1. University of Nizwa Strategic and Operational Plan April 2009

2. University of Nizwa Strategic and Operational Plan External Planning Consultants John E. Kerrigan & Tom Grogan April 2009 April 2007 VisitationApril 2008 Visitation

3. Developmental History University of Nizwa Dreaming Visioning Acting Concept 2003 Formation - 2004 Maturatio n Ideas Have Driven Actions “An established pattern of logical, sequential, progressive and sustainable development.”

4. University of Nizwa Contextual Assessment Active, Exemplary Educational Partner Broad Array of Programs Environmental Analysis Close cooperation with Ministry of Higher Education Linkages and Partnerships Agility and Adaptability Strengths Responsive Accomplished Graduates Challenges Limited Resources Need for Partnerships Private Philanthropic Support Linkages and Partnerships Expand Educational Opportunity New and Innovative Programs Opportunities Speed and Pace of Change Commitment to Education Need for Financial Support Challenges

5. University of Nizwa Quality Staff Visionary Leadership Quality Facilities Vibrant Academic Programs Technology Library Financial Resources Higher Education Policies and Regulations Quality Assurance and Accreditation Students of Exceptional Promise and Ability

6. Elements of Success Skilled Human Resources Efficient Organizational and Administrative Structure Cost-Effective Buildings State of the Art Equipment, Educational Aides and Furniture Institutional Elements of Success Cultural and Social Elements of Success Financial and Economic Elements of Success University of Nizwa

7. Distinctive Attributes, Traits and Characteristics LeadershipInnovationAchievementExcellenceAgilityResiliencyTenacitySustainabilityTransparency “How do we want to be perceived?” “What do we want to be known for?”

8. University of Nizwa The Wheel of Forward Momentum “How will we act?” “What processes describe our actions?” Information, Creativity and Situational Awareness Unrestrained Dreaming Sober Conceptualization Planning Decision Making ImplementationEvaluationAdjustment Demonstration of Leadership Management of Resources and Processes Infusion of Resources Financial and Human Setting Priorities Taking Actions Resources Leadership Management

9. University of Nizwa ActionAssessment Outcomes Tangible Outcomes University Charter Governing Boars University Administration Education Facilities Educational Programs Enrolled Students Networking Intangible Outcomes Expanded Educational Opportunity Improved Employment Prospects Stronger Economic Environment Diversified Industries and Organizations Improved Personal Earning Expanded Career Opportunities Improved Quality of Life Recognized Internationally Bold Ambitious Challenging Visionary Thoughtful Reflective Insightful

10. University of Nizwa The University of Nizwa aspires to become a prominent institution of higher education that is known and recognized for excellence. Context ◄ The University of Nizwa aspires to achieve worldwide reputation for the quality of its programs and graduates. ◄ The University of Nizwa aspires to earn international distinction for innovation, progress and development. Vision

11. University of Nizwa The University of Nizwa is created to promote the cause of education and enlightenment by establishing a scientific and research culture that serves and advances the interests and future development of Omani society and that contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge worldwide. Mission

12. University of Nizwa Mission Context ◄ The University of Nizwa will accomplish its mission while maintaining, enhancing and sustaining the University’s status as a private and non-profit educational institution with an established reputation as a prominent educational leader operating in highly versatile academic culture. ◄ The University of Nizwa will demonstrate an economic impact on the people, the institutions and the communities it serves throughout Oman.

13. University of Nizwa Consistent application reflected in all decisions, actions and priorities ◄ Excellence ◄ Truth/Knowledge ◄Areas of Special Focus Core Values

14. University of Nizwa Excellence ◄ Excellence – The University will take all actions necessary and required to establish and maintain a campus community that is known for its excellence in all operations, including teaching, learning, research, service, and partnerships with other institutions and organizations. Core Values ◄ Excellence ◄ Truth/Knowledge ◄Areas of Special Focus

15. University of Nizwa Truth/Knowledge ◄ Truth/Knowledge – The University will be defined and described by an unwavering and uncompromised commitment to the pursuit of personal growth, professional advancement, the acquisition of new knowledge, the discovery and celebration of truth, and the realization and the development of the highest standards and principles of conduct that are shared by educated men and women from across the globe. Core Values ◄ Excellence ◄ Truth/Knowledge ◄Areas of Special Focus

