissemination of knowledge and interact with national and international communities. He called upon the students to work hard, taking responsibility for their learning and following the rules of the University.
Addressing new batch of students on the first day of the induction week, Dr. Mohammed bin Hamed Al Saadi, Assistant Dean of Admissions & Registration for Admission & Technical Support, called upon the students to be punctual in attending classes and to pay full commitment to the discipline of the university. He added that the SQU is working hard to provide all the necessary services for its students in order to encourage them students to excel in their academic pursuits and to become innovative and efficient with the aim of contributing to national development as they grow up.
Hon. Dr. Badria Bint Ibrahim Al-Shehhi, Director of the Preparatory Studies Center, briefed about the Foundation Program at Sultan Qaboos University, which is a mandatory requirement for all students. The program is designed to prepare the students who have been accepted to study at the university to achieve the required learning outcomes in accordance with the academic standards of the Omani Authority for Academic Accreditation (OAAA). Preparatory studies in English, mathematics, information technology, and study skills aim to set the foundation for students’ successful academic endeavors. Dr. Badria Bint Ibrahim Al-Shehhi detailed about the placement and exit tests in English, Math and IT scheduled to be held from 26 August to 3 September for the news students.
Dr. Hamoud bin Khalfan Al Hadrami, Dean of Student Affairs, delivered a speech on the services provided by the Deanship of Student Affairs such as housing, nutrition, transportation and student activities. Dr. Nasser bin Musabah Al-Zaidi, Director of the Center of Information Systems at the University, briefed the newly admitted students about the electronic services provided by the Center to the students. Sheikh Salem Al-Numani gave a lecture on the importance of education and provided advice to students that they should follow during their study period at the University.