Rules and Regulations, Misconduct Procedures, Student Support and Career Placement

Abbreviations and acronyms

 

Rules and Regulations

Admissions

MSA University accepts students who have passed Thanaweya Amma Examinations or any other equivalent High School Examination (IGCSE, GCSE, American Diploma, German Certificates, IB, or other Arab Certificate). The Supreme Council of Egyptian Universities specifies the subjects required for admission, the minimum percentage for admission and the maximum number of newcomers accepted in each faculty, which varies from one year to the other. These conditions are declared to all applicants during the summer, prior to their admission to the University.

Faculties’ Requirements (Egyptian & Arab Thanawya):

• Students are required to present the original High School certificate along with the Original Birth Certificate.
• Egyptian Thanawaya is divided to three main sections:
• Art Section,
• Scientific Section (which is divided into Scientific Math Section and Scientific Science Section) ,

• Faculty of Engineering/Computer Science:

The student must obtain his certificate from the Scientific Math Section.

• Faculty of Pharmacy/Biotechnology/Dental Surgery

The student must obtain his certificate from the Scientific Science Section.

• Faculty of Management Sciences/Mass Communication/Languages

The student must obtain his certificate from the Art Section/Scientific Section (Science Section or Math Section) or the Scientific Art Section.

• Faculty of Arts & Design

The students could obtain his certificate from Scientific Sceince Section, Scientific math Section and Literacy Section to apply for Fashion Design, Graphics and Media Arts & Cinema, Theatre and Production Design.

The students could obtain his certificate from Scientific Science Section, Scientific math Section to apply for Interior Design, Product Design and Landscape.

Faculty Requirements (other than Egyptian and Arab Thanawya):

1. Faculties of Engineering and Computer Science:

• IGCSE, Canadian Diploma and American Diploma Students: a minimum of eight subjects are required to qualify for admission; five of them must be English, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Advanced Mathematics.

• International Baccalaureate Certificate: a total of six subjects + Extended Essay & Theory of Knowledge are required for admittance. Three of them must be English, Higher Physics and Higher Mathematics.
• Bacc. Francais, German Certificates: a total of seven subjects are required for admittance; four of them must be English, Mathematics on any level, Chemistry and Physics.

2. Faculties of Mass Communication and Management Sciences:

• IGCSE, Canadian Diploma & American Diploma Students: a minimum of eight subjects are required to qualify for admission; English is a must.
• International Baccalaureate Certificate: a total of six subjects + Extended Essay & Theory of Knowledge are required for admittance. English must be one of the subjects.
• Bacc. Francais, German Certificates: a total of seven subjects are required for admittance. English is a must.

3. Faculties of Dental Sciences , Pharmacy and Biotechnology:

• IGCSE, Canadian Diploma & American Diploma Certificates: a minimum of eight subjects are required to qualify for admission; five of them must be: English, Mathematic/Economics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

• International Baccalaureate Certificate: a total of six subjects + Extended Essay & Theory of Knowledge are required for admittance. Three of them must be higher Chemistry, higher Biology & English.
• Bacc. Francais, German Certificates: a total of seven subjects are required for admittance; five of them must be English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

4. Faculty of Languages:

• IGCSE, Canadian Diploma & American Diploma Students: a minimum of eight subjects are required to qualify for admission; English and either Dutch/French/Italian or Spanish must be included in the qualifying subjects.
• International Baccalaureate Certificate: a total of 6 subjects are required for admittance. English and either French/German/Spanish or Italian must be included in the qualifying subjects.
• Bacc. Francais, German Certificates: a total of seven subjects are required for admittance; English and either Dutch/French/Spanish or Italian must be included in the qualifying subjects.

