Welcome to Al Musanna College of Technology. It is an honor and a privilege to have you in our college.

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1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Welcome to ACT 2 About Oman 3 About Colleges of Technology 3 A brief history of the College 4 ACT s Vision, Mission, Goals, Attributes and Values 5 Organizational Structure of the College 7 The Quality Assurance Office 8 The Centers and Academic Departments 8 Study Program 11 Staff Responsibilities 12 ACT Facilities 12 Dress Code for Staff 14 General Procedures 15 Helpful Information 15 ACT Campus Map 17

2 Welcome To ACT Welcome to Al Musanna College of Technology. It is an honor and a privilege to have you in our college. Please read this Staff Handbook as it has been made as simple as possible and includes all the information you need during your journey in ACT. ACT is devoted to providing Omani students with the best opportunities to improve their knowledge and skills. In order to ensure quality education, we believe that it is important to provide a learning environment that allows for individual and collective growth and where students receive unlimited support from us to reach their potentials. Make the best of your experience in our college by sharing your knowledge and skills, accepting challenges and contributing to the advancement of development of Omani society. We wish you a very pleasant experience at ACT! Dr. Qasim Murtadha Al Mar ashi College Dean

3 About the Sultanate of Oman.. Area Capital Official Language Religion Working Week Important dates in Oman Climate 309,500 sq. km. Oman is the easternmost of the Arab countries. Muscat Cosmopolitan city Arabic The culture of Oman is deeply rooted in Islam Sunday to Thursday. Friday is the holy day of the week. Retail shops and supermarkets are open everyday while many small businesses close for several hours in the afternoon. Eid Al-Ftr - marks the end of the holy Ramadan and it is celebrated on 1 st Shawaal. Eid Al Adha commemorates the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage Prophet s Ascension 12th Rabi Al Awwal National Day 18th November Temperature ranges from 40 to 50 degrees Celsius (North) degrees Celsius (South). About the Colleges of Technology The Directorate General of the Technical Education, Ministry of Manpower (MoM), manage and administer the seven Colleges of Technology; Higher College of Technology (HCT), Al Musanna College of Technology (ACT), Nizwa College of Technology (NCT), Ibra College of Technology (ICT), Salalah College of Technology (SCT), Shinas College of Technology (ShCT) and Ibri College of Technology (IbCT). The Colleges offer degree programs in Engineering, Information Technology, Business Studies and Applied Sciences at HCT. Currently, only at HCT offers Bachelor Degree in those programs.

4 A brief History of ACT Al Musanna College of Technology (ACT) is located in Al Bathina South governorate, was established in 1993 by vocational authority no.131/93 in order to change it from a vocational training institute to a full pledged technical college. The college started its academic activities in 1993 by accepting students for the academic year The language of instruction was Arabic. At the beginning, the total number of students registered was 102, teaching staff was 12, and administrative staff was 17. There were only two courses of study: Accounting and Management. Despite being a new college, the entire college team was committed to quality education to meet the high technical manpower requirements of the job market in the Sultanate. The pioneering efforts of the original college staff resulted in the successful completion of its first academic year and produced 58 graduates in In the academic year , the college began to offer the General National Vocational Qualification (GNVQ), authorized by the Royal Society of Arts (RSA), UK, and the language of instruction was changed to English. At the beginning of academic , the college again introduced a change and began to offer the Omani National Diploma (OND). Due to rapid changes of technology, and consequently the need for additional modes of teaching, the college again implemented new programs in academic year in order to comply with the pace of the technical world. The following academic years and onwards, the college has improved tremendously in terms of its facilities and technology as the total number of students, staff, and administrative and technical staff has largely increase.

