Newsletter of

University of Buraimi

Editorial Board

Editor in Chief:

Dr.Ali Al Hassnawi

Newsletter Committee:

Mr. Salem Al Alawe

Vice Chair

Dr. Issa Moosa

Member

Dr. Adlai Naidoo

Member

Designer :

Ms.Maryam Al Nuaimi

Photography:

Mr. Ahmed Al Shbli

Ms.Maryam Al Nuaimi

2

Dear All,

This first edition of the UoB’s Newsletter ‘THE BEACON’ is yet another example of

the university’s recent developments and progresses. It reflects the academic stand-

ing which we now enjoy, it reflects the hard work and dedication of the team we now

have on board. From Administrative Staff to Academic Faculty we all have united

together to launch this, it is hoped to be among many newsletters of its kind. The

university’s internal press now has an identity which we can be proud of.

A word from the V.C to his students:

Please note that the university endeavors to deliver all its programs with great aca-

demic integrity. In addition, we are diligently working towards the development of

all ours student’s core competencies from their critical thinking skills to their technological know-how.

I speak to you openly and with a sincere heart. It is now your time to become independent learners, go above and be-

yond the minimum requirements for passing. Read, research, think critically and excel as a student and as a future

ambassador of the UoB.

We expect all our students to be exemplary achievers who endeavor to become involved in all aspects of their univer-

sity life; help create a campus environment conducive to learning and personal growth. Attend workshops, support

events, initiate new ideas and activities. Overall, become confident in your own strength and abilities as a productive

member of the UoB community.

On a final note, please ensure to take full advantage of all that is offered to you, making your family, yourself and the

UoB proud that you are one of our graduates.

Sincerely,

Prof. Dr. Hesham Magd

Vice Chancellor and Dean

Seniors Talk 17 April 2012

Volume 1, Issue 1

3

Congrats Beacon!

Let me first of all congratulate the team that has produced this first issue of the Beacon!

I’m sure as we grow as individual colleges of the University of Buraimi (UoB), and

collectively as a community committed to UoB’s vision, mission, goals and objectives,

the Beacon would unwaveringly illuminate our road to progress.

I would like to wish the Beacon’s editorial and support teams the very best as they con-

tinue to perform this challenging task of being the UoB’s voice.

May I take this opportunity to encourage each and every faculty, staff, and student

member of the College of Health Sciences to contribute to the growth and success of the Beacon in every way

possible.

J.F. Thomas

Dean, College of Health Sciences

University of Buraimi

Sultanate of Oman

Seniors Talk 17 April 2012

Volume 1, Issue 1

College of Health Sciences is a leading College of the University of Buraimi. Currently the Col-

lege offers three programs namely: Nursing, Optometry and Pharmacy. These programs are of-

fered in affiliation with three prestigious European Universities: University of Vienna-Austria,

University of Applied Sciences Campus Vienna-Austria and University of Bradford-United King-

dom respectively. The unique historical background of Buraimi district and its international Uni-

versities link make our College proud to be a leading University in Sultanate of Oman that pro-

vides a national, private health and industrial communities to acquire a high quality international

degree locally.

Our “Vision and Mission” is in line with The University General Vision and Mission and in addi-

tion, we intend to provide and maintain a high quality health professional education that leads to

professional and skillful graduates.

About College Of Health Sciences:

4

Congratulations to our Vice Chancellor, the Editor and the Editorial Team on the first

publication of the Beacon! According to Wikipedia, a beacon is an intentionally con-

spicuous device designed to attract attention to a specific location!!

As we navigate towards academic excellence, may we also conspicuously attract atten-

tion to good study habits, embracing university culture, a constant awareness of social

culture, and a respect for peers and faculty alike.

The General Foundation Program is committed towards ensuring the above. As we

prepare students for College entry, we are constantly reminded of the challenges that

face our students. Challenges that can easily be overcome by primarily a change of ATTITUDE!

“Attitudinosclerosis”!! – A disease of the attitude!! This disease has seen the demise of many a good student. A

positive attitude, even when faced with learning challenges will produce positive results.

We wish our students well, over the mid-term and final exams, and wish our faculty and staff alike, every blessing for

the future.

Towards Excellence in Education!

Dr. Adlai Naidoo

Director – GFP

ITES/ELS

Staff Talk 17 April 2012

Volume 1, Issue 1

5

GREEN BUILDING

Contributed by: Dr. Mohammed AL Mohssen

College of engineering

/building-green/com.constructionarticle://http: Source

Do you hear recently about green building? Below is a

short explanation what green building means and its crite-

ria.