. Admission Procedures

1. Students are admitted based on the ranking of their overall percentages and the capacity of each programme.

2. Each applicant submits his/her application along with all original and authenticated documents.
3. The applicants’ personal and academic data is entered into the University’s system.
4. The percentage is automatically calculated for applicants according to their grades and according to the requirements of each different certificate.
5. For non-Governmental Certificates (other than Egyptian & Arab Thanawya):
1. Each student must provide documentation that gives proof that they have spent at least 11 successive years in education
2. At least eight subjects are required for admission. Passing grades are determined by the Supreme Council of the Egyptian Universities.
6. Each new applicant is required to undergo an English Proficiency exam; English Language Admission Test (ELAT). The grade of the ELAT or TOEFL (if available) is considered in the assessment of the applicant’s language proficiency. According to the exam result the student is placed in either Intensive English courses that range from the elementary to the upper intermediate (ENG80 & ENG 90), or Upper intermediate/Advanced English 101.
7. Internal transfer is permitted as long as the student meets all the faculty requirements, as decided by the supreme council of the Egyptian Universities for each year.
8. External & Internal transfer students must meet the Ministry’s requirement (Official transcript and official course contents). The respective Faculty Dean/programme leader interviews transferred students; and reviews their transcripts before admitting them to the faculty and notifies the student with the possible equivalent transferable courses. The final transferable courses will be confirmed by the supreme council of Private Egyptian Universities. The student starts a fresh GPA in MSA.
9. By the end of the admission period, a comprehensive report of all applicants’ is prepared. Selected applicants will be required to pay full fees and present all the original authenticated documents within a specified time interval.

Assessment and progression

MSA Grading Scheme

The MSA grading scheme for the Faculties of Engineering, Computer Science, Management Sciences, Mass Communication, Languages and Arts & Design is as follows:

The MSA grading scheme for the Faculties of Pharmacy l, Dental Surgery and Biotechnology is as follows*:

* Grades D and D+ are allowed for computer, mathematics, English and physics modules.

The 100% mark for each module is normally divided as follows (unless specified otherwise):

40% coursework

60% unseen exams

The Calendar of Assessment

There are five main periods of assessment during the academic year:

• At the middle of the Fall Semester.
• At the end of the Fall Semester.
• At the middle of the Spring Semester.
• At the end of the Spring Semester.
• At the end of the Summer Semester.

The period of final assessment includes a deadline for submitting all work to be assessed as well as concluding all the examinations. At the end of each period of assessment, the University Assessment Board meets to confirm the results of all modules and award qualifications after being reviewed, scrutinized and ratified at the Faculty Assessment Boards.

The Structure of the Assessment Boards

University Assessment Board (where awards are ratified)

Chair: appointed by Collaborative University

Members: MSA President, Vice President, External Examiners, Link Tutors, Director of Quality Assurance, Faculty Deans, Programme leaders

Secretary: Appointed by Chair

Faculty Assessment Board (where module results are agreed)

Chair: Dean of Faculty

Members: Link tutors, External Examiners, Programme Leaders and Module Coordinator/Leaders.

Secretary: Appointed by Chair

Academic Load

The academic load is the number of registered credits per student each semester.

Grade Point

The corresponding Grade Point (GP) for each letter grade for the Faculties of Engineering, Computer Sciences, Management Sciences, Mass Communication ,Languages and Arts and Design is as follows:

The corresponding Grade Point (GP) for each letter grade for the Faculties of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dental Surgery and Biotechnology is as follows:

Grade Point Average

Credits acquired by the student are based on the credits of the passed modules from the academic load registered. Repeated modules will be counted once toward the calculation of accumulated credit hours. The best achieved GP will be used for calculating the cumulative GPA.

The cumulative GPA calculation starts from the first semester for each student and is updated each semester till his/her graduation.

The semester GPA of the student is the weighted average of the grade points acquired in the modules passed in that specific semester. It is calculated as follows:

Semester GPA =

Sum of the product of the number of credit hours of each Module in the current semester load X the corresponding GP

(Semester Total Credits in the current semester load) ^*

= Σ (Number of credit hours of each module in the current semester load X corresponding GP)

(Semester Total Credits in the current semester load) ^*

The number of credits used to calculate the Cumulative GPA is the number of credits registered by the student up to this date.