16. University of Nizwa Areas of Special Focus ◄ Areas of Special Focus – To achieve efficiently its mission, and strive towards its vision, the University thus embraces the core values and principles in four listed areas: (1)Academic Affairs, (2)Research and Technology, (3)Administration, and (4)Development. Core Values ◄ Excellence ◄ Truth/Knowledge ◄Areas of Special Focus

17. University of Nizwa Areas of Special Focus (1)Academic Affairs Establishment of a non-profit resourceful academic institution. Provision of high quality and affordable education that produces skilful graduates with versatility to cope with a rapidly changing global environment. Development of highly-competitive, as well as, collaborative and cooperative academic programs with similar institutions. Attraction, retention and development of faculty of exceptional ability. Contribution to the establishment of a National Science and Technology Policy and effective contribution to its success. Promotion of inter-disciplinary studies. Enhancement of intra-university coordination. Sustaining long life learning. Core Values ◄ Areas of Special Focus (1)Academic Affairs, (2)Research and Technology, (3)Administration, and (4)Development.

18. University of Nizwa Areas of Special Focus (2) Research and Technology Provision of an effective support of research as a major resourceful mean for acquisition of knowledge and enhancement of the interactive role of the University. Networking with the surrounding environment within the Omani society and worldwide and contribution to the exchange of scientific knowledge to enhance the promotion of a scientific and research culture. Development of an appreciation of the role of technology for development. Development of a technology and research base. Core Values ◄ Areas of Special Focus (1)Academic Affairs, (2)Research and Technology, (3)Administration, and (4)Development.

19. University of Nizwa Areas of Special Focus (3) Administration Promotion of leadership and quality financial & administrative management. Sustaining of an efficient and well-structured administrative infrastructure and cost effective management of resources. Establishment of an efficient system for evaluation and monitoring of quality. Adopting the principles of equal opportunity and the freedom of rights. Establishment of a culture of critical thinking and reasoning (within the Islamic Culture and Omani traditions). Core Values ◄ Areas of Special Focus (1)Academic Affairs, (2)Research and Technology, (3)Administration, and (4)Development.

20. University of Nizwa Areas of Special Focus (4) Development Maintenance of sustainable growth and development. Adoption of continuous and unceasing commitment to innovation, creativity and advancement and bold action to pursue desired ends. Adoption of the principle of productive university. Maintenances of an efficient linkage with public, private and industrial sectors. Core Values ◄ Areas of Special Focus (1)Academic Affairs, (2)Research and Technology, (3)Administration, and (4)Development.

21. University of Nizwa Planning Horizons

22. I.Immediate or Short-Term Objectives: 1.PLANS - Implementation of the academic, administrative and financial plans defined by the University Foundation Plan. 2.HUMAN RESOURCES - Creating and developing a strong human resource base. 3.PROMOTION - Promotion of academic programs and attraction of potential students. 4.PARTNERSHIPS - Establishment of academic links and cooperation with institutions and industries in Oman and worldwide. Planning Horizons University of Nizwa

23. ImmediateMedium-TermLonger-Term II. Medium-Term Objectives – part one 1.GRADUATES - Provide Oman with high quality and well trained graduates to respond to the changing needs of the country. 2.EXCELLENCE - Establish promote and maintain academic excellence in all programs and in scholarly and creative activities of faculty and students. 3.CITIZENSHIP - Qualify the graduates to be good citizens who appreciate their cultural values and heritage and understand the global atmosphere. 4.RELATIONSHIPS - Establish lifelong and beneficial linking with the university alumni. 5.RESEARCH - Conduct quality basic and applied research and train young researchers in the various fields of relevance. Planning Horizons University of Nizwa

