Faculty Handbook 2025/2026
Page 2 Preface Welcome to the University of Sharjah Faculty Handbook, a comprehensive guide that outlines policies, procedures, and essential information relevant to faculty members at our esteemed institution. Whether you are a new hire embarking on your academic journey with us or a seasoned faculty member, this handbook is designed to be your trusted companion throughout your career at UoS. While we have endeavored to make this handbook as comprehensive as possible, it is important to note that it may not cover every aspect of faculty life. Therefore, we encourage faculty members to also consult their respective department and college handbooks, academic policies and procedures, the staff handbook, and other University documents to ensure they have access to all relevant information. At the University of Sharjah, our commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service serves as the foundation of our academic community. This handbook has been carefully crafted to provide guidelines and support to our faculty members, empowering them to uphold the highest professional standards as educators and scholars. Our institution values the principles of academic freedom, diversity, shared governance, and social responsibility. As you navigate your academic journey with us, we trust that this handbook will play a pivotal role in fostering these ideals and advancing the overall mission of the University. We emphasize that it is the responsibility of all faculty members to familiarize themselves with the contents of this handbook and to adhere to the policies and procedures outlined within. The University may periodically update this handbook, and we will ensure that significant changes are communicated to faculty members when applicable. Therefore, we urge faculty to regularly refer to the most current version to stay informed. Once again, we extend our warmest welcome to the University of Sharjah and hope that this faculty handbook will be a valuable resource to you throughout your time with us. Your dedication and commitment to academic excellence are integral to the success of our institution, and we look forward to supporting you in achieving your professional goals. Thank you for being a part of our academic community, and we wish you a fulfilling and successful academic journey at the University of Sharjah. Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs University of Sharjah
Page 3 Important Notice: This handbook is meant for the internal use of University of Sharjah faculty and academic staff and is intended to provide general information only and should not be seen as creating any contractual obligations. The University of Sharjah retains the right to modify or discontinue any policies or conditions described herein without prior notice.
Page 4 Preface........................................................................................................................................................2 Chapter 1: The University .....................................................................................................................14 1.1 Vision, Mission, and Core Values............................................................................................15 1.1.1 Vision ..................................................................................................................................15 1.1.2 Mission ................................................................................................................................15 1.2 2024-2030 University Strategic Priorities ................................................................................16 1.2.1 Pillar 1: Impact-Centered Excellence in Teaching and Learning........................................16 1.2.2 Pillar 2: Excellent and Sustainable Research ......................................................................16 1.2.3 Pillar 3: Our People and Our Performance..........................................................................17 1.2.4 Pillar 4: Community Collaboration and Impact ..................................................................18 1.2.5 Campus Experience Fit for the Future.................................................................................18 1.3 Organizational Chart ................................................................................................................19 1.4 University Governance.............................................................................................................20 1.5 The President ............................................................................................................................20 1.6 The Board of Trustees ..............................................................................................................21 1.7 The University Administration.................................................................................................23 1.7.1 Chancellor............................................................................................................................23 1.7.2 Vice Chancellors .................................................................................................................23 1.7.4 College Council ...................................................................................................................25 1.7.5 Department Council.............................................................................................................26 1.7.6 University Academic Advisory Council .............................................................................27 1.7.7 University Committees ........................................................................................................28 1.8 Shared Governance...................................................................................................................30 1.9 Campuses, Colleges, Departments, Programs and Degrees .....................................................31 1.9.1 Campuses.............................................................................................................................31 1.9.2 Colleges ...............................................................................................................................34 1.9.2.1 College of Sharia and Islamic Studies ..........................................................................34 1.9.2.2 College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences ..............................................................35 1.9.2.3 College of Business Administration ...................................................................................36 1.9.2.4 College of Engineering .......................................................................................................36 1.9.2.5 College of Health Sciences.................................................................................................37 1.9.2.6 College of Law ...................................................................................................................38 1.9.2.7 College of Fine Arts and Design ........................................................................................39 1.7.2.8 College of Communication.................................................................................................39 1.9.2.9 College of Medicine ...........................................................................................................40 1.9.2.10 College of Dental Medicine..............................................................................................40 1.9.2.11 College of Pharmacy ........................................................................................................41 1.9.2.12 College of Sciences ..........................................................................................................41 1.9.2.13 College of Computing and Informatics ............................................................................42 1.9.2.14 College of Public Policy ...................................................................................................43 1.9.2.15 College of Graduate Studies .............................................................................................43 1.10 Language Institute ....................................................................................................................44 1.11 Accreditation ............................................................................................................................45 1.12 Office of International Relations ..............................................................................................47 1.13 University Ranking...................................................................................................................48 1.14 Academic Calendar ..................................................................................................................49