Cumulative GPA =

Sum of the product of the number of credit hours of each Module registered up to this date X the corresponding GP

Total Credits registered up to this date

= Σ (Number of credit hours of each Module registered up to this date X corresponding GP)

Total Credits registered up to this date

*Excluding pass-fail Modules credit and transferred Modules from Universities other than MSA. Grades that are not included in the grade point average are as follows: (P) Pass, (I )Incomplete, (W) Withdrawal.

BA/BSc Students:

MSA CGPA is calculated as per the students entire profile while MDX/UoG CGPA is calculated as per the last two academic years.

 

Progression of Students:

Progression is determined by the number of credit hours completed by students as determined by each faculty.

Graduation

Students shall automatically receive the award of the University and qualify for upon completion of the requisite number of credits with a CGPA equivalent to C- or above at the end of the semester during which the total was achieved.

Graduation Ceremonies are usually held every year in September for Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters graduates.

Failing a Module

Students must meet the deadline for submission of all coursework in accordance with the requirements of the university and module staff.

A student is deemed to have failed in the following cases:

• Students who fail to attend 25% of all lectures and tutorials (F1).
• Students who fail to attend the final exam (F2).
• Students who fail to achieve 25% of the marks in the final exam in the Faculties of Engineering, Management Sciences, Computer Science, Mass communication, Languages and Arts and Design while students who fail to achieve 30% of the marks in the Faculties of Pharmacy, Dental Science and Biotechnology (F3).
• Students who fail to attend the midterm exam will be allowed to complete the module but will lose all the marks which are equivalent to the midterm exam grade; unless the University President considers the extenuating circumstances and warrant the midterm grades to be added to the grades of the final exams.

Incomplete

If a student fails to attend the final exam due to any emergency or extenuating circumstance, and the University President approves the non attendance, then an incomplete grade will be agreed. Mid-term grade as well as course work grades are transferred to students who are given an (I) grade. Subsequently, the student will be allowed to sit for the final exam of this module at the next opportunity.

Progression and Repeat Policy

Students may not repeat any course they have passed unless it is a requirement of an accreditation board or is crucial to the student’s academic progression. Students who fail to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 1.67 will be put under probation and will be allowed to repeat Modules with a grade of D+, D and F. The grade used in the final GPA is the final grade achieved by the student.

Condoned Failures

Condoning regulation for the Faculties of Engineering, Computer Science, Management Sciences, Mass Communications, Languages; and Arts and Design apply only if the student has passed the final exam:

• Students who get a minimum of 45% in a Module may be condoned by a maximum of 5% by the University Assessment Board based on the marks needed to pass the Module.
• In case of failure in two modules with the same grade, only the non-core can be condoned.
• ENG80 & ENG90 are not condoned. Failure in Design modules in the Architecture Programme can not be condoned.

Condoning regulation for the faculties of Pharmacy, Dental Surgery and Biotechnology; are applied only if the student has passed the final exam:

• Students who get a minimum of 55% in any module (45% in English, Calculus, Physics and Computer modules) may be condoned by a maximum of 5% by the University Assessment Board based on the marks needed to pass the module.

Failures can only be condoned by the University Assessment Board .

Grade appeals

Staff correct the answer sheets with coded numbers in both midterm and final examinations so that the identity of the student remains completely anonymous thus insuring that the assessment is truly objective reflecting the students’ true academic standard. Each answer sheet is marked by two examiners.

Despite this accurate grading procedure, students are allowed to appeal against their final grade. Students need to fill a Grade Appeal available from the Faculty Registrar. The Faculty Registrar sends all grade appeals to the Examination Unit. The Examination Unit checks the students’ total grade from the records available and also checks that there is no indication that the examiner has missed any questions during the grading of the answer sheet. Grade appeal does not include remarking the exam. Any cases requiring the alteration of student’s grade are reported by the Examination Unit to the Faculty Registrar who notifies the student.

Publication of Results

Grades will be published on notice boards and on the University website after they have been ratified by the University Assessment Board held at the end of each semester.