Green building concept

Green building or construction building is the practice of

creating structures and using processes that are environ-

mentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a

building’s life-cycle from siting to design, construction,

operation, maintenance, renovation and deconstruction.

This practice expands and complements the classical

building design concerns of economy, utility, durability,

and comfort. Green building is also known as a sustain-

able or high performance building.

Green Building Criteria

Insulation and Building

Many new buildings are being insulated with recycled

materials, such as old blue jeans or blown-in fiberglass.

Proper insulation now goes a long way toward saving on

energy bills later. Walls can be made of steel and con-

crete, rather than more expensive and volatile treated

wood. Many cities have lumber yards and “re-stores”

where you can buy recycled or left over building materials

that are strong, cheap, and often antique or authentically

vintage.

Appliances

Look for low flow shower heads and low flush or com-

posting toilets. Consider energy saving washers and dry-

ers, or put a line in your yard to hang wet clothes on

sunny days Make sure your HVAC unit is sealed and

clean, and look for gas stoves and instantaneous, or tank-

less, water heaters.

Flooring

Rather than use expensive hardwoods that endanger the

land and deplete forests, many real estate builders have

found inexpensive and beautiful alternatives in bamboo

(which is technically not a wood but a grass, and yet one

of the hardest and most easily replenished flooring materi-

als) and cork (also easily replenished).

Concrete, too, can be a sturdy and inexpensive alterna-

tive, as can old fashioned linoleum, which is actually

made from linen and other natural fibers.

Paint and Other Materials

Many paint manufacturers are looking for green alterna-

tives to oil and latex; one such option is the use of milk-

based paints (which upon application smell like milk

instead of harsh chemicals, and which don’t have any

carcinogenic ingredients.) Recycled glass is now being

made into kitchen and bath tiles, and countertops are be-

ing made with recycled materials that look even more

beautiful and unique than mined granite.

Solar Energy

Solar energy doesn’t just mean expensive panels that sit

on your roof (though that’s one kind, called active solar

energy). Considering a solar home can mean investing in

thick-paned, glazed windows or in more complicated

photovoltaic cells. Though solar tends to be an expensive

investment, upfront, the rewards show up every month in

your energy bills.

Landscaping

Look for Xeriscaped yards and common areas with plants

that require little watering. Consider getting rain barrels

(many cities sell them through their water and energy

programs) or converting your outdoor water system to

“graywater” (which involves using recycled water from

dishwashers and washing machines to water your lawn or

wash your car). Looks for trees that are native to your

area, and plant them so they shield your windows from

too much sun during hotter days.

Neighborhood

While a lot of green building means being aware of what

is going into your home, you might also want to check

out your neighborhood. Are there recycling programs or

community gardens? Public transportation? Bike paths so

you can have the option of avoiding traffic? Are there

shops and restaurants close to you, to

encourage walking?

Staff Talk 17 April 2012

Volume 1, Issue 1

6

Professional Ethics

Author : Mr. Kalyan Baddipudi

English Language Instructor

The evident speed in every aspect of life in this dazzling

21st century raises few questions sometimes pertaining

to one’s self and an organization at large. We are proud

to have our next generation being nurtured with global

curricula and high technical values with wide exposure

in the process of adhering towards career heights and

becoming future trendsetters.

In this scenario, the million dollar question is: Are the

professional ethics at risk?

Ethics are fundamental standards of conduct by which

we work as a professional. Moving through our work

hours fast paced, driven to “get the job done”, without

much thought to moral values.

A HISTORY course will teach you HISTORY.

A MANAGEMENT course will teach you principles of

MANAGEMENT.

But, Will an ETHICS course teach you to be ETHI-

CAL?

Think!!!

PROFESSIONS AND PROFESSIONALISM

What is a profession? It’s a “JOB or “OCCUPATION”

that meets the following criteria from which a person

earns his living. Knowledge - Exercise of skills, knowl-

edge, judgment and discretion of right and wrong, Or-

ganization - Special bodies by members of the profes-

sion to set certain standards, Public good - The occupa-

tion serves some good to the public. Responsibility to

the public is essential for a professional.

Who is a professional?

“Professionals have to meet the expectations of clients

and employers. Professional restraints are to be imposed

by only laws and government regulations and not by

personal conscience.” – Samuel C. Florman (Author

Writer of The Existential Pleasures of Engineering)

Its better delayed than denied, we should recognize the

significance of teaching professional ethics in every

stream of learning and ensure the same to be put in

practice.