Page 5 1.15 Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.........................................................................51 1.16 Contact Information .....................................................................................................................52 Chapter 2: Faculty Appointment .....................................................................................................56 2.1 Faculty Appointment Classes ........................................................................................................57 2.1.1 Regular Faculty Appointments ..............................................................................................57 2.1.2 Appointment of Faculty with Title Modifier .........................................................................57 2.1.3 Academic Non-Faculty Titles/Ranks .....................................................................................57 2.2 Recruitment and Hiring .................................................................................................................58 2.2.1 Integrity, Fairness, and Conflict of Interest ...........................................................................58 2.2.2 Search and Selection Process.................................................................................................58 2.2.3 Faculty Recruitment Process and Steps .................................................................................59 2.2.3.1 Projection of Faculty Requirements ...................................................................................59 2.2.3.2 Talent Request Submission ................................................................................................59 2.2.3.3 Candidate Sourcing.............................................................................................................59 2.2.3.4 Structured Candidate Assessment and Interview Process ..................................................60 2.2.3.5 Central Committee Review ................................................................................................60 2.2.3.6 Initiating the Employment Process.....................................................................................60 2.2.3.7 Candidate Communication and Offer.................................................................................61 2.2.3.8 Pre-joining Formalities .......................................................................................................61 2.2.3.9 Entry Visas, Travel, and Accommodation..........................................................................61 2.2.3.10 New Faculty Induction .....................................................................................................62 2.2.4 Hiring Exceptions ..................................................................................................................62 2.3 Contract Types ...............................................................................................................................62 2.4 Probation and Resignation Notice .................................................................................................63 2.5 Confirmation ..................................................................................................................................63 2.6 Dual Career ....................................................................................................................................63 2.7 Special Appointments for Academic Administrators ....................................................................64 2.8 Termination for Cause of a Contract .............................................................................................64 2.9 Hiring and Transitioning of Emirati Faculty Members............................................................64 2.9.1 Assistant Professor-Emirati Track.......................................................................................64 2.9.1.1 Eligibility for “Assistant Professor-Emirati Track” Appointment (New Graduate): .........64 2.9.1.2 Initial Faculty Appointment: ..............................................................................................64 2.9.1.3 Teaching Load Reduction:..................................................................................................65 2.9.1.4 Performance Evaluation: ....................................................................................................65 2.9.1.5 Mandatory Training: ...........................................................................................................65 2.9.1.6 Faculty Mentorship:............................................................................................................65 2.9.1.7 Faculty Composition Limitation:........................................................................................65 2.9.1.8 Transition to Regular Faculty Track:..................................................................................65 2.9.2 Regular Faculty Appointment .............................................................................................65 2.9.3 Transfer Between Branches/Campuses..................................................................................66 2.9.4 Academic Non-Faculty ..........................................................................................................66 2.9.4.1 Preferential Appointment for Emirati Part-Timers/Adjunct Faculty:.................................66 2.9.4.2 Priority for Visiting Faculty and Lecturer Appointments: .................................................66 2.9.5 Decision Appeal .....................................................................................................................66 2.9.6 Procedures for Appointments to the Assistant Professor-Emirati Track ...............................66 2.9.6.1 Application and Initial Screening: ......................................................................................66
Page 6 2.9.6.2 Academic Credential Evaluation: .......................................................................................66 2.9.6.3 Academic Review Report: ..................................................................................................67 2.9.6.4 Interview and Hiring Approval: .........................................................................................67 2.9.6.5 Recordkeeping and Progress Monitoring: ..........................................................................67 2.9.6.6 Annual Evaluations and Mentorship: .................................................................................67 2.9.6.7 Mandatory Training Program: ............................................................................................67 2.9.6.8 Faculty Mentor Assignment: ..............................................................................................67 2.9.6.9 Unsatisfactory Performance and Termination: ...................................................................67 2.9.7 Regular Faculty Appointment .............................................................................................68 2.9.7.1 Application and Screening: ...........................................................................................68 2.9.7.2 Interview and Appointment: ...............................................................................................68 2.9.7.3 Transfer Between Branches/Campuses ..............................................................................68 2.9.7.4 Academic Non-Faculty.......................................................................................................68 2.10 Clinical Faculty Appointment and Promotion..........................................................................68 2.10.1 Hiring Limitation .................................................................................................................69 2.10.2 Recognition of Past Achievement........................................................................................69 2.10.3 Term of Appointment. .........................................................................................................69 2.10.4 Performance Evaluation.......................................................................................................69 