Timetables and Accessing Own Records

Timetables

The University Academic Calendar and the Quality Assurance Calendar are published on the MSA web-site and made available at the University Admission Office almost two months prior to the commencement of the academic year for access by students.

During the Registration Period students are offered academic advice via their academic advisors. They are also provided with a detailed timetable prior to the start of each academic semester. If necessary, students can obtain a replacement copy from the Faculty Registrar.

Copies of the Examination schedule are available almost one week before exam periods, on the University Web Site and as hardcopies from the Faculty Registrar.

Accessing your own records

Students can access their grades via their own accounts on the MSA web-site, or by taking an informal copy of their four/five year plan, or by ordering a formal transcript from the Student Affairs Office.

Transcripts

An official transcript is a complete record of a student's academic work at the University. Transcripts are issued on authentic, official paper and carry the signature of the University, the date of issue, and the seal of the University. Each transcript must include the student's complete record at MSA.

An official transcript is issued only at the written request or authorization of the student concerned. Transcript requests must be made in writing in person to the Registrar.

When making a request in the student affairs department, a template has to be filled out, it must include one's full name, MSA ID number, the reason for applying for a transcript.. Transcript requests will normally be processed within almost five working days. However, Transcripts cannot be issued during the period of midterm and final exams. .

Attendance Requirements

The contact between the staff and student is the most effective means of learning. Class discussions and comments enhance the students’ understanding of the module content providing a new dimension to the learning experience. For these reasons, students are required to satisfy certain attendance requirements. Students who fail to attend 75% of all lectures and tutorials/Labs for a given module are deprived from the final exam and automatically fail the Module. This includes absences for medical reasons and emergencies.

Students are required to check with the respective teaching assistants as to the number of absents reached in each module.

Late Arrival Policy

Late arrivals disrupt the class and interrupt other student’s concentration. Students are only allowed into the class during the first five minutes. Otherwise, they miss the class and are recorded as absent.

During the midterm exams (1.5hrs) students are allowed to arrive up to the first 15 minutes of the exam, while the final examination (3 hrs) students are allowed to arrive up to the first 30 minutes of the exam.

Late submission Policy

Students are notified of the deadline for work submission for all pieces of their work at the start of the semester. Failure to meet the deadline results in the deduction of 10% of their mark for each working day.

Probation policy

Probation students are students who fail to achieve CGPA1.67. Initially the student is notified and counselled by his/her faculty via his/her academic advisor and an official letter is sent to his/her parents. Probation students are allowed up to eight semesters in the faculties of Management Sciences, Computer Sciences, Mass Communication, Languages, Biotechnology and Arts and Design to improve their CGPA. While in the Faculties of Engineering, Dental Sciences and Pharmacy students are allowed up to ten semesters to improve their CGPA.

Withdrawal semesters and semesters of ENG80 & ENG90 are not countable. Spring and Summer semesters are counted as one semester. The student is allowed to change major only once. In case the student has achieved credit hours equivalent to the sixth semester in four year programmes and eight semesters in five year programmes he/she could not be dismissed by the University.

Withdrawal Policy

1. Module Withdrawal: Students who apply to withdraw from a module due to being unable to progress or extenuating circumstances must submit a completed module withdrawal form to the respective Dean then for final approval by the President. Their results appear as W instead of F.
2. Semester Withdrawal: Students who apply for a whole semester withdrawal due to extenuating circumstances must submit supporting documents to the respective Dean for consent then for final approval by the President. Their results appear as W instead of F.
3. Withdrawal from the University: The student initially applies to withdraw at the University Admission Office who raises the request to the respective Dean/programme leader.. Serious cases are discussed at the University Board. Withdrawing students may request their transcripts and original documents.

Quality Assurance of the Programmes

The Quality Assurance and Audit unit in MSA University is responsible for institutionalizing and following the criteria and procedures established by the university to assure quality of its academic provision and to maintain its academic standards.

All programmes are subject to the University’s academic quality assurance procedures (which include those procedures related to programme approval, monitoring and review). A key feature of these processes is the input from external examiners who ensure that MSA University Awards are comparable to those of other UK universities, and that the programme curriculum, teaching, assessment and resources are appropriate.

