Muscat: The Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) Council today held its first meeting in the Academic Year 2025-2026 to review the latest developments in the university's workflow, as well as the progress made in the implementation of decisions and recommendations approved earlier by the SQU Council.

According to Oman News Agency, the meeting approved the SQU's bylaw governing the appointment of Omanis and non-Omanis in academic jobs and examined updates to the academic promotion policy. The Council also approved the Faculty Staff System Document, which includes criteria for promoting researchers in a manner that encompasses research output and community service. Additionally, it endorsed a Master of Science program for the discipline of Genetic Counseling, offered by the College of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Furthermore, the SQU Council agreed to merge two centers-the 'Self-Access Center' and the 'Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning'-into a single entity known as the 'Center of Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Future Skills.' The Council also approved the restructuring and renaming of the 'Child Care Center' to the 'Early Childhood Education Unit.'

The meeting was attended by Dr. Rahma Ibrahim Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (Chairperson of the SQU Council), and HH Sayyid Dr. Fahad bin Al Julanda Al Said, Vice Chancellor of Sultan Qaboos University.