2.10.5 Promotion of Clinical Faculty..............................................................................................70 2.10.6 Promotion Criteria ...............................................................................................................70 2.11 Emeritus Faculty Appointment ................................................................................................71 2.12 Administrative Appointment of Regular Faculty .....................................................................71 2.13 Prohibited Nepotism and Employment of Relatives ................................................................72 2.13.1 Disclosure of Relationships and Conflict of Interest ...........................................................72 2.13.2 Management of Conflict Situations .....................................................................................73 2.13.3 Policy Violation ...................................................................................................................74 Chapter 3. Responsibilities of the Faculty ............................................................................................75 3.1 Teaching Responsibilities ..............................................................................................................75 3.1.1 Eligibility to Teach Graduate Courses and Supervise Theses/Dissertations .........................75 3.1.1.1 Criteria for Selection of Faculty in Graduate Programs: ....................................................75 3.1.1.2 Teaching Graduate Courses:...............................................................................................76 3.1.1.3 Directing Non-Thesis Students:..........................................................................................76 3.1.1.4 Serving on Graduate Student Committees: ........................................................................76 3.1.1.5 Supervising Master Theses: ................................................................................................76 3.1.1.6 Supervising Doctoral Dissertations: ...................................................................................77 3.1.1.7 Terminal Degree: ................................................................................................................77 3.2 Responsibilities in Student Advising and Availability ..................................................................78 3.3 Responsibility to Curriculum Development ..................................................................................78 3.4 Responsibility to Office Hours ......................................................................................................79 3.5 Responsibility to Research.............................................................................................................80 3.5.1 Faculty Responsibility in Internationalization, Ranking, and University Visibility..............81 3.6 Responsibility to Community Service ...........................................................................................82 3.7 Professional Development Responsibilities..............................................................................83 3.8 Responsibility to Quality Assurance and Institutional Effectiveness ............................................84 3.9 Role and Responsibilities of Administrative Faculty ....................................................................85 3.9.1 College Dean..........................................................................................................................85
Page 7 3.9.2 Chair of Academic Department .............................................................................................86 3.9.3 Program Coordinator .............................................................................................................87 3.9.4 Course Coordinator ................................................................................................................88 3.10 Academic Freedom and Responsibility .......................................................................................88 3.11 Workload Allocation Model (WLAM) ........................................................................................89 3.11.1 Basic Policy .........................................................................................................................91 3.11.2 Faculty with Administrative Duties Workload Release: .....................................................91 3.11.3 Principle of WLAM .............................................................................................................92 3.11.4 Workload Reduction ............................................................................................................94 3.11.5 Procedure .............................................................................................................................96 3.12 Academic Integrity and Student Honor Code..............................................................................97 3.13 Professional Ethics and Disciplinary Actions..............................................................................98 3.13.1 Policy Statements on Professional Ethics ............................................................................99 3.13.2 Procedures Duty to Report and Investigate Misconduct: ..................................................100 3.13.3 Publishing and Plagiarism: ................................................................................................100 3.13.4 Authorship: ........................................................................................................................100 3.13.5 Professional Conduct and Observation of UAE Laws:......................................................101 3.13.6 Penalties: ............................................................................................................................101 3.13.7 Whistleblower Protection Policy .......................................................................................101 3.14 Faculty Discipline and Grievance..............................................................................................102 3.14.1 Disciplinary Measures .......................................................................................................102 3.14.2 Faculty Grievance ..............................................................................................................104 Chapter 4: Appointment Benefits .......................................................................................................106 4.1 Basic Salary .................................................................................................................................106 4.2 Monetary Benefits........................................................................................................................106 4.3 Leaves and Absences ...................................................................................................................107 4.3.1 Vacation Leave ....................................................................................................................107 4.3.2 Sick Leave............................................................................................................................107 4.3.3 Maternity Leave ...................................................................................................................107 4.3.4 Unpaid Special Leave ..........................................................................................................107 4.3.5 Hajj Leave ............................................................................................................................107 4.4 Duplication of Benefits ................................................................................................................107 4.5 Compensation for Administrative Positions ................................................................................108 4.6 Annual Incentives for Distinguished Faculty Members ..............................................................108 4.6.1 Rationale for the Award.......................................................................................................108 4.6.2 Applicants’ Performance Evaluation ...................................................................................109 4.6.3 Areas for the Award.............................................................................................................109 4.6.4 Conditions for Granting the Award .....................................................................................109 4.6.5 Award Finances ...................................................................................................................110 4.6.6 Institutional Guidelines ........................................................................................................110 4.7 Demise Policy ..............................................................................................................................110 Chapter 5: Faculty Development.........................................................................................................112 5.1 Goals and Objectives ...................................................................................................................112 5.2 Categories of Faculty Development ............................................................................................113 5.2 New Faculty Development Training............................................................................................113 5.2.1 Program Details and Workshop Content .............................................................................114