Students also have a very important role in the enhancement of the quality of programmes, by way of feeding back on a regular basis via Module Evaluation, Boards of Study, and other mechanisms. Student feedback also plays a major role in Programme monitoring and review. (Refer to Feedback from Student’s Section).

 

MSA University, and its Programmes, are subject to periodic review visits by its collaborative partners and external examiners. These reviews place confidence in the quality and standards of provision.

Feedback to Students

Feedback on assessment performance is a vital communication process between staff and student. Constructive feedback facilitates learning, and subsequently enhances marks and grades. The feedback on the programme takes a variety of forms.

Feedback during teaching and learning

In class participation and discussions, preparation of work, answering problems that the instructors and teaching assistant has given are an integral part of learning.

Feedback on Coursework

Oral and written feedback will be given following the submission of assignments and during group meetings. Feedback on coursework will be by written comments and grades. Feedback will also be provided through group discussions and group work. Student contribution to these class discussions will be noted according to evidence relating to participation, preparation and attendance.

Feedback on group case studies will be given during group sessions and on the day of the presentation.

Return of coursework

Instructors return graded assignments, tests and term papers to all students complete with comments and feedback. Students are required to file the coursework in their student portfolios to be submitted to instructors at the end of semester for the final appraisal of the students’ course work. They are returned to the students.

Feedback on Examinations

The staff may discuss generally with the whole class the model answer for Mid/Final exam after it has been held as a means of improving future performance.

Copies of Past Examination Papers and Other Forms of Assessment

Past examination papers are a good guide to the sort of examination question that a student might encounter in the exams. Copies of past examination papers and other forms of assessment are available on the Faculty Web-site for student’s reference. Students are required to consult with their staff concerning the validity of these samples.

Marking, Second Marking and Marking Moderation

All assessments are moderated to ensure the integrity of marking and that grades have been recorded accurately. Instructors mark answer sheets with coded numbers to ensure anonymous marking, ultimately, guaranteeing that the marking process was totally unbiased.

If there are significant differences between the marks of the course assessments such events are investigated by the programme assessment boards.

A minimum sample of 10% of all answer sheets shall be remarked including 5% of all passed papers and all failures. Second marking is undertaken by an internal examiner other than the module examiner.

In addition, External examiners review and scrutinize sample exams, answer sheets, course work during their review visits each Semester to ensure coherency, parity and the objectivity of the assessment process.

As for the Graduation Projects, the senior students defend their work in front of an academic Jury (a committee consisting of the Project Supervisor, local External Examiners). This is to ensure that the moderation is undertaken and the mark is verified.

Feedback from students

Boards of Study

The purpose of the Board of Study is to provide a forum for discussion between students and staff involved in all aspects of the programme.

The membership includes:

• Chair (Dean)
• Representative from MDX/UoG
• Programme Leaders.
• All Module Leaders (or their representatives) wherever feasible.
• Student representatives (almost two for each year/major).
• Support services representatives (IT, Admission, HR, PR, Examination Unit, Library etc).
• Secretary to take the minutes

Student Representatives are responsible for notifying the Board with the students concerns, suggestions and complaints.

A meeting is held each semester normally in week’s six to eight as specified in the Quality Assurance Calendar. Dates of the Boards of Studies are published in all student handbooks and on MSA Website.

The agenda must include all major items but further items suggested by the student representatives and members of the committee may be added where appropriate.

The minutes should cover all agenda items and include a summary of the main points of discussion and an action/outcomes list. Any actions required include the timescale, the name of the person responsible and when a report back to the Board is expected. They should also include progress on actions from the previous minutes.

Within 48 hours of the meeting a Chairs’ Action List will be published and circulated to all those with action points to deal with and to the Quality Assurance and Audit Unit Head.

In addition, copies should be put on appropriate student notice boards and made available on MSA webpage.