24. ImmediateMedium-TermLonger-Term II. Medium-Term Objectives – part two 7.CONSULTATION - Provide expertise and consultation to the various sectors of the society. 8.EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS - Establish close and fruitful links with national and international universities and institutions in academic, research and technological affairs. 9.QUALITY CURRICULA - Designing, implementing and maintaining a well integrated outcome base and comprehensive curricula of international quality. 10.RELEVANCE - Mapping the goals of the curricula to those of the academic progress and the overall university goals. 11.ASSESSMENT - Implementing a quality assessment system to enable the university to monitor its progress in achieving its goals and mission through various assessment strategies. Planning Horizons University of Nizwa

25. ImmediateMedium-TermLonger-Term III. Longer-Term Objectives – part one 1.CULTURE - Maintain challenging university culture and education. 2.RESEARCH - Establish a solid research expertise. 3.ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Contribute effectively to the sustainable development of science, technology and the industry in Oman. 4.AWARENESS - Promote awareness and appreciation for the value of science, research and technology in the society. Planning Horizons University of Nizwa

26. ImmediateMedium-TermLonger-Term III. Longer-Term Objectives – part two 5.DEVELOPMENT - Create and maintain a sustainable and versatile system of university development. 6.TECHNOLOGY - Create a resourceful system to accommodate modern technologies related to science and research development of the University. 7.QUALITY MONITORING - Create an efficient system of quality monitoring. 8.DIVERSITY - Create a student community encompassing a diversity of young talent, nationalities and cultural backgrounds. Planning Horizons University of Nizwa

27. Immediate Medium- Term Longer- Term Mechanisms Required to Support Planning Objectives Objectives Planning Academic TrainingResearch Human and Material Resources Partnerships and Networking Quality Awareness and Accreditation Effective, Sustainable and Versatile System of Development

28. Immedi ate Mediu m-Term Longer- Term Academic Training Research Human and Material Resources Partnerships and Networking Quality Awareness and Accreditation Effective, Sustainable and Versatile System of Development Mechanisms 1. Academic Training Mechanisms – part one 1.Develop and implement a system of academic training policies and regulations. 2.Offer quality flexible degree programs, which emphasize critical and independent thinking, a high degree of student responsibility and good command of skills in order to qualify the graduate for coping with the changing needs in the work environment. 3.Offer internationally credible undergraduate (Diploma and Bachelors) and graduate (High Diplomas, Masters and Doctoral) degrees. 4.Develop degree programs, which focus on the specific needs of the country and the region. 5.Develop and maintain challenging curricula and ensure rigorous delivery by adopting up-to-date methodologies and use of technology. 6.Maintain a regularly updated curriculum that allows a balance between specialized and general education to promote interdisciplinary scientific activities. 7.Maintain an optimum ratio between Faculty and students. 8.Develop an effective system of student advising. University of Nizwa

29. Immedi ate Mediu m-Term Longer- Term Academic Training Research Human and Material Resources Partnerships and Networking Quality Awareness and Accreditation Effective, Sustainable and Versatile System of Development Mechanisms 1. Academic Training Mechanisms – part two 9.Provide clear guidelines for a standardized students’ assessment ensuring competent learning outcome. 10.Equip faculty with self-development such as optimization of teaching and research skills and utilization of modern technology. 11.Promote faculty exchange programs with other universities in order to enhance quality teaching and competitive research outcome. 12.Develop an active off-class programs of academic and cultural nature that widen the scope of the student’s view of his subject in relation to its application to real life and also to widen the scope of his general knowledge. 13.Develop a proper procedure for student evaluation of Faculty and taught courses, and enhance student awareness of the objectives of the evaluation system, and establish an independent body that regulates this process. 14.Encourage student exchange programs with other universities in order to enhance student competition and interaction. 15.Maintain a life-long learning environment for students after graduation. University of Nizwa

30. Immedi ate Mediu m-Term Longer- Term Academic Training Research Human and Material Resources Partnerships and Networking Quality Awareness and Accreditation Effective, Sustainable and Versatile System of Development Mechanisms 2. Research Mechanisms – part one 1.Establish a well-thought-out system governing the various aspects of research. The system must be transparent, fair and include measures of accountability. 2.Develop a properly structured research policy, which includes clear principles, sufficient funding, and an allocation of time for active Faculty participation and involvement in research and scholarly activities. 3.Recognize and value of scholarly activities and accomplishments. 4.Develop programs and opportunities that will facilitate and enhance student/faculty collaborative research efforts. 5.Develop expanded access to research and scholarly resources through the library and through other efforts involving the latest developments in on-line resource materials. University of Nizwa