Page 8 5.3 Faculty Peer Observation of Teaching.........................................................................................115 5.3.1 Benefits ................................................................................................................................116 5.3.2 Implementation Stages.........................................................................................................116 5.4 Participation in Conferences ........................................................................................................117 5.4.1 Policy .................................................................................................................................117 5.4.2 Eligibility and Application...................................................................................................118 5.4.3 General Guidelines and Prioritization..................................................................................118 5.4.4 Financial Support .................................................................................................................118 5.4.5 Required Documentation .....................................................................................................119 5.5 Policy on Offering Courses in the Summer Semester .................................................................119 Chapter 6: Performance Evaluation ...................................................................................................122 6.1 General Evaluation Considerations .............................................................................................122 6.2 Teaching and Learning Evaluation ..............................................................................................122 6.3 Academic Advising ................................................................................................................123 6.4 Research and Scholarly Activities Evaluation.............................................................................123 6.5 Community Service Evaluation: ..................................................................................................124 6.6 Evaluation Process and Criteria: ..................................................................................................124 6.7 Special Issues and Considerations ...............................................................................................124 6.8 Weights and Grades for each Criteria..........................................................................................126 The overall rating system is structured as follow: .............................................................................128 6.9 The Faculty Information System .................................................................................................128 6.9.1 Features of the Faculty Information System-2024...............................................................128 6.10 Rubric for Contract Renewal .....................................................................................................133 6.11 Evaluation Rubric ......................................................................................................................133 6.12 Continuous Improvement ..........................................................................................................138 6.13 Faculty Information Systems User Guide..................................................................................138 Chapter 7: Academic Promotion.........................................................................................................144 7.1 Promotion Criteria .......................................................................................................................144 7.2 Research and Scholarship ............................................................................................................144 7.3 Teaching and Academic Advising ...............................................................................................145 7.4 University and Community Service.............................................................................................146 7.5 Promotion to the Rank of Associate Professor ............................................................................146 7.6 Promotion to the Rank of Full Professor: ....................................................................................147 7.7 Criteria for Accrediting Periodicals and Journals for Promotion Purpose ..................................147 7.8 Promotion Procedures at the Department Level ..........................................................................148 7.8 Promotion Procedures at the College Level ................................................................................149 7.9 Promotion Procedures at the University Level ............................................................................150 7.10 Preparing the Promotion Dossier ...............................................................................................151 7.11 General Provisions .....................................................................................................................151 7.12 Appeals ......................................................................................................................................152 Chapter 8: Scientific Research ............................................................................................................153 8.1 Research Institutes .......................................................................................................................153 8.1.1 Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences (RIMHS) ...........................................153 8.1.2 Research Institute of Sciences and Engineering (RISE) ......................................................154 8.1.3 Research Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences (RIHSS) .........................................154 8.2 Research Support Units and Departments ...................................................................................154
Page 9 8.2.1 Research Funding Department.............................................................................................154 8.2.1.1 Internal Funding ...............................................................................................................154 8.2.2 Scientific Publication Unit ...................................................................................................155 8.2.3 Technology Transfer Office.................................................................................................155 8.2.4 Research Support Services Coordinator ..............................................................................155 8.3 Research Priority Areas ...............................................................................................................156 8.4 Research Groups ..........................................................................................................................157 8.4.1 RIMHS Research Groups ....................................................................................................157 8.4.2 RISE Research Groups ........................................................................................................158 8.4.3 RIHSS Research Groups:.....................................................................................................158 