General Academic Regulations
Degree Requirements
Academic regulations specifying the course requirements for each degree program are presented by college and degree program.
It is essential that students contact an advisor to become familiar with these requirements and monitor their academic progress as courses are completed to ensure all academic requirements are met. The student is fully responsible for compliance with all academic requirements.
Maximum Time for Completion of a Degree
From the first semester of enrollment after matriculation (exit from the Foundation Program) a student has a maximum of seven years to complete all requirements for a Bachelor’s degree at GUST.
Course Credit Value
GUST operates with a university credit unit consisting of one semester hour which represents a subject pursued for one, two or three periods weekly for one semester.
Minimum Graduation Requirements
All degrees at GUST have a minimum graduation requirement of 120 credits (Computer Science: 126, English Education: 128, and Engineering: 128), and in order to graduate, both the student’s cumulative and major grade point averages must be 2.00 or greater.
Course Numbering
Each discipline or field of study offered by the University is summarized by a three or four letter prefix, followed by a three-digit number indicating the level of the course content.
The following are several GUST course examples:
- ENGL 224 (3-0-3) – English Literature I
- MCM 103 (3-0-3) – Introduction to Mass Communications
- PHIL 325 (3-0-3) – Business Ethics
- CSC 125 (3-0-3) – Introduction to Computing
The designation "(3-0-3)" indicates in sequence the number of hours of lectures per week, the number of laboratory hours (if any) and the number of credits for the course.
Explanation of Course Numbering Scheme
- 000-099 courses are non-credit courses
- 100-199 courses are primarily taken by first-year freshman students
- 200-299 courses are primarily taken by second-year sophomore students
- 300-399 courses are primarily taken by third-year junior students
- 400-499 are primarily taken by fourth-year senior students
General Education Course Numbering
Another type of course indicator relates to General Education courses.
Each of the categories of General Education courses are identified as follows:
- Communications Skills category – COM
- Managing Information Skills – MI
- Valuing Skills – VAL
- Social and Behavioral Sciences Knowledge Goal – SBS
- Humanities and Fine Arts Knowledge Goal – HFA
- Mathematics and Life/Natural Sciences Knowledge Goal – MLNS
- Arab Heritage Requirement – AH
Student Designation and Registration
The regular and recommended load of a full-time student at GUST is defined as 15 credits.
All full-time students are required to register for a minimum of 12 credits and a maximum of 21 credits.
Academic loads above 18 credits require the student to have a CGPA above 3.00. Such a load is considered to be very heavy is not recommended even for the best students.
Grading Policies
How Are Courses Graded
Credit courses at GUST are graded using the following scale. Non-credit courses are graded on a Pass (P) /NonPass (NP) basis.
| Letter Grade | Mark % | Grade Value |
|---|---|---|
| A | 95-100 | 4.0 |
| A- | 90-94 | 3.7 |
| B+ | 87-89 | 3.3 |
| B | 83-86 | 3.0 |
| B- | 80-82 | 2.7 |
| C+ | 77-79 | 2.3 |
| C | 73-76 | 2.0 |
| C- | 70-72 | 1.7 |
| D+ | 65-69 | 1.33 |
| D | 60-64 | 1.00 |
| F | Below 60 | 0 |
| I | Incomplete (missed Final Exam) | - |
| P/NP | Pass/ Non-Pass | - |
| S | Satisfactory; the credits designated for a course with a S grade must be replaced by another course in the same area of the major sheet from or outside GUST. | - |
| FA | Failure due to Absences | - |
| W | Withdrawal from the course | - |
| WA | Withdrawal due to Absences | - |
| SW | Semester Withdrawal | - |
| UW | University Withdrawal | - |
| Letter Grade: | A | |