5 Vision, Mission, College Goals, Graduate Attributes and Values Vision We will be a leading technological institution, providing high quality teaching and learning to prepare and empower the Omani professionals of the future to contribute to national socioeconomic development. Mission To deliver high quality student-centered education that produces competitive graduates who enter the labor market with confidence, strong technological and personal skills, prepared for a life of contribution and success. College Goals 1 Governance We will provide excellent governance and administration with transparency and adherence to ethical principles 2 Teaching and learning We will offer all students high quality teaching, learning and training opportunities through continuous market analysis and curriculum 3 Entrepreneurial skills 4 Graduate outcomes review process and using recent technology We will offer quality programs that promote entrepreneurial skills and respond to the changing market needs and developments in technology. We will ensure that our graduates develop into responsible citizens by enriching their values and attributes to positively affect the socio economic development 5 Staff development We will develop staff by offering opportunities for professional and personal development, rewarding hard work and innovative thinking 6 Research We will encourage opportunities for applied research and consultancy. 7 Stakeholder engagement We will foster mutually beneficial constructive partnerships with various public and private sector organizations, local, professional bodies and international communities that benefit the community at large. 8 Support services We will provide facilities and learning resources that are effectively utilized and well managed to ensure efficient student and staff services

6 Graduate Attributes Graduates of the Colleges of Technology; Attribute 1 Attribute 2 Attribute 3 Attribute 4 Attribute 5 Attribute 6 Attribute 7 Attribute 8 Attribute 9 Attribute 10 Are well disciplined and committed to hard work and a high standard of productivity. Are able to apply the knowledge and skills to a diverse and competitive work environment Are able to think critically, analyze and solve problems. Have a high degree of competence in using information and communication technology Are professionally competent and up-to-date in their field of specialization in a changing global environment. Can gather and process knowledge from a variety of sources, and communicate effectively in written and spoken English. Can effectively demonstrate and apply good interpersonal skills in teamwork and leadership roles. Are committed to self-development through lifelong learning. Are socially responsible citizens aware of contemporary issues in contributing to national development. Are able to demonstrate and apply their entrepreneurial skills. Principles/Values We value: Professionalism Integrity Flexibility Teamwork and Tolerance Creativity and Innovation Communication Hard work, commitment, accountability and transparency Honesty and fairness A willingness to learn, develop new skills and take on new responsibilities Transparency, diversity, acceptance, openness to constructive criticism and ethical behavior Imagination and originality Commitment to the effective exchange of communication

7 To find a staff member, you can use the ACT online Staff Directory:

8 The Quality Assurance Office According to College ByLaws Article 93, the college is subject to the Technological Education Quality Assurance System to assure the compliance of the qualifications awarded by the colleges with the set of standards. This system is issued by a ministerial decision. ACT was audited by the Oman Academic Accreditation Authority (OAAA), formerly known as Accreditation Council (OAC) in May 2010 and the college is now preparing the 2nd stage which is the Standard Assessment. OAAA is a body responsible for the external quality assurance and quality enhancement of higher education institutions (HEIs). The Quality Assurance Office at ACT is chaired by the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs. The Office monitors the quality control standards of all college departmental activities in line with OAAA standards. The Centers and Academic Departments Educational Technology Center ETC The Centers The college s resources are the backbone of all the academic and administrative activities. The facilities are used to support academic programs offered by the College and to improve staff productivity and proficiency. ETC is responsible for managing and monitoring the availability, quality, and effectiveness of physical resources, and recommending solutions to overcome logistic problems faced by the college. ETC maintains the computers in labs and offices of the college which are equipped with wired Internet access and wireless connectivity throughout the campus. There are three sections at the ETC: Computer Services Section CSS Educational Services Section - ESS Library Section

