Sultanate of Oman
Ministry of Manpower
Directorate General of Technological Education
Higher College of Technology
English Language Centre
Student Handbook 2014– 2015
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Table of Contents
1. Message from the Director
2. ELC Profile
What you should know about the ELC
Vision
Mission
Values
Key Goals
Graduate Attributes
3. Quality Assurance
What is Quality Audit?
What is the scope of Quality Audit?
What is the role of HCT in Quality Assurance?
ELC Polices and Procedures
Programme & Course Evaluation
Action Taken by the ELC
4. Admission and Progression
5. TOEFL Criteria: Promotion to higher levels at the Colleges of Technology
6. Programme Structure and Description
7. Assessment System
8. Attendance System
9. ELC Policies
10. ELC Activities
11. ELC Resources
12. Conduct and Discipline
13. Health and Safety
14. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
15. References - Ministry website for Bylaws
College website for Facilities
ELC Link for Foundation
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1) Message from the Director
Dear Students,
Welcome to the English Language Centre at the Higher College of Technology.
The success of the English Language Programme depends on your active participation. During the course of study,
you will be expected to take an active part in the whole learning process. You will be encouraged to seek knowledge
actively or to use the acquired information in new situations. This should help you when you take up employment.
Employers expect new staff to show initiative and to work with a minimum of supervision. The English Language
Programme represents a first step towards the acquisition of those skills.
The Centre is open from Saturday through Tuesday from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. and from 8.00 a.m. to 3 p.m. on
Wednesday. This time will also include periods of self-study. It will be your responsibility to organize such periods to
your best advantage. The college educational premises such as the Self-access and the Multi-media Centres at the
ELC will be open from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. and supervisory help and guidance will be available. This will allow
you to follow independent learning programmes and carry out homework and assignments. The responsibility for
attendance and completion of the self-study learning programme will, however, rest with you.
This Handbook will serve as an introduction to the English Language Programme for this academic year. It contains
details on the nature of the Programme, entry, structure, resources available, the assessment procedure, guidance
and discipline, and other information you require during your course of study. You should read it carefully so that
you are fully aware of the nature of the Programme and the college requirements you must fulfil to complete the
Programme successfully. The responsibility for a fruitful outcome lies with you.
Director/English Language Centre
2) ELC Profile
What should you know about the English Language Centre (ELC)?
This college was established in 1984 to train and qualify Omani youth to occupy various positions in the labour
market to participate in the expansion of the National economy. In 2001, the college was renamed and upgraded
through the Ministerial Decree No. 165/2001 in order to keep up with the latest developments in the field of technical
education and to equip Omani nationals with up-to-date knowledge and education for a diverse national economy.
The Programmes offered by the Centre are planned and designed to meet these requirements.
Vision
To be a model Centre providing quality language education to groups of learners with varying abilities, needs
and interests in stimulating learning environments
To integrate information and communication technology effectively to enhance language learning in a digital
learning environment
To provide transferable, multifunctional knowledge, skills and attitudes that individuals need for personal
fulfilment and development, employment, and for further learning as part of lifelong learning
Mission
To provide the skills learners need to successfully advance towards educational, technical, and personal goals that
ultimately lead to their full participation in the national development of Oman
Values
In pursing the ELC mission, the Centre’s core values are:
Professionalism – a personal commitment to contribute through hard work to the delivery of high quality
student-centered education.
Integrity – honesty, fairness and openness to constructive criticism.
Accountability – recognition that the ELC staff have a collective responsibility to Omani society.
Flexibility – willingness to learn, developing new skills, and taking on new responsibilities.
Creativity – a full recognition of the value of innovation in all areas of the Centre’s work
Tolerance and teamwork – readiness to work effectively with others, regardless of background, and to
recognize and welcome cultural diversity.
Communication – a commitment to the effective exchange of information (inside and outside the Centre) to
foster goodwill and support efficiency.
Key Goals
To develop learners’ skills in English, including speaking, reading, writing, listening, and study skills so as to
prepare them for higher studies in different areas of specialization.
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To reflect the learners’ goals while considering their roles as community participants, workers, and lifelong
learners.
To provide learners with skills to apply English accurately and appropriately in a variety of community,
workplace, and academic settings.
