The Sultan Qaboos University Council held its fourth meeting for the academic year 2024–2025 this morning at the University Council Hall. The meeting was chaired by Her Excellency Professor Rahma bint Ibrahim Al-Mahrooqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation and Chairperson of the University Council, and attended by His Highness Sayyid Dr. Fahd bin Al Julanda Al Said, the Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Chair of the Council, along with other esteemed Council members.

The Council reviewed updates on the overall progress of SQU across all its sectors and the implementation status of various resolutions and recommendations previously adopted.

As part of its efforts to expand academic disciplines at all levels and increase the number of academic programmes, the Council approved two new PhD programmes: Doctor of Philosophy in Finance and Doctor of Philosophy in Economics, both at the College of Economics and Political Science, as well as the Bachelor in Data Science at the College of Science. This expansion aims to enhance the University’s academic standing, ensure the quality of its graduates, and supply the labour market with qualified and competent professionals. The Council also approved the transfer requirements for the Early Childhood Education programme at the College of Education.

In addition, the Council agreed to the redistribution of overhead costs from external research consultancy between colleges and research centres, and approved the grievance procedures for final grades in accordance with the academic regulations governing both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

The meeting concluded with an emphasis on the importance of enhancing academic performance and closely monitoring SQU’s plans and strategies.