Staff Talk 17 April 2012

Volume 1, Issue 1

7

EFFECTS OF LEARNING ENGLISH LANGUAGE

ON CULTURAL AND TRADITIONAL ETHOS

Author : Jahangir Bhatt

English language instructor/ GFP coordinator

“While learning a language one not only learns the

grammatical rules and lexical items but also learns the

mind set and outlook of that community. He adopts the

way of thinking and belief system of the same nation. It

can be said that he start accepting the cultural and social

values of the same community” (Anwar 2003).

It is like initially to value and accept the traditions, cus-

toms and values of that society at unconscious level and

then conscious level. And from this point, the following

step is to develop a wish to become part of that society.

That is the time when one start giving up his own

moral, cultural, and social values and start developing

his association with the target language society. I have

talked all that because different societies are experienc-

ing this phenomenon. At the moment it has mostly af-

fected elite class in different countries. The young gen-

eration of this class is inspired by cultural and social

values of English society. “This generation loves jazz

and pop, KFC and Pizza hut. Tom cruise, Lady Gaga,

Michael Jackson are their role models” (Fazal, 2009).

In their every walk of life they try to follow English

culture. This situation has led them at the stage where

they have forgotten their traditions, customs, moral and

ethical values.

People’s disregard for their social, cultural and tradi-

tional values is a matter of concern but more alarming is

this that the local languages are at stake. I have painted

a very black picture of the way societies are being af-

fected by the spread of English .

However, it is not that the spread of English has af-

fected societies only in negative ways. It has also of-

fered many new chances of learning and development.

But this material prosperity is far less valuable than the

national and social identity.

The effects I have pointed out are slow to appear, but

the process has begun and if we do not take effective

measures the process will come fast. On the social and

cultural front it has already begun to appear.

Watching English movies, listening English songs,

wearing (at formal and informal occasions) English

dress, and speaking English in all formal gathering have

been very common for decades.

People are fast discarding their local languages. And the

day is not far when these societies will be proud of only

their English language proficiency. This is how the

spread of English has affected and is affecting different

societies.

Staff Talk 17 April 2012

Volume 1, Issue 1

8

A prayer for my mother

My mother plays a key role in my life. All mothers are

considered to be the captain of the Ship of Life. And eve-

ryone needs his mother from the time they were children

until the time they’re grown people. She carried me nine

months in her womb; she gave me from her food, so how

could I live without her?

I pray to God to save and protect my mother, to give her

good health and long life and to let her stay with me to see

my wedding and my children.

Hajar Youssif Al Balushi

Think of so meone you 've worked wi th who

perhaps didn't work as hard as you expected

them to and then think about how you fel t

about every time you had to work with them.

Perception is often reality and once people get

your attitude in the workplace can sometimes

def ine you more than the work you ac tua lly

produce if your coworkers come to see you as someone

who is reliable, humble, competent, and intelligent

and someone that they can rely on.

One of the worst feelings can be to work with people

who don't seem to care, appreciate and don't ap-

pear to pull their weight.

When I think about people I 've worked with

who I've seen in a positive light, they tend to be

people who outwardly display a positive atti­

tude in the workplace.

They tend to take the initiative and are reliable.

They are someone that you look forward to work-

ing with. They don't complain or bad mouth

their company or coworkers and basi­cally get on

with the job at hand. They don't

Wander around bothering other

people Basically, they aren't doing their own job.

B a s i c a l l y , t h e y a r e p e o p l e w h o w o u l d b e

missed if they left the company."

Contributed by: Warda Mohammed Mussalamy

Source: Karl Muellen

Student Talk

I stumbled upon this article and would like to share

to all. I find that attitude is an important aspect of an

individual whether it's in the work­place, school or

the community. Enjoy reading it as I did.

"Your attitude in the workplace can be one of the

most - if not the most - telling aspect of how others in

the company look at you and feel about you as a

coworker.

A first impression can be a hard thing to shake espe-

cially if it 's a bad one. In other words, once you

have gotten a work place reputation as being arro-

gant, a slacker, a whiner or other negative tag, it can

be hard to get rid of.

Attitude in the Workplace

17 April 2012

Volume 1, Issue 1

9

Spring semester 2012 marks the beginning of the University of Burami’s (UoB) fourth semester and marks the begin-

ning of a semester full of academic and operational enrichment strategies. Internationalization, Professional Develop-

ment and Academic Advising are the hot topics of the day. The university’s new Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Hesham

Magd places great emphasis on the need to focus on acquiring a faculty base that is truly international bringing a host

of benefits to the university and the students at large.