9 The English Language Center ELC The ELC prepares students for Post Foundation specialization programs by helping them develop and improve their general and academic levels of English. The language program consists of four levels: level (1), level (2), level (3) and level (4). Within these levels, students focus on learning the four skills of a language: reading, writing, listening and speaking as well as grammar, extensive reading, research and presentation skills. Each level supports the next, and as the students advance, they become more proficient in each skill. Each level has its own designed syllabus and level assessments. In Level 3, students study English and Mathematics. In Level 4, students study English and Information Technology. Students are supported in their learning with a Student - Access Center (SAC), TV Room and Multimedia Labs where they can work on improving their language skills through a variety of activities. Extra tutoring hours are also arranged for those students who need more help. Each level is taught in one full semester. When the student passes all four levels, including Math and IT, he/she is registered in a specialization depending upon the Ministry of Higher Education Acceptance Center. There are two sections in the ELC: The English language program (ELP) The Curriculum and Teaching Methods (CTM) The Academic Departments The Business Studies Department - BS. The BS department conducts need-based training and management development programs and encourage students to perform innovative activities. The Department exposes the students to the real workplace through industrial visits, and guest lectures from various managerial experts in

10 the industries. In this way, students can have the experience in the industrial arena that will equip them for a better understanding of varied aspects of Business Administration. There are three sections at the BS Department: Accounting and Certified Accounting Technician - CAT Human Resources Management E- Business Marketing The Information Technology Department - IT IT department seeks to advance the student s knowledge in computer science and information technology to keep up with changing new technologies. The curricula enables the students to be competent and professionally skilled in a technologically complex and diverse society. Students are sent outside for OJT training to gain valuable first-hand industrial experience. Potential careers for IT graduates include working in network administration and technical support to professionals in consulting, installation, maintenance and upgrade of computer equipment, database administration, software development, software engineering, production artistry, graphic design, assistance design, computer artistry, advertising, and catalog publishing. IT department is equipped with computer laboratories such as Cisco, Oracle, hardware, web design, multi media, and network. There are 4 sections in the IT Department: Networking Information Technology Database Mathematics

11 The Engineering Department The department provides a wide spectrum of integrated courses in each area of specialization. The courses are carefully designed to respond to market needs due to national economic expansion. The engineering programs of the college offer both general and specific skills preparation for employment in the local market. Computer and workshop labs in the Engineering department are equipped with the latest technology computers, machines and equipment. There are three sections in Engineering Department: Electrical and Electronics Engineering Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Civil and Architectural Engineering

12 Study Program: The chart below shows the study and training program at ACT:

13 Human Resources Department Human Resources Department (HRD) supports the college staff, both from the Ministry and Agency, by providing general human resources services such as leave of absence, issuance of certificates, attendance, clearance, transfers, etc. The HRD is located in the 2 nd floor of Administration building, with extension no: 309. For HR transactions, the forms can be downloaded in the college portal under Human Resources by following the link below. Staff is assisted by their respective contractors such as passports, salaries, visas, tickets, sick leave, medical cards, certificates, maternity leave, resignation, transition to retirement or separations, conditions of service etc. Staff can check the Oman Labor Law for further information: For more enquiries on human resources services, Agency staff can contact their respective contractor as per the following addresses: No Company PhoneNo. FaxNo. address 1 Bahwan bct@bahwncybertek.com 2 GlobNet TATI CECN cecnoman@omantel.net.om 5 Al Nawa getselectednow@yahoo.com Staff Responsibilities: In addition to the duties stipulated by the college bylaws, staff should adhere to the following college rules and regulations: 1. Respect Islamic Laws inside and outside the colleges. 2. Carry out the duties and responsibilities effectively. 3. Adhere to the college policies and procedures 4. Contribute to college committees, academic and administrative affairs. 5. Work towards boosting academic spirit among staff and students. 6. Perform other tasks as required

14 Facilities and Resources ACT has a wide range of facilities and resources to support the teaching and learning process. Communication channels like circulars, notice boards, LCD TVs, suggestions boxes, IP phones and meetings are available to ensure that information is accessible on a timely basis. Staff are provided with their own personal computers while each office is equipped with printers and scanners. Each staff member has a user account which allows him to communicate through the portal and system. The campus is equipped with wired and wireless connectivity to use shared resources on the network and fast internet bandwidth. Students can use laboratory computers or their own laptops to access their own folders and use the internet services. The library is the biggest storage of information and learning resources. The college library occupies books, periodicals, subscriptions, electronic materials and other reference learning materials. The Ministry of Manpower subscribes to a database called ebrary. It is an online comprehensive resource containing more than 40,000 titles in more than 16 key subject areas like business, economics, computers, information technology, engineering technology, language and literature. Students and lecturers can download learning materials from the subscription database. Classrooms are equipped with whiteboards and, wherever necessary, LCD projectors and computer systems with printers are provided. All labs are equipped with computer systems connected to the college network and ceiling mounted LCD projectors. Interactive boards are also installed in the labs. Printing and scanning facilities are also available. A qualified technician is assigned to each lab to help students in their learning process. The labs are provided with quality sub-manuals (Engineering, ETC) that describe the policies and procedures for their use and maintenance.