| Mark %: | 95-100 | |
| Grade Value: | 4.0 | |
| Letter Grade: | A- | |
| Mark %: | 90-94 | |
| Grade Value: | 3.7 | |
| Letter Grade: | B+ | |
| Mark %: | 87-89 | |
| Grade Value: | 3.3 | |
| Letter Grade: | B | |
| Mark %: | 83-86 | |
| Grade Value: | 3.0 | |
| Letter Grade: | B- | |
| Mark %: | 80-82 | |
| Grade Value: | 2.7 | |
| Letter Grade: | C+ | |
| Mark %: | 77-79 | |
| Grade Value: | 2.3 | |
| Letter Grade: | C | |
| Mark %: | 73-76 | |
| Grade Value: | 2.0 | |
| Letter Grade: | C- | |
| Mark %: | 70-72 | |
| Grade Value: | 1.7 | |
| Letter Grade: | D+ | |
| Mark %: | 65-69 | |
| Grade Value: | 1.33 | |
| Letter Grade: | D | |
| Mark %: | 60-64 | |
| Grade Value: | 1.00 | |
| Letter Grade: | F | |
| Mark %: | Below 60 | |
| Grade Value: | 0 | |
| Letter Grade: | I | |
| Mark %: | Incomplete (missed Final Exam) | |
| Grade Value: | - | |
| Letter Grade: | P/NP | |
| Mark %: | Pass/ Non-Pass | |
| Grade Value: | - | |
| Letter Grade: | S | |
| Mark %: | Satisfactory; the credits designated for a course with a S grade must be replaced by another course in the same area of the major sheet from or outside GUST. | |
| Grade Value: | - | |
| Letter Grade: | FA | |
| Mark %: | Failure due to Absences | |
| Grade Value: | - | |
| Letter Grade: | W | |
| Mark %: | Withdrawal from the course | |
| Grade Value: | - | |
| Letter Grade: | WA | |
| Mark %: | Withdrawal due to Absences | |
| Grade Value: | - | |
| Letter Grade: | SW | |
| Mark %: | Semester Withdrawal | |
| Grade Value: | - | |
| Letter Grade: | UW | |
| Mark %: | University Withdrawal | |
| Grade Value: | - |
Grade Point Average
Grade point average is calculated by dividing the total number of quality points (number of credit hours for a course, multiplied by the grade value received) by the number of hours taken.
| 3 Credit Hours x A (4.0) = | 12.0 Quality Points |
| 3 Credit Hours x B+ (3.3) = | 9.9 Quality Points |
| 3 Credit Hours x B- (2.7) = | 8.1 Quality Points |
| 3 Credit Hours x C (2.0) = | 6.0 Quality Points |
| 3 Credit Hours x D (1.33) = | 3.99 Quality Points |
| 36 Total Quality Points / 12 Hours Completed = | 3.0 |
| 3 Credit Hours x A (4.0) = | |
| 12.0 Quality Points | |
| 3 Credit Hours x B+ (3.3) = | |
| 9.9 Quality Points | |
| 3 Credit Hours x B- (2.7) = | |
| 8.1 Quality Points | |
| 3 Credit Hours x C (2.0) = | |
| 6.0 Quality Points | |
| 3 Credit Hours x D (1.33) = | |
| 3.99 Quality Points | |
| 36 Total Quality Points / 12 Hours Completed = | |
| 3.0 |
Incomplete (I) (formerly DL)
A student whose work is incomplete (normally due to a missed final exam) at the end of any semester and who has, in the instructor’s judgment, sufficient reasons for failing to complete the work may, with the approval of the instructor and the Head of Department and Dean of the College, be assigned an incomplete (I) as a grade. Such work must be made up within the first six weeks of the following semester or the grade automatically becomes an “F”. Notice of completion of the missed work shall be given to the registrar on a special form. The I grade must be reported to the Dean within one week of the last day for recording grades for any given semester.
Examinations
Examinations may be given only at regular class meeting times or as approved by the Dean of the College. Final examinations must follow the official University schedule. Only non-programmable calculators are permitted during exams. No mobile phones are permitted in any examination.
Final Grade Reports
GUST follows a philosophy of progressive evaluation throughout each course. Students should enquire regarding their academic performance from their instructor during the semester. Final grade reports are available from the Registration and Enrollment Department at the end of each semester. Unofficial transcripts are available online. Grades may be withheld for non-compliance with University regulations.