To integrate second language learning with relevant life experiences by emphasizing development of critical
thinking, problem solving and other skills necessary for self-sufficiency.
To provide a stimulating learning environment that respects adult learners and integrates their cultural
background and experiences into the instructional process.
Graduate Attributes:
Attribute 1: Are well disciplined and committed to hard work and a high standard of productivity.
Attribute 2: Are able to apply the knowledge and skills to a diverse and competitive work environment.
Attribute 3: Are able to think critically, analyze and solve problems.
Attribute 4: Have a high degree of competence in using information and communication technology.
Attribute 5: Are professionally competent and up-to-date in their field of specialization in a changing global
environment.
Attribute 6: Can gather and process knowledge from a variety of sources, and communicate effectively in
written and spoken English.
Attribute 7: Can effectively demonstrate and apply good interpersonal skills in team work and leadership
roles.
Attribute 8: Are committed to self-development through lifelong learning.
Attribute 9: Are socially responsible citizens aware of contemporary issues in contributing to national
development.
Attribute 10: Are able to demonstrate and apply their entrepreneurial skills.
3) Quality Assurance
What is Quality Audit?
The quality audit of a higher education institution is an independent evaluation of the effectiveness of the systems and
processes by which the institution sets out, pursues, and achieves its mission and vision. A quality audit usually
examines whether the college has sound goals and objectives, as well as effective policies and processes for achieving
appropriate results. It focuses on how the college reviews and improves various activities and processes. The Quality
Audit of our college by Oman Academic Accreditation Authority (OAAA) took place in March 2009, which is an
important stage of the national accreditation system. The OAC is responsible for external quality assurance and
quality enhancement of higher education institutions and programmes in the Sultanate of Oman.
Prior to the audit, first the institution conducts a comprehensive self-study of its own quality assurance and quality
enhancement activities and writes the findings in a quality audit portfolio. Quality and quality assurance are primarily
the responsibilities of the college and the departments/centres. Then, an external audit panel comprising national and
international experts from academia, industry and professions checks the completeness and accuracy of this portfolio
through such means as documentation, interviews and other sources of information. This stage of the quality audit
process is known as the External Review. During its visit, the audit panel will meet staff and students in formal and
informal interview sessions to find out their personal experiences of teaching and learning at the college.
The Quality Audit focuses on how well a higher education institution is doing by focusing on its strengths. It fulfils
at least two purposes. First, it is a means by which the college is held accountable to society for its role in providing
quality higher education. Second, it helps focus on opportunities for continuous quality improvement within the
college. Thus, it can provide valuable information for the strategic planning process. You may visit the web site
(www.oaaa.gov.om) or the college web site (www.hct.edu.om) for further information on quality assurance.
What is the scope of Quality Audit?
The scope for a quality audit generally includes everything for which the higher education institution has
responsibility. In particular, the following domains define the scope of self-study and quality audit.
1. Governance and Management
2. Student Learning by Coursework Programmes
3. Student Learning by Research Programmes (not relevant for HCT)
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4. Staff Research and Consultancy
5. Industry and Community Engagement
6. Academic Support Services
7. Students and Student Support Services
8. Staff and Staff Support Services
9. General Support Services and Facilities
What is the role of Higher College of Technology in Quality Assurance?
In line with the Directives of His Majesty the Sultan, the Ministry of Manpower has been making efforts to promote
and upgrade technical education and vocational training in Oman so that this education and training can fulfil the
local labour market needs for well educated and trained national labour force for strengthening the Omanization
programme.
Accordingly, the Ministry has been working towards upgrading the Colleges of Technology to a distinctive level
among similar higher education institutions with the aim of meeting appropriate standards and consequently getting
accreditation from Oman Accreditation Council.
Higher College of Technology under the Ministry of Manpower is committed to ensuring quality of performance in
all the domains listed above and upgrading the level of its graduates. The main responsibilities of the college include
establishing its own internal quality assurance systems with the aim of developing both administrative and
implementation aspects, and implementing the national quality standards within the scope of the college bylaws and
regulations. Furthermore, the college and its departments/centres have to monitor the processes and systems of
programmes and curricula, exam writing and administration, upgrading the teaching learning methodologies, and
training the academic and administrative staff through appropriate workshops and training programmes.
