Page 24 - Faculty Handbook 2021-22

During the first two weeks of the classes, students are closely monitored by their academic
advisor and may be moved to a higher level after their recommendation and successful
completion of a writing sample, a face-to-face interview with the FP’s Deputy Director, and a
Reading & Writing final exam.

Likewise, the names of those students whose study skills appear to be weak are forwarded to the
FP’s Student Support Committee, which arranges for peer tutoring and remedial sessions in order
to bolster both the students’ English, Math, or IT skills and also their study skills.

9.7. Promotion and Exit from FP
Students are evaluated regularly to help determine their progress and attainment of the set goals.

They are provided with every opportunity to be promoted to upper levels based on the
promotion guidelines stated in the syllabus. Students who fulfill the promotion requirements of
English Level 3 are eligible to exit the FP and join their desired university majors; however, all
English Level 3 students are required to take an Exit Exam as part of the promotion requirements
to the University.

At DU, a student can progress to his/her major in the College only after successfully completing
all FP requirements (English, Maths and IT).

9.8. Overview of English Program

The English unit’s curriculum uses Cambridge University Press’ Unlock series of textbooks and
teaches and assesses all four skills (Reading & Writing and Listening & Speaking). The English Unit
offers incoming students with low proficiency in English an intensive program to help them pursue
their studies in the major of their choice through the medium of English with the aim of immersing
them in the language.

Twelve to fifteen hours a week are dedicated to Reading & Writing, with eight to ten hours a week
dedicated to Listening & Speaking. Students take a mid-term and a final exam. Grades are determined
by exam results, as well as continuous assessment, portfolios, progress tests, and quizzes.

9.9. Overview of Mathematics Program

This three-semester course aims at bridging gaps in students’ knowledge of Mathematics. If a
student is placed into English Level 1, they take Pre-Foundation Mathematics. If placed into English
Level 2 or 3, then basic Mathematics is taken in the first term (Level 1) while Applied OR Pure
Mathematics is taken in the second term (Level 2) based on the student’s major in the university.

9.10. Overview of IT Program

This two-semester course aims to bridge the gap for students who wish to join DU and lack university-
level IT fluency and competency skills. It emphasizes the essential parts of a standard curriculum in
IT as required by OAS for GFP. The curriculum provides students with a basic understanding of
computers, File management, use of word-processing, spreadsheet, presentation software,
Internet, World Wide Web (WWW), Email and essential IT skills. It uses a practical approach by
investigating a variety of situations from across the spectrum of technology. The overall courseware

equips the students to appear for International Certification such as IC3 on digital literacy.

Dhofar University Faculty Handbook (2021-22) Page 20