Module Evaluation

Students are required to complete the online evaluation (for Module/ instructor/teaching assistant). This is considered an anonymous channel for receiving Student Feedback. Reports of evaluation are sent to respective deans, Programme Leaders for action. Head of Board of Trustees, President, Vice Presidents and Director of Quality Assurance also receive a copy.

Open Door Policy

MSA University adopts an open door policy for receiving student feedback.

Complaints Procedure

The complaints procedure ensures that the student’s opinion about any action taken against him/her is handled.

• Students submit their verbal/written complaints/petitions to the students’ affairs office/programme leader.
• Students must submit their complaints within one month of the occurrence of the action otherwise MSA is under no obligation to consider this complaint.
• The processing of these complaints is the responsibility of the office of Students’ Affairs/programme leader.
• The compliant is discussed with the concerned staff member(s). An immediate feedback is given to the student if the student feels that the matter has been treated justly or the action has been remedied then the complaint is filed.
• In the event that the student is not satisfied with how the complain is handled, the issue is escalated to the Faculty Dean. If the student is still unsatisfied the issue can be presented to the University President for final decision.

 

Misconduct Procedures

Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty

MSA students are expected to be honest in their academic endeavours. To falsify the results of one's research, to use the words or ideas of others as their own, to cheat in an examination, or to allow another to commit an act of academic dishonesty corrupts the basis of the academic process.

Plagiarism is quoting another person's actual words, complete sentences or paragraphs, or entire piece of written work without acknowledgement of the source. Using another person's ideas, opinions, or theory even if it is completely paraphrased in one's own words, without acknowledgement of the source. Borrowing facts, statistics or other illustrative materials that are not clearly common knowledge without acknowledgement of the source. Copying another student's essay test answers. Copying, or allowing another student to copy, a computer file that contains another student's assignment, and submitting it, in part or in its entirety, as one's own. Working together on an assignment, sharing the computer files and programs involved, and then submitting individual copies of the assignment as one's own individual work.

When in doubt about rules concerning plagiarism, students are urged to consult with their faculty.

Plagiarism offences are penalized as follows:

• In case of first offence (not deliberate or intended one which has arisen inadvertently, through mistake or ignorance), Student coursework is investigated and dealt with by the Module Leader/Programme leader. Students are reminded of the seriousness of their act and sign a Plagiarism warning Form.
• In case of second offence the issue is escalated to the programme leader/Dean. The penalty may reach failing the assignment grade/Course work of the module where the act has been attempted.
• In case of repeated act, the issue is escalated to the Respective Dean who directly reports to the University President for final decision. The penalty in this case may reach failing the module where this offence was committed or more than one module.
• In severe cases, the issue is escalated to the University President and the penalty may reach dismissal from the University for one semester or more based on the circumstances of the case.

Exam Conduct regulations

During exams, students must have their MSA IDs available for inspection. Strict silence must be observed at all times in the examination room. The examination is deemed to be in progress from the time students enter the room until all the scripts have been collected. Students must not speak to or otherwise communicate with any other students throughout the examination. Students should avoid cheating during exams. A student who causes a disturbance during the examination will be required to leave the room and may be subject to misconduct act. Candidates are advised not to bring personal belongings into the examination room. All briefcases, bags, books, pencil cases etc. must be placed to one side of the examination room as instructed by the invigilator and not left beside the desks. Students are strictly prohibited to enter exam rooms with their mobile phones. All answers must be in English, unless otherwise instructed on the exam template.

During the midterm exams (1.5hrs) students are allowed to arrive up to the first 15 minutes of the exam, while the final examination (3 hrs) students are allowed to arrive up to the first 30 minutes of the exam.

Any violation to these rules; will be documented by the invigilator in the Exam Misconduct Form and reported to the Exam Floor Supervisor who should investigate the case and submit a report to the University for legal action..

Dismissal from Class

Students dismissed from classes for insubordination or other disciplinary reasons are not to return to class until the faculty member concerned permits it and in some cases after being referred to the respective Dean’s office. MSA Management cooperates with the teaching staff to maintain proper discipline.