Benefits which include: the array of varying teaching methods and the students’ exposure to a truly multicultural envi-

ronment that interconnects them to the rest of the world. Spring semester 2012 greets new faculty from the U.S, Swe-

den, U.k, Pakistan and Jordan.

Newly enrolled students now benefit from the development of the mutually beneficial policy on academic advising.

All students are assigned an academic advisor who will assist them with selecting the right courses that meet career

goals. It has been introduced as a means to empower the students to take responsibility for his/her decisions whilst

benefiting from the full support and guidance of their academic advisor.

Next on the UoB’s enrichment agenda is the professional development of staff. Spring semester 2012 holds great

promise for all; planned workshops, short training exercises and courses are in the pipeline. Prof. Dr. Hesham Magd

states, “Professional Development is a must in any organization, it not only serves as a tool to raise motivation but

provides the essential tools required to perform jobs well”. Overall, spring semester 2012 now enjoys fullness in ac-

tivity, enrichment, and improvement, an additional path on the UoB’s journey toward continuous development.

UoB News

University of Buraimi – Developments and Plans for

Spring 2012

17 April 2012

Volume 1, Issue 1

10

University of Buraimi Offers New Academic Track

The Omani European partnership at the University of Buraimi

(UOB) provides students with the option to pursue a double de-

gree awarded by one of the partner institutions. As expected the

standards and expectations are high with great academic de-

mands placed upon the student. University management identi-

fied that many of the students were struggling to meet these de-

mands and in recognition of this the university now offers a new

academic track with full approval granted by the Ministry of

Higher Education and agreement from the partner institutions.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Hesham Magd calls this, “An Omani

degree with flexible approach to education.” Upon graduating

students will receive a degree from the UoB with partner recognition. The university’s newly appointed Dean for the

College of Health Sciences, Dr. Thomas Fredrick firmly believes that the new track can only bring fourth an array of

benefits for the student stating, “This flexibility assists the students in choosing a bouquet of courses that is conducive

to smooth progress throughout an academic year.” The new track is quite revolutionary for the region providing flexi-

bility and personal choice at all stages. “Students are involved in the selection of courses so that they have the best

opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree program within the prescribed four year period,” Dr. Thomas Fredrick,

Dean for College of Health Sciences. This flexible approach will now allow students to enjoy flexible regulations

such as:

Add and drop courses

Register for your selected courses during registration time

Repeat failed courses or poor grades below C to improve their overall academic performance

Pay for the courses they take during the semester

Choose their suitable academic load in term of number of hours and number of courses with the help of their

academic advisors

Students can apply for incomplete grade in compliance with the requirements of incomplete grade

Choose courses based on their preferences in term of timings, and faculty

Courses will be offered during summer semester based on the students demands and needs

Minimum duration for your degree is four years and maximum is six years

During orientation week all students were given a comprehensive and personal brief on the options available to them

from the Vice Chancellor himself. Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Hesham Magd addressed all questions ensuring that stu-

dents comprehended fully all the information that was provided. Overwhelmingly, all Speciality students opted for the

new Omani track calling it a breath of fresh air. The university firmly believes that many more of its students will

now finish their studies successfully attending a well deserved graduation ceremony.

The Omani degree with a flexible approach to education constitutes higher education at its best especially in regard to

addressing the needs of today’s local student market. The university appreciates the efforts of all those involved in its

implementation and planning and congratulates the Vice Chancellor on his visionary approach to education.

UoB News 17 April 2012

Volume 1, Issue 1

11

University of Buraimi Celebrates

International Women’s Day

The University of Buraimi (UoB) celebrated Interna-

tional Women’s Day. All female students, faculty and

staff acknowledged and celebrated the achievements of

all women locally, regionally and internationally, those

past and those present. Under the continuous support of

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Hesham Magd the UoB female

community came together and marked the event with

special readings from the Holy Quran, a motivational

speech, and an informative and inspirational slideshow

and above all a march around the university grounds in

representation of women’s unity, their strength and their

aspirations for the future. The day was filled with rib-

bons and balloons and above all good cheer. On behalf

of the Vice Chancellor university staff members pre-

sented all female faculty and staff with a single white

rose to mark the occasion.

Dr. Kendra Guildford. Assistant Professor in the College

of Health Sciences admires the university’s efforts to

mark this event stating, “I am privileged to be part of an

institution like UoB that appreciates the efforts and con-

The celebration of International Women’s Day speaks

to an overarching commitment towards inclusiveness,

fairness, and sensitivity—principles that can only ele-

vate the student learning environment and the surround-

ing community as a whole.”

