Page 34 - Faculty Handbook 2021-22

Please adhere to the following rules and regulations regarding dress and appearance to avoid
complaints and criticism from students.
For Men:

Non-Omani men do not have to wear a suit or a jacket but must wear a dress shirt and a tie. The
shirt must be tucked into the trousers or pants and a belt must be worn. Short-sleeved shirts can
be worn, but all shirts must be dress shirts, not T-shirts or polo shirts. Clothing must be loose-
fitting, not tight. Non-Omani men must not wear sandals. No denim is allowed, i.e. no jeans of
any color, nor denim shirts or jackets. No sportswear, e.g. track-suits or training shoes, no

beachwear, e.g. shorts, Bermudas, espadrilles, thongs, flip-flops or Crocs are allowed. Wedding
rings and watches are fine, but other jewelry, such as ear-rings, bracelets, chains and necklaces,
is not allowed. Hair must be short, with no ponytails, etc. allowed.
For Women:

Dress must be decent, i.e. not tight, not transparent and not revealing in any way. The female
form must not be accentuated. Sleeves must not be too short, the back and the midriff must not
be displayed. No denim is allowed: no jeans of any color, no denim skirts, blouses or dresses.
Short skirts/dresses are not allowed: they should be at least mid-calf though ankle-length or even

longer ones are preferable. Women can wear trousers or pants, but they must wear a long top,
shirt, blouse or tunic. No low-necked blouses or dresses are allowed. Short-sleeved blouses or
dresses are allowed, but sleeveless ones are not. No sportswear of any kind, i.e. training shoes,
gym shoes, track-suits, beach-wear, e.g. shorts, Bermudas, espadrilles, flip-flops or Crocs is
allowed. Leggings and pyjamas are strictly forbidden.

11.2.8. Cultural Sensitivity and Conduct

In their day-to-day classroom interaction and contact with students, academic staff members must
observe cultural sensitivity and show respect for the Omani traditions and values. Staff members
need to be aware of societal norms, values and linguistic factors that determine, shape and affect
student involvement and attitude. Misunderstood cultural assumptions can cause frustration,
disappointment, lack of motivation, anger and even disputes with students and the local community.

Thus, the staff members must avoid:

 Speaking or acting in a manner that impinges upon religious beliefs, or smears the
reputation of Dhofar University or that of the Sultanate of Oman.
 Expressing cultural disrespect when discussing ideas and concepts inside and outside the

classroom.
 Possessing or showing pictures, movies or other communication media that violate the
Islamic morals and/or those of the Omani society.

Dhofar University Faculty Handbook (2021-22) Page 30