ELC Policies and Procedures
All ELC staff and students should be familiar with the policies and procedures in force, in order to ensure the quality
of the programmes and courses offered by the Centre.
Student Orientation
Attendance and Assessment Systems
Exam Preparation and Administration
Student Discipline and Order
Student Appeals and Complaints
Student Counselling
Academic and Testing Calendar and Course Delivery
Staff Recruitment, Appraisal and Development
Programme and Course Evaluation and Review
Analysis and Publication of Results
Programme & Course Evaluation
Purpose:
To elicit the views and opinions of students and teachers on the various programmes and courses offered by
the Centre
To identify the major strengths and weaknesses as perceived by them
To initiate steps to improve the quality of the programmes and courses offered based on the findings of the
survey
Action Taken by the ELC
To realize our vision and achieve the mission of the Centre, the ELC is continuously committed to:
Produce a self-assessment report or a Quality Audit Portfolio (QAP) in accordance to the scope of quality audit
defined above and based on the perceptions of our staff and students
Complete the ADRI cycle (Approach, Deployment, Results and Improvement) report
Produce the ELC yearly operational plan on the basis of the College strategic plan and the results of the self-
assessment study/QAP
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Placement Test
Level 2
+ Foundation Math
Level 4
Level 3
+ Foundation IT
Specialization Programs (If failed, study IT and Math as part of Specialization Program)
(86% and above) Sit for Level 4 Exit
Exam
Fail Pass
Level 1
New In-take Students
Foundation Math and IT
Exam
Pass/Fail
4) Admission and Progression
All registered students are eligible to enter the Programme. Their entry level depends on their linguistic ability. The
in-house placement test will determine the English language level of each student and his or her placement is decided
accordingly. This means that not all students will be required to take the four levels. Some may progress through the
Programme much faster than others depending on the results of the Placement Test.
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Exemption:
Students can be exempted from the placement test and admitted to the specialisation programmes, provided they
produce evidence of:
A score record of International Accredited Exams, i.e. TOEFL (a minimum score of 400) or IELTS (at least
Band 4)
Sitting for and passing the Level Exit Exam at Level Four
Meeting IT & Maths Foundation Program requirements.
5) TOEFL Criteria: Promotion to higher levels at the Colleges of Technology
The mechanism of promotion from the diploma level to the higher diploma level and the bachelor level is as follows:
A. Promotion to the Higher Diploma:
Students interested in continuing their course of study after successfully completing their diploma level may
proceed to the higher diploma level, provided that they achieved the required CGPA (2.5) and the required
TOEFL score, or equivalent, according to the Table (1) below:
Table number (1)
IELTS
TOEFL TYPE
Band
Computer-based (CBT) Internet-based
(iBT)
Paper-based
(PBT)
4.0
133 45 450
Specially Admitted Students
Sit for Level 4 Exit Exam
Pass Fail
Level 4 Math and IT Exam
Pass Fail
Specialization Program (If failed, study IT and Math
as part of Specialization Program)
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B. Promotion to the Bachelor/Degree level:
Students interested in continuing their course of study after successfully completing their diploma level may proceed
to the higher diploma level, provided that they achieved the required CGPA (2.75) and the required TOEFL score, or
equivalent, according to the Table (2) below:
Table number (2)
IELTS
TOEFL TYPE
Band
Computer-based
(CBT)
Internet-based (iBT) Paper-based
(PBT)
4.5
173 61 500
6) Programme Structure and Description
Four English language levels are offered and students are placed according to their linguistic ability. In each level,
students will study Language and Study Skills as detailed in the table below:
NA = Not Applicable
Note: Students will have the chance to further their knowledge and improve their level through the resources
available in the Self-Access Centre, Multi-Media Centre, E-Learning Centre and the Writing Centre
The Programme is offered on a term basis. The academic calendar is divided into 3 terms. Students can refer
to their Course Tutor for further details on the academic calendar of the Centre.