The UoB endeavors to build on the momentum of this

event by encouraging all students to motivate them-

selves, to study well, and to achieve the highest possible

standards expected from them

and their chosen careers.

Lastly, great appreciation sent

to all those involved in the

organization of the event.

UoB News 17 April 2012

Volume 1, Issue 1

12

Mother’s Day Celebration

UoB News

‘Celebrate, Appreciate and show Mum you Love her’ was the theme of the day. Many students, faculty and staff both

male and female participated in the festivity. All who attended wrote heartfelt words dedicated to their Mothers near

and afar. Winners of the Mothers’ Day celebration competition were presented with gifts for their Mothers and choco-

lates as a small token of appreciation for contributing to the occasion. Students decorated pink poster card to be hung

within the university in appreciation for mums everywhere.

“Without you mum there is no light to brighten the dark, without you there is no heat to warm the room, without you

the rose no longer holds beauty, may your love be honored always and may you enjoy a blessed year to come’’ (From

all at the University of Buraimi)

Many thanks to Mrs. Sabra Al Balushi for the wonderful idea, to the Department of Student Affairs for their continu-

ous support and to all those involved in its organization.

Lastly, great appreciation to our Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Hesham Magd who endeavors to support all events and

activities that enhance life on campus for students.

17 April 2012

Volume 1, Issue 1

13

No Smoking Day 2012 Reaches University of Buraimi

On March 14th 2012 the United Kingdom embraced its

annual No Smoking Day. This annual health awareness

day struck a chord with the University of Buraimi (UoB)

encouraging the university clinic to organize a campaign

of its own. With the full support of Vice Chancellor

Prof. Dr. Hesham Magd ‘Quit Smoking, before smoking

quits you’ was the theme of the day, promoting good

health and a longer life for all.

The campaign began with a unanimous decision to make

UoB campus smoke free, whereby ‘No Smoking on the

Grounds’ posters are now visible on all notice boards.

The lobby became a mini movie theatre as students, staff

and faculty assembled to watch informative and dramatic

video clippings concerning the adverse health effects of

smoking. An enthusiastic clinic nurse distributed No

Smoking flags to symbolize the occasion and to rally

support. College of Health Sciences faculty have

pledged full support to the clinic in all its health aware-

ness endeavors.

The university is greatly

encouraged by the re-

sponse of those present

and it hopes that many

will take the leap and

become smoke free.

Overall, many thanks to

all those involved with the campaign and let’s promote,

celebrate and mark No Smoking Day 2013 on the grand-

est of scales.

National Health Service UK

The quitting timeline:

1. After 20 minutes your blood pressure and pulse return

to normal.

2. After 24 hours your lungs start to clear.

3. After two days your body is nicotine-free and your

sense of taste and smell improve.

4. After three days you can breathe more easily, and your

energy increases.

5. After two to 12 weeks, your circulation improves.

6. After three to nine months coughs, wheezing and

breathing improves.

7. After one year your heart attack risk is half that of a

smoker.

8.After 10 years your lung cancer risk is half that of a

smoker.

UoB News 17 April 2012

Volume 1, Issue 1

14

UoB News

University of Buraimi Recently Signs MoU with

Morgan International

The University of Buraimi (UoB) has recently signed a

Memorandum of Understanding with Morgan Interna-

tional as part of its strategic development plan. The

partnership will provide opportunities to cooperate and

collaborate on a variety of projects beneficial to the

university and the wider community. A priority focus

will be that of Professional Certification and Continuing

Education.

The MoU was signed by the UoB Vice Chancellor Prof.

Dr. Hesham Magd and Mr. Waddah Hallak, Managing

Partner Morgan International. Present at the signing

was Dr. Ali Hassnawi CFS Director and Dr. Thomas

Fredrick, Dean for the College of Health Sciences.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Hesham Magd said,

“This partnership marks a unique crossroad for the uni-

versity with regard to the potential opportunities that

may be extended to the local and wider community of

Buraimi.”

17 April 2012

Volume 1, Issue 1

15

Campus Events

17 April 2012

Volume 1, Issue 1

International Women’s Day Celebration

No Smoking Day International’s Day Celebration

16

17 April 2012

Volume 1, Issue 1 Campus Events

Signs MoU with Morgan International University Football team

Mother’s Day Celebration

PO.Box: 890, P.C:512, AlBuraimi, Sultanate of Oman

Tel: +968 25655509, Fax:+968 25651186

E-mail: info@uob.edu.om