31. Immedi ate Mediu m-Term Longer- Term Academic Training Research Human and Material Resources Partnerships and Networking Quality Awareness and Accreditation Effective, Sustainable and Versatile System of Development Mechanisms 2. Research Mechanisms – part two 6.Ensure a strong link between research and graduate studies. 7.Encourage research in areas of immediate relevance to the development of the Sultanate. 8.Publish books, periodicals and scientific bulletins in various fields of knowledge. 9.Facilitate Faculty attendance of national and international scientific meetings in order to promote scientific research in Oman and establish international collaborations. 10.Encourage and support Faculty to solve problems facing various sectors of the society utilizing research as a resourceful tool for consultancies and for promoting the concept of a "Productive University." University of Nizwa

32. Immedi ate Mediu m-Term Longer- Term Academic Training Research Human and Material Resources Partnerships and Networking Quality Awareness and Accreditation Effective, Sustainable and Versatile System of Development Mechanisms 3. Human and Material Resource Mechanisms – part one 1.Develop comprehensive human resources management policies, procedures and practices that will ensure that the University hires, retains and helps to develop faculty and staff of the highest ability and accomplishment. 2.Integrate budgeting and staffing analysis in light of the efforts to advance or implement new goals or strategies. 3.Work to develop additional resources that may be required to help nurture faculty in key leadership positions that will build long-term and sustainable patterns of service, leadership and scholarship that will benefit the entire academic community. 4.Devise and affect a well-planned Omanization scheme for academic and technical staff. University of Nizwa

33. Immedi ate Mediu m-Term Longer- Term Academic Training Research Human and Material Resources Partnerships and Networking Quality Awareness and Accreditation Effective, Sustainable and Versatile System of Development Mechanisms 3. Human and Material Resource Mechanisms – part two 5.Ensure a fair and efficient infrastructure governing decision making in the University. 6.Develop a fully transparent system of guidelines and procedures for appointments, promotions, and contract renewal to attract and retain excellent academic staff. 7.Ensure that the University is equipped with adequate modern and electronic facilities to acquire high standards methods of teaching. 8.Develop a training program, preferably in-house, for technical staff and encourage their involvement in research. 9.Require the development and maintenance of library facilities of international standards. University of Nizwa

34. Immedi ate Mediu m-Term Longer- Term Academic Training Research Human and Material Resources Partnerships and Networking Quality Awareness and Accreditation Effective, Sustainable and Versatile System of Development Mechanisms 3. Human and Material Resource Mechanisms – part three 10.Develop a program for updating and improving teaching methods. 11.Ensure the availability of classroom/laboratory space and teaching equipment, which takes into account increasing enrollment in the University. 12.Develop a system for acknowledging and rewarding excellence in teaching and research. 13.Emphasize the need for sabbatical and research leaves for faculty members. 14.Introduce a program of faculty exchange with other academic establishments within and outside Oman. University of Nizwa

35. Immedi ate Mediu m-Term Longer- Term Academic Training Research Human and Material Resources Partnerships and Networking Quality Awareness and Accreditation Effective, Sustainable and Versatile System of Development Mechanisms 4. Partnership and Networking Mechanisms – part one 1.Actively explore the establishment and development of innovative and creative linkages and partnerships with external organizations, funding authorities and individuals that will foster an active and mutually beneficial relationship. 2.Create specialized centers of excellence in technology development, research and specialized services. 3.Demonstrate value and relevance to the communities that are served by developing educational programs, service, and outreach activities as well as approaches that will demonstrate value and that will simultaneously engender goodwill. 4.Develop approaches to solicit external grants and gifts necessary or required to advance key University priorities or objectives. 5.Interact with Arab and international scientific organizations through exchange programs and joint scientific activities. University of Nizwa