COURSE
Level-1 Level-2 Level-3
Level-4
No. of Hrs No. of Hrs No. of Hrs No. of Hrs
Writing 4 4 5 6
Reading 5 4 4 4
Listening &
Speaking 5 4 4 4
Core Course 4 4 4 NA
Learning Skills 1 1 NA NA
Projects &
Presentation NA NA NA 3
Multi-media 1 1 1 1
Total Hours 20 18 18 18
Math NA 4 NA NA
IT NA NA 4
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7) The Assessment System
The English Language Centre applies the following assessment system for the Foundation Programme.
A. Continuous Assessment (CA): (50%)
The Continuous Assessment consists of Two Progress Tests that are held before the Level Exit Exam.
B. Level Exit Exam (LEE): 50%
Pass/Fail Criteria: To pass a level, you must pass both the Level Exit Exam and the Accumulative Grade (AG). The pass grade is
50%.
(Accumulative Grade) = LEE (50) + CA (50) = (100)
If a student fails the coursework but passes both the LEE and the AG, she/he is given a PASS grade.
If a student passes the coursework, but fails either the LEE or the AG, she/he is given a FAIL grade.
If a student passes the coursework, but fails the LEE and the AG, she/he is given a FAIL grade.
Grading Scale
The Level Accumulative Grade is represented as a letter grade, and results of each level are announced accordingly.
This table reflects the Level Accumulative Grade:
Letter Grade Scale
A+ >= 95 %
A 90 – 94 %
A- 85 – 89 %
B+ 80 – 84 %
B 75 – 79 %
B- 70 – 74 %
C+ 65 – 69 %
C 60 – 64 %
D+ 55 – 59 %
D 50 – 54 %
F (Fail) < 50 %
The assessment process incorporates a variety of assessment methods. All language skills are assessed through
formative and summative assessment. A leaflet will be issued to each student giving him/her details of the
Assessment System.
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8) Attendance System
The English Language Centre applies the following attendance system:
1. Attendance
Attendance is taken on a regular basis at the beginning of each lecture and absence is recorded for
all the courses.
A student is dismissed from the English Language Centre if s/he does not show up for two
consecutive weeks without an acceptable reason.
2. Warning Notices
Warning notices are issued according to the following criteria:
1. First Warning is issued if a student’s absence reaches 5% of the total number of English Language
Programme hours per semester.
2. Second Warning is issued if a student’s absence reaches 10% of the total number of English Language
Programme hours per semester.
3. A student is debarred from writing the Level Exit Exam, if his/her absence reaches 15% of the total
number of English Language Programme hours per semester.
Note: Each warning notice is issued after excluding the hours of absence with valid excuses.
3. Valid Excuses
The following are accepted as valid excuses:
Official sick leave issued and stamped by government hospitals and clinics. (Sick leaves from private
clinics will not be accepted unless they are authorised by Ministry of Health Centres.)
An official letter from the Wali, after it is authorised by the Head of Section (Programs), regarding
death of first degree relatives only
Note: Other types of excuses will not be accepted. Excuses should be submitted to the Course Tutor during
the week when absence occurred, or on the first two days of the following week at the latest. If submitted
later excuses will NOT be accepted by the course tutor and the students will be referred to Head of Section
(Programs).
9) ELC Policies
1. Level Repeat and Dismissal Policy
Each student is allowed to repeat only once during the course of study at the English Language Centre. That is, if a
student fails the Elementary Level, s/he is allowed to repeat that level. If s/he fails another time OR fails another
level, s/he will be dismissed from the English Language Centre. Regarding dismissal on other grounds, refer to
Article 72 of the College Bylaws.
2. Readmission
Dismissed students because of failing twice in the English Foundation Program could appeal for readmission during
the semester following their dismissal provided the appeal is submitted two weeks before the end of the semester.
Appeals should be submitted to the Student Affairs office in the English Language Center. The maximum period to
appeal for readmission is one year as from date of dismissal.
Note: To be readmitted, the student should sit for and pass the exit test of the Advanced level of English program in
the first attempt. Otherwise, s/he loses the chance for being readmitted.
3. Debarment
Students who are absent for 15% of classes or more will be debarred from writing the Level Exit Exam. A student
who is debarred is considered failed, and therefore should repeat the level he/she is in, if the student who is debarred
has already failed once, he/she will be dismissed
4. Postponement
Students can apply for postponement of their studies provided they have a valid reason accepted by the Centre and the
Student Affairs Department. Relevant forms can be collected from Student Affairs. For details, refer to the attached
leaflet in Arabic.