General conduct regulations

MSA University expects its students to be mature, honest and responsible members on campus and in their larger community. Any behaviour that infringes upon the rights, safety, property and privileges of another person or which impedes the educational process of MSA University is unacceptable.

MSA students are expected to show their outmost respect towards their fellow students, staff members and MSA University as a whole. Any improper conduct such as physical violence, fighting, bullying and harassment of others represent behaviour that is not conducive to an educational environment, will not be tolerated. Immediate disciplinary action will be taken against violators ranging from social probation to dismissal.

All students must carry their university ID cards and provide it to university personnel upon request. MSA University continues to recognize that its responsibility is linked with the protection of its students, faculty, staff and property.

Members of MSA community are expected to abide by Egyptian Laws, and are subject to them. If any student violates Egyptian law and/or acts in a way that damages the reputation of the institution, the violation may obligate the University to carry out appropriate disciplinary action, which may include expulsion from the University. Moreover, MSA reserves the right to review and address incidents that take place off campus in which MSA students are involved.

According to article 34C of the Egyptian Drug Law, which states that anyone would be penalized if convicted of possessing drugs on educational premises. It is therefore the policy of MSA to prohibit handling of drugs by students on University Campus. Disciplinary action for violations would result in immediate dismissal from the University.

All students are obliged to switch their mobile phones during class time. Any student who violates this policy may be asked to leave the class immediately and will not be permitted to return until the next lecture. This will be counted as an inexcusable absence. All mobile phones must be switched off in the libraries and computer labs. Ringing phones and loud conversation on these premises disturb students and faculty trying to read and study.

Students are responsible for the behaviour of their guests at all times and are held accountable should the guest cause disturbance or damages. Guests must attain a security clearance from security personnel prior to entering Univerisy premises. There should be a valid and acceptable reason for visiting the University. The university retains the right not to grant entrance clearance as it feels appropriate.

University staff are allowed parking space inside the University premises. Students are not permitted to park inside the university campus. Designated parking spots are allocated for students’ outside the University gates.

Dress code is expected to conform to the educational setting. For example, males are prohibited from wearing shorts and slippers. The University’s public image should guide their selection of dress.

Student Support & Career Opportunities and Placement

MSA considers one of its main goals is to provide a unique, friendly and pleasant atmosphere for its students. Staff members and students interact together constantly as members of one large family. Support and guidance is provided to students mainly from the Faculty Registrar and Student Affairs. The services include:

• Advice on solving problems and the procedures to be followed.
• Academic Advising & Registration procedures.
• Advice on training opportunities.
• Disability support and guidance.
• Attendance.
• Receive appeals and complaints.
• Counselling.
• Advice on career placement and training opportunities.
• Provide advise on any issue that concerns students’ welfare.

Academic Advice and Guidance

MSA’s main mission is to provide a well-rounded unique learning environment for the students. MSA has introduced many methods to provide academic advice and aid to all students through the following channels:

Academic Advisor

Academic advisors are available for students to offer advice and guidance during registration of Modules. They also provide information to students about the different majors within the faculty. The assistants are also available to offer advice and support at any time.

Teaching Assistants Support

Teaching Assistants are always there for their students to offer both academic, social and personal advice. Their relation often extends to social activities outside the university as they usually organise group outings and trips.

Office hours/ Extra Tutorial/ Group Revisions

All instructors declare their office hours at the commencement of each semester. The Teaching assistants are available to offer extra help to students. They work with students either individually or in small groups according to their individual needs.

International Student Support

MSA runs 24 offices in various Countries. The offices are located in Saudi Arabia (3), Kuwait (4), Palestine (6), Jordan (10), Syria (1). MSA established testing centers in both Saudi Arabia and Jordan where the new comers are allowed to sit for the English Placement Exam to facilitate the admissions procedure of the international students. Moreover, MSA has always maintained a healthy and fruitful relationship with cultural attachés in Arab embassies.

We live in a global world, boundaries have vanished and cultures have mixed together. MSA has created open communication channels with Arab and Non Arab Universities in order create a Model of United nation and Model of Arab League. In addition, The International Day Festival is an annual event held by MSA Univerisy.

