The Dean of Academic Support Services at the University of Sharjah, Dr. Hussein Al-Mahdi, confirmed to “Emirates Today” the formation of three central committees headed by the Director of the University of Sharjah, Dr. Hamid Majoul Al-Nuaimi, to determine the form of study in the next semester (starting on August 30th).
He explained that the committees include an academic committee that oversees the preparation of study schedules, the teaching mechanism, the provision of teaching and learning resources, and the preparation of regulations, policies and procedures governing the educational process, a health committee to ensure that the necessary health precautionary measures and measures are taken for those who need to return to the university, whether for work or study, and a logistical committee to follow up everything It is related to the equipment for the entry and exit of staff and students to and from the buildings, classrooms and laboratories.
He said that the university approved distance education for theoretical lectures, as for laboratory lessons and field and clinical training, they will be according to what is known as blended education, as laboratory lessons will be held at the university in accordance with health instructions. The university will also provide a number of technical programs and virtual laboratories that depend on modern simulation programs, in addition to displaying virtual interactive experiences through special technical programs provided by the university in cooperation with major international institutions and companies in this field.
The university is also working to prepare for holding mid-term and final exams in its halls, in order to overcome the technical obstacles that students faced during the last period, taking into account the health measures and precautions.
He said that the university was keen to prepare a plan that ensures the continuity of study smoothly, including the continuation of studies by default for foreign students who cannot return to the UAE due to the pandemic conditions.
He pointed out that the university had prepared a reception program for new students next September, so that they would be registered by default, and communicate with them to register their courses in the specialization in which they were accepted.
The reception program includes welcoming virtual lectures, activities and training courses on virtual teaching and learning programs, the electronic course management system, and virtual tours to introduce students to the university corridors, buildings and service units.