Note: A student has the right to postpone his studies only twice during his study in the college.
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5. Appeal Policy (Exams & General)
Exams Appeals: If a student fails a level, he/she has the right to appeal but this should be done within 3 days from
the date of publishing the results.
General Appeals: If a student has complains or any academic problems related to his studies at the Foundation period,
he can report them to the ELC Director or the Head of ELP.
Relevant forms can be collected from ELC Administration Office.
6. Missed Exams and Quizzes
Students who fail to attend a section of an examination or the whole of it will be permitted, at the discretion of the
ELC management, to sit for that examination or part of that examination at another time provided that evidence is
provided by the student of a valid excuse accepted by the Centre. For guidance on permissibility to re-sit an exam,
refer to ‘Colleges of Technology Examination Rules & Regulations.’
7. Plagiarism
Plagiarism denotes the submission of the unacknowledged work of another as a student’s own work. Such work may
originate from another student or another person and will include material taken without appropriate acknowledgment
from printed and electronic sources including the Internet. Plagiarised work submitted by the student will receive a
zero.
8. Cheating
Cheating denotes the attempt by a student to copy from unauthorized sources. Such sources may be the examination
paper of another student, a dictionary of any variety or a note or paper concealed on the student’s person or item of
stationery. Students caught cheating will receive a zero, and may fail the course or be expelled from the Programme.
It should be noted that the report of the invigilator in such instances will be taken as final.
10) ELC Activities
Student Counselling (Academic and Social)
The ELC provides two types of counselling: Academic Counselling is a shared responsibility of both the ELC
administration and the teachers. Following your enrolment in the English Language Centre, and the initial
assessment, you will be assigned a Course Tutor. You should consult him/her throughout your course of study when
you have any queries or problems. You will be required to record your own progress throughout the Programme. Do
not wait until a minor problem develops into a major one. You are encouraged to regard your Course Tutor as a
resource to whom you can refer throughout the Programme.
Social Counselling: For social and personal problems that you may face during your course of study, you are advised
to consult the Social Advisor at the ELC.
Co-Curricular Activities
The English Language Centre offers students plenty of opportunities to practise the English language skills. The Core
Course Tutors will advise you to practise your English skills in a social setting by joining and participating in one of
the available clubs organised each semester, such as Debating/Formal Speaking, Karaoke, Games, Conversation,
Music, Film, Newsletter, Cooking, Careers, Creative Computers and Drama.
11) ELC Resources
A. Educational
1. Self-Access Centre (SAC)
The Self-Access Centre, or the SAC, as the name suggests, is a place where students are free to access, i.e., to choose
and use, the resources according to their individual needs and interests. In other words, it is a place where students
work independently in order to improve their English language proficiency.
2. Multimedia Centres (MMCs)
The College has four multimedia computer labs that have a variety of multimedia learning material designed to
promote or encourage interactive learning. Each lab is equipped with 23 workstations. The software in each lab
provides instant responses to student input and are, therefore, ideal as self-learning tools.
3. E-Learning Centre
The Free Access Centre is a computer lab where a host of E-Learning in-house materials of all skills (Listening,
Speaking, Reading and Writing) for all levels (Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4) are installed in laptop computers. These E-
Learning materials are interactive in nature and provide immediate feedback. The aim of this centre is to promote
self-directed learning. These materials are different from the ones in the MMCs.
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4. Writing Centre
The Writing Centre is a facility meant for students with difficulties in the writing skills. Such students are either
referred to the centre either by the core tutors or students go on their own to improve their writing skills. The centre
offers one-to-one assistance to students helping them improve their skills in English.
B. Other Facilities
Canteen
Open during working hours (8:00 a.m.-6:00p.m).
Clinic
A nurse will be available for initial consultation, first aid and minor health problems. He/she will direct the student to
the appropriate clinic for conditions which require special attention. The college treatment room is open from 8.00
a.m. to 3.00 p.m. during normal working days.
Stationery Shop
Students can buy their stationery and other items from the bookshop on the college premises.