8.4.4 Research Laboratories and Facilities ...................................................................................159 8.5 University Research Board ..........................................................................................................159 8.6 Research Committees ..................................................................................................................160 8.7 Research Grants ...........................................................................................................................160 8.8 Research Regulations...................................................................................................................161 8.8.1 Research Ethics ....................................................................................................................161 8.9 Scientific Publishing at the University of Sharjah Journal ..........................................................163 8.10 Collaborative Research Agreements..........................................................................................163 8.11 Scientific Research Procedures and Regulations.......................................................................163 Chapter 9: Intellectual Properties Management ...............................................................................175 9.1 Intellectual Property Ownership Rights.......................................................................................176 9.1.1 Intellectual Property Created by Faculty and Staff ..............................................................176 9.1.2 Intellectual Property Created by Students............................................................................176 9.2 University Responsibilities ..........................................................................................................177 9.3 Responsibilities of UoS Inventors ...............................................................................................177 9.4 Disclosure of Intellectual Property.........................................................................................178 9.4.1 The Obligation to Disclose ..................................................................................................178 9.4.2 Disclosure Evaluation ..........................................................................................................179 9.5 Patent Protection ..........................................................................................................................179 12.3 Copyright Protection Policy ...................................................................................................180 9.7 Tangible Research Property.........................................................................................................180 9.8 Commercialization.......................................................................................................................181 9.9 Distribution of Licensing Revenues ............................................................................................181 9.10 Dispute Resolution.....................................................................................................................182 Chapter 10: Information Technology .................................................................................................183 10.1 Acceptable Use Policy ...............................................................................................................184 10.1.1 Acceptable Use ..................................................................................................................184 10.1.2 Unacceptable Use...............................................................................................................185 10.1.3 Internet Usage ....................................................................................................................185 10.1.4 Email and Communication Activities ................................................................................186 10.1.5 Violations and Breaches ....................................................................................................186 10.2 Anti-Malware and Anti-Virus Policy ........................................................................................186 10.2.1 Antivirus Standards............................................................................................................187 10.2.2 Exceptions..........................................................................................................................187 10.2.3 Policy Compliance, Enforcement, and Violations: ............................................................187 10.3 Archiving and Retention ............................................................................................................188
Page 10 10.3.1 Archival and Retention System .........................................................................................188 10.3.2 Retention ............................................................................................................................189 10.3.2 Policy Compliance, Enforcement, and Violations .............................................................189 10.4 Authentication Policy ................................................................................................................189 10.4.1 Password Usage Responsibilities.......................................................................................189 10.4.2 Password Management ......................................................................................................190 10.4.3 Account Lockout................................................................................................................190 10.4.4 External Users Authentication ...........................................................................................190 10.4.5 Authentication Policy Implementation ..............................................................................191 10.5 Privacy Policy ............................................................................................................................191 10.5.1 Employee Personal Information ........................................................................................191 10.5.2 Medical Patients Information.............................................................................................192 10.5.3 Protection of Students Information ....................................................................................192 10.6 Learning Management System (LMS) Policy ...........................................................................192 10.6.1 LMS Account Management ...............................................................................................193 10.6.2 Exam Verification ..............................................................................................................193 10.6.3 Course Management ..........................................................................................................193 10.6.4 Third-party Tools and Functionality Policy:......................................................................194 Chapter 11: Library Resources ...........................................................................................................195 11.1 Library Values ...........................................................................................................................195 11.2 Code of Conduct ........................................................................................................................196 11.2.1 Conditions of the Code of Conduct ...................................................................................196 11.2.2 Collection and Equipment Protection ................................................................................197 11.2.3 Library Environment Protection ........................................................................................197 11.2.4 Actions and Penalties .........................................................................................................197 11.3 Computer Use Policy .................................................................................................................197 11.4 Library Staff...............................................................................................................................198 11.5 Facilities.....................................................................................................................................198 