36. Immedi ate Mediu m-Term Longer- Term Academic Training Research Human and Material Resources Partnerships and Networking Quality Awareness and Accreditation Effective, Sustainable and Versatile System of Development Mechanisms 4. Partnership and Networking Mechanisms – part two 6.Utilize efficiently the support of the Research Council for research programs in the country, and thereby contribute effectively to the development of research and technology in the Sultanate and respond to the rapidly changing needs of the country. 7.Interact with applied scientists in inter-disciplinary studies. 8.Contribute to the development of pre-college education in Oman in collaboration with the Ministries of Education and Higher Education. 9.Interact with the public through "University Cultural Week" and other occasions, cultural and social programs, informative brochures and public lectures and mass media. 10.Organize conferences and workshops and promote extra-mural studies and training programs. University of Nizwa

37. Immedi ate Mediu m-Term Longer- Term Academic Training Research Human and Material Resources Partnerships and Networking Quality Awareness and Accreditation Effective, Sustainable and Versatile System of Development Mechanisms 5. Effective, Sustainable and Versatile System of Development 1.Develop clearly-stated expectations relating to quality that are understood by all key constituencies (faculty, staff, students, academic departments, colleges, administrative units or divisions, etc.) 2.Identify suitable and appropriate methods or metrics for the collection and analysis of key quantitative and qualitative data that will provide a basis for assessment, reflection and possible adjustment or modification. 3.Charge academic Deans and other key administrative personnel to actively explore avenues and opportunities for the formal recognition of the University’s quality and to have a commitment to eventually pursue and achieve internationally-recognized standards of accreditation or certification in those areas where such external endorsement will provide value and recognition to support the University’s long-term interests. University of Nizwa

38. Immedi ate Mediu m-Term Longer- Term 6. Academic Training Mechanisms Academic Training Research Human and Material Resources Partnerships and Networking Quality Awareness and Accreditation Effective, Sustainable and Versatile System of Development Mechanisms 1.As a new University with an unwritten history, it is crucial to demonstrate and establish a proven track record of effective performance in all operations. 2.Create efforts and initiatives in the area of University advancement and development must be bold, creative and innovative at the same time that they are realistic, manageable, and achievable. 3.Development the University’s financial base requiring the demonstration of creative and innovative approaches to finances and to the management of all funds entrusted to the University for Proper Stewardship and application. 4.The development of the University’s physical plant must be done in a manner that demonstrates that sense of focused discipline required to turn abstract dreams into concrete realities. University of Nizwa

39. Undergraduate Activities Curriculum Advising Graduate Program and Research Graduate Program Research Vocational Training Integral for Professional Advancement in Oman Organization of Academic Functions University of Nizwa

40. Human Resources Academic Staff Technical Staff Teaching Assistance Research Assistance Omanization Promotions Appointments Evaluations Student Evaluation of Faculty and Curricula Physical Resources Campus Development and Buildings Equipment and Instrumentation Human and Physical Resources & Instrumentation University of Nizwa

41. Development of Cultural, Social and Religious Aspects Focus on Student Development – citizenship and appreciation for values and changes Personal Growth and Development – Leadership and Team Work Sports, Recreation Counseling Career Development Health Center Financial Assistance – Transparent Criteria and Defined Procedures Legal Advice Facilitate Interactive Learning Community Service Foster Student Talents and Creativity Student Affairs University of Nizwa

42. Research and Technology Development Foster Joint Academic Activities International Conferences, Workshops and Specialized Training Secure Research Contracts Encourage and Reward Faculty Initiatives Promote Inaction and Cooperation with International Organizations Enhance Access to Information – e-learning and Technology Establish linkages with Technology Centers – Especially Analytical Sciences Partnership and Networking Functions University of Nizwa

43. Productive University Efficient Operations – lower costs Strong Academic Programs Research Productivity Improved Productivity Quality Assurance Accreditation University of Nizwa

44. Sustainable University Invest in Programs and Initiatives Consistent with Mission Develop Comprehensive Business Model – Ensuring Resources Establish Reserve Fund and Build an Endowment University of Nizwa