15 Dress Code for Staff Staff is to be sensitive to the local customs and dress accordingly. Staff must bear in mind that they are guest workers in a society where modesty in dress is not simply recommended, it is in fact a strong requirement and carries with it much meaning. It must be borne in mind what students are used to seeing, what is considered right and wrong, and that seeing otherwise may create a wrong impression, which could damage the image of a staff. What might be seen as normal and unremarkable in one culture could be quite significant in another, with a very different and perhaps negative meaning. To attempt to impose upon the students any values which run counter to local values, is not part of a staff role or job description. No jeans, tee-shirts, shorts, tight-fitting or transparent clothing is the general rule for both genders. Male Staff Male staff are to wear business-like clothing long trousers, shirts with sleeves to the elbow or wrist, buttoned up to the neck, or a tie. Full shoes are advised. Tattoos should be covered and facial jewelry is not to be worn. Hair may be shown. Female Staff The guiding rule for females is loose and covering, not tight, transparent or gaping. Female staff should wear long skirts at least to mid-calf, preferably to the ankle, and shirts and dresses with sleeves below the elbow, preferably to the wrist. Upper-body clothing should cover up to the base of the neck. If long pants are worn they should not be tight and should preferably be covered by a long shirt to mid-thigh length. Hair may be shown.

16 General Procedures For staff sign in and sign out, Absenteeism and Substitution, please refer to your respective center/department. Helpful Information for New Staff Landlords The best approach to have up-to-date landlords information is to ask current tenants (staff members) Ali, , apts, villas in Muladdha Ahmed Said Sultan Saud, , new apts directly behind the College Yusuf, , apts, Muladdha Ali, , apts Muladdha near Roundabout Rashid, , apts, unfurnished, near Roundabout Nasser, , apts, villas, Muladdha; Nasser is also a taxi driver Taxi Drivers Abdullah, Nasser, Mohammed, Walk-up taxi stand at Roundabout, Muladdha Car Rental Thrifty Car Rental Al Haditha L.L.C. P.O. Box: 198, Muttrah, Postal Code 114, Sultanate of Oman Info@AlHadithaOman.com Phone: Ext 2214, Fax: Hypermarkets, Supermarkets Fathima Supermarket, , near Roundabout, Muladdha, on service road across from College front gate Lulu Hypermarket, (Barka), 30 km S. from Muladdha.In Barka located by main Roundabout. Good variety of warrantied air conditioners

17 Makka Hypermarket, , Al Tharmed, 10 km. NW from Muladdha Plumbers, Electricians Biju, Hassan, Carpenters Bilal, Sohan, , carpentry workshop, Muladdha Pharmacies Lulu Hypermarket in Barka, Makka Hypermarket in Al Tharmed, hr pharmacies in main hospitals, e.g. Muscat Private Hospital, Local Medical Clinic Star Medical Centre, Al Muladdha next to Fathima Supermarket on service road across from the College Badr Al Samaa hospital, Barka, , close to Barka main road roundabout Immunizations Dr. Said, , Ministry of Health Mobile Phones, Internet Connection Omantel, they can be visited in two places: 1. Al Tariff, Musannah 2. in Lulu Hypermarket complex, Barka Nawras, office in Lulu Hypermarket complex, Barka Veterinarian Louise, , Muscat Lawyer Sammy,

18 ACT CAMPUS MAP