11.6 Locations....................................................................................................................................199 11.7 Copyright Policy ........................................................................................................................199 11.8 Printed Materials........................................................................................................................200 11.9 Interlibrary Loan ........................................................................................................................200 11.10 Non-Print/Electronic Information Resources ..........................................................................200 11.11 Circulation Regulations ...........................................................................................................200 11.12 Loan Periods for Library Resources: .......................................................................................200 11.13 Reserved Materials ..................................................................................................................201 11.14 Reference Collection................................................................................................................201 11.15 Periodicals................................................................................................................................201 11.16 Renewals ..................................................................................................................................201 11.17 Hold .........................................................................................................................................201 11.18 Recalls......................................................................................................................................201 11.19 Reminders ................................................................................................................................201 11.20 Overdue Materials....................................................................................................................202 11.21 Library Fines and Charges .......................................................................................................202 Chapter 12: Admission and Instruction Policies ...............................................................................203 12.1 Undergraduate Admission .........................................................................................................203
Page 11 12.1.1 Students Holding a High School Certificate or Its Equivalent: .........................................204 12.1.2 Admission to the College of Medicine and Dental Medicine:...........................................205 12.1.3 Bridging Programs: ............................................................................................................206 12.1.5 Admission Procedure: ........................................................................................................207 12.1.6 Students must adhere to all other University requirements. ..............................................208 12.2 Graduate Admission ..................................................................................................................208 12.2.1 Master Programs ................................................................................................................208 12.2.2 Ph.D. Programs ..................................................................................................................209 12.2.3 Higher Diploma Programs .................................................................................................211 12.3 Student Transfer Policy .............................................................................................................212 12.3.1 Transfer within the University of Sharjah .........................................................................212 12.3.2 Transfer Students from Another Institution .......................................................................213 12.4 Credit Transfer ...........................................................................................................................214 12.4.1 Undergraduate Students Transferring from Another University .......................................214 12.4.2 Postgraduate Students Transferring from Another University ..........................................215 12.4.3. Credit Transfer Evaluation Process ..................................................................................216 12.5 Dual and Joint Degrees...........................................................................................................217 12.6 Accelerated Programs.............................................................................................................218 12.6.1 Procedures .........................................................................................................................219 12.7 Curricula Approval and Revision Policy:...............................................................................220 12.8 Internship Policy: ...................................................................................................................221 12.9 Undergraduate Completion Policy: ........................................................................................221 12.10 Graduate Completion Requirements Policy: ..........................................................................222 12.11 Academic Progress Policy:.....................................................................................................222 12.12 Examinations Policy: ...............................................................................................................222 12.12.1 Teaching and Evaluation..................................................................................................222 12.12.2 Examination Questions ....................................................................................................222 12.12.3 Answer Sheets or Booklets ..............................................................................................223 12.12.4 Evaluation of Students' Performance ...............................................................................223 12.12.6 Department Chair’s Responsibilities...........................................................................224 12.12.7 Monitoring Examination Results ................................................................................225 12.12.8Reviewing Final Examination Answer Sheets or Booklets ..............................................225 12.12.9 Additional Regulations: ...................................................................................................225 12.13 Student Assessment and Grading System:...............................................................................226 12.13.1 Course Outline .................................................................................................................226 12.13.2 Final Exam .......................................................................................................................226 12.13.3 Final Grade.......................................................................................................................226 12.13.3.1 Purely or mainly theoretical courses: ...........................................................................227 12.13.3.2 Practical courses: ..........................................................................................................227 12.13.3.3 Exceptions: ...................................................................................................................227 12.14 Grading System: ......................................................................................................................227 12.14.1 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA):.....................................................................228 12.15 Student Attendance and Assessment Policies:.........................................................................228 12.16 Penalties for Academic Misconduct During Exams: ...............................................................228 12.17 Instructor Responsibilities: ......................................................................................................229 12.18 Class Size Policy:.....................................................................................................................229
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