12) Conduct and Discipline
Learning Commitment
The students will undertake to follow a code of study and behavioural practice which, when coupled with the college
bylaw and directions from ELC staff, will enable them to achieve their maximum potential. The Codes of conduct,
which the student will be expected to observe, are as follows:
To treat all members of the college staff with respect, consideration and politeness
To avoid damage to or misuse of all buildings, equipment and fittings
To attend classes according to the timetable
To make every effort to meet the deadlines set for submitted work
To read and follow all safety instructions provided in all premises of the college
To wear decent dress according to Islamic requirements
To look in a suitable appearance (i.e. not to grow long hair (for boys)
To keep mobile phones off in the classrooms, SAC and MMCs
Not to smoke within the college
Not to have food or drinks in classrooms, SAC and MMCs
Not to give information or interviews to any media organization without the express permission of the
College Dean
Not to engage in any activity or perform during time-tabled periods or in free time, which would
adversely affect the reputation and good name of the college
Not to disrupt the smooth administration of any examination, either individually or in association with
others.
Note:
Check Articles 73 – 77 of the College Bylaws for more details.
Check Article 78 regarding penalty for violating the Code of Behaviour.
13) Health & Safety
The responsibility for your safety and that of others in the college will lie with you. Therefore, you have to consider
the following:
You should read and follow all safety instructions in the college premises.
Your conduct must not endanger any other person.
If you suffer from any disability or long term health problem (e.g. asthma, diabetes …etc), you should
inform your Tutor.
Stairways and fire exits must be kept clear at all times.
Do not use any equipment without getting permission.
You must drive carefully within the college campus, use students’ parking areas and observe all relevant
signs.
You should keep your college, classrooms and labs clean.
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14) Further Any Questions:
1. Where do I go if I need help when studying at the English language Centre?
First, see your teachers to help you solve your problems. If it doesn’t help, contact the administration staff
(the Director or the Heads of Section). For non-academic help refer to the social counselor or the Student
Affairs in the ELC.
2. What do I do in my free time in the English Language Centre?
Speak, read, and write in English. Visit the SAC, the Writing Centre or the Free Access Lab. Join the
English Clubs. Do your homework. Meet your tutor during the Academic Advising hours.
3. Can I get extra help outside class time?
Yes you can. Make an appointment with your course tutor to see him/her during Acemdic Advising hours.
4. What do I do if I lose my books?
Be careful with your books. If you lose a book, try to buy the same book from any bookshop outside the
college.
5. Does it matter if I don’t bring my ID card everyday?
Yes it does. Any staff member or teacher could ask for it any time for any reason. So, keep it available.
6. Where do I submit my excuses?
Give them to your course teacher. Sick leaves and official letters from the Wali (e.g. re: death of first degree
relatives) are accepted. In case you miss a quiz/exam, you must submit your excuse so that you could sit for
a make-up test/exam.
7. Can I sit for the quizzes/final exam without a student card?
You can't. The teachers invigilating the tests may not be your teacher, so you must bring your ID card.
8. Can I use pencil in a quiz/exam?
Yes, in the writing section only.
9. Can I ask to re-check my exam paper?
Yes you can. You need to fill in an appeal form in the ELC's secretary office (Block A).
10. Can I appeal for readmission if get dismissed?
Yes you can. Go to the Student Affairs office in the Centre to fill in an appeal form.
11. Can I attend the lesson if I am late?
Yes you can. If you are late, you can attend the lesson, but you will be marked absent.
12. What happens if I don’t show up for classes?
If you don’t show up for classes for 10 days (i.e. 2 consecutive weeks) without a valid excuse, you will be
dismissed. Group no-show is absolutely banned. If a whole group doesn’t show up for class, all students will
be penalized.
13. What does it mean to be “debarred”?
It means you are not allowed to write the Level Exit Exam. However, you must continue to attend classes till
the end. As a result for not writing the exit exam, you should repeat the same level you are in.
14. What does “academic advising” mean?
Three hours are scheduled for academic advising during which you could consult your course tutor if you
have any queries or problems.
15) References
Ministry Web site for Bylaws:
http://www.manpower.gov.om
College Web site for facilities available in the college:
web/hct-http://hct
ELC link in the college web site for more details about the English Language Programmes:
http://hct-web/hct/ELC