Information for students with Special Needs

As an educational institution and employer, MSA recognises the equal rights for all students.

Thus, within this context, MSA supports any student with any form of physical disability who would require special tutorial help in academic reading and writing. Students with physical disabilities are taken into consideration not only in respect to examination arrangements but also in attendance and in the marking of coursework and examination papers, provided that the student has reported it at an early stage. Disability that may require consideration and when deemed necessary, MSA offers one to one tutorial help.

MSA is committed to a continuous programme of upgrading its buildings in order to improve accessibility for the disabled by incorporating provisions for wheelchair users. The campus includes ramps, lifts, and toilets for special needs persons.

English Language and Learning Support

MSA is an English Language medium instruction university. Students are required to sit for an English Language Placement Exam during admission. According to the exam result the student is placed in Intensive English courses that range from the elementary to the upper intermediate (ENG80 & ENG 90), or Upper intermediate/Advanced (English 101).

Students who need additional help and who have finished all the University language requirements are urged to contact the English Support Unit in the Faculty of Languages to arrange for extra help or to attend the extra group sessions.

Graduating students are advised by their faculties to refer to the English Support Unit for guidance and support for writing their graduation documentation and referencing ethics.

Information & Learning Resources Services

Learning resources and support are provided by MSA through different channels:

IT Unit Services

The unit offers IT Services to the entire University. It is also responsible for:

1. Maintaining the IT infrastructure in the university.

2. Providing hardware and software packages for the faculty requirements;

3. Maintaining equipment.

4. Equipping all computers with different operating systems platforms, database management systems, programming languages, software development kits, and education software tools to provide suitable training for different fields of specialisation.

5. Providing support to all instructors and students in using the audio- visual aids provided by the university.

Library Services

MSA library keeps books and periodicals ordered by University faculties. It also offers online educational and research recourses. In addition, Video, cassette tapes, and CD ROMs are provided for all subjects. A computer lab is annexed providing access to the Internet. All students and staff have their user name and password for accessing all online recourses on campus or from their homes.

Book Store

The bookstore is responsible for distributing textbooks to students at the commencement of each semester. The bookstore is connected to the University database to ensure the proper dissemination of textbooks among students.

Student Union (SU)

. The SU for each faculty is divided into five different committees (Sports, Community Service, Cultural, Social, Press committees). All of them work together for the well-being and the success of the University as a whole. The SU election is held once every academic year.

Health, Safety & Welfare

Students have the same health and safety responsibilities as the employee at MSA and they must take reasonable care of their own health and safety and those of other people. Student’s actions should not put them or other people at risk. Student’s must follow health and safety instructions/rules and report any faults or shortcomings in health and safety arrangements to the University Security Office/Faculty registrar. All students without exception are expected to comply with all health and safety regulations operating within the University and, in the case of laboratories, workshops and other hazardous places, to acquaint themselves with these regulations. Failure to do so is a serious breach of University regulations.

MSA Provides on campus clinic with qualified practitioners (physicians) who are available for the students throughout the week. The clinic is equipped with first aid kits and medication.

Career Opportunities and Placement

MSA is keen to provide its students with competitive programs that aim to prepare them to compete effectively in the job market. The Career Placement Center (CPC) is part of MSA HR department; it provides feedback on the skills required by the job market in a specific programme. The office also provides feedback on points of strengths of MSA graduates and comments on areas that require improvement. This continuous effort insures the currency of our programmes and its relevancy to the needs of both national and international employers.

The CPC provides a full range of HR activities that include recruitment, training, and internships.. The CPC benefits MSA students and graduates by creating a link between them and the corporate world, providing them with a comprehensive knowledge of the market and giving them firsthand enhancing experience of what to expect in the practical life.

The CPC organizes periodical job fairs that aim to provide students with exceptional work opportunities. The office also contacts new employers to increase the number and to improve the standard of the portfolio of companies recruiting MSA graduates. .