Transcripts
The Registration and Enrollment department will issue transcripts of credits to a student upon online request. Transcripts are given to parents, guardians, and other parties or institutions only after a student has filed a written or electronic consent with the University Registrar. There is a KD 5 charge per official transcript; any additional transcript will cost KD 10.
Requests for transcript by organizations financially supporting a student or providing tuition reimbursement are not honored unless the student has filed a electronic consent with the Registration and Enrollment department authorizing the release of such records. Transcripts are not issued to or for students who have financial obligations to the University until those obligations are paid in full.
Grade Appeal Process
The assignment, review of and modification of course grades is vested solely within the domain of the academic faculty at the University. Requests for individual grade reviews from other members of the university community shall be documented in writing by the faculty member or academic administrator receiving the request and included in the student’s permanent record.
Faculty members are expected to evaluate student work thoughtfully, and assign grades in a timely manner. Students have a right to know the criteria by which assignments will be evaluated, to receive feedback on their assignments and examinations in a timely manner, to understand the basis upon which final grades for the course are calculated and assigned. Students also have a right to meet with faculty members to review their performance in the course and understand the basis for the assignment of grades on individual assignments and exams and for the course as a whole.
The student appealing a grade must identify a valid basis for appeal. Valid reasons for a grade appeal include: clerical error, capricious or prejudicial evaluation, or inconsistent application of standards of evaluation.
The University has both an informal and formal grade appeal process. The informal appeal process must be completed before the formal appeal process may be initiated. The reason for the informal process is to allow prompt handling of issues and to clarify issues that may become the basis for a formal appeal. Procedural guidelines are available from the Assistant Dean of each College.
Class Attendance Policy
Introduction
This policy outlines the procedures governing attendance at the Gulf University for Science & Technology (GUST). It emphasizes the significance of regular attendance, recognizes legitimate reasons for absences, and provides a clear framework for addressing attendance-related concerns. The objective is to ensure fairness and consistent management of missed academic responsibilities.
General Attendance
Attendance of all scheduled lectures, laboratories, and other academic activities is mandatory. Regular attendance is crucial for maintaining academic progress, engaging in class discussions, and achieving educational success. This policy uniformly applies to all students, emphasizing the importance of regular attendance and active participation in enriching the overall learning experience. Recording devices are prohibited unless explicitly authorized by the instructor.
- Monitoring Attendance
Attendance is recorded in the Student Information System (SIS) as students enter the classroom and swipe their identification cards over a card-reader. This system facilitates regular monitoring by instructors. Should attendance issues arise, students will be contacted, and appropriate measures will be implemented to support consistent class participation. Recurrent tardiness or absences will result in warnings, and,ifabsencecontinues,thesystemwillautomaticallyfailthestudentduetoabsence.Automated warnings are generated by SIS and communicated to students via email, with a copy sent to the instructor of the course. Additionally, students receive text messages detailing absences and warnings. While instructors may issue further warnings, students are responsible for regularly checking their GUST email for absence warnings and important announcements as well as responding to any queries or concerns. As GUST emails constitute off ci al communication, students must maintain active email accounts by periodically clearing old emails.
- Minimum Attendance Requirement
Students are required to meet a minimum attendance participation level as specified in the course syllabus. Falling short of this minimum will result in academic penalties, including potential failure in the course.
Absences
Recognizingthatstudentsmayencountercircumstancesnecessitatingabsencefromclass, thispolicyoutlines theguidelinesformanagingandreportingabsences.Whetherexcused or unexcused, absences do not exempt students from the responsibility of covering material missed. Instructors have discretion in addressing legitimate absences.Frequent excused absences may still impact class participation and mastery of content, potentially affecting grades. Unexcused absences arefactored intograde calculations by faculty and may impact a student's academic standing. Students should manage their allowed absence hours sparingly to avoid academic penalties.Students are permitted up to 9 hours of absences per credit course, with specific allowances for foundation courses. Exceeding theselimits will result in a Failure Due to Absence (FA) grade. Students who aredropped due to excessive absences are ineligible for refunds. The course withdrawal refund schedule is detailed at the beginning of each semester. Students withdrawing from individual courses willforfeit feesaccording to the approved refund schedule.Below is a breakdown for the absence hours:
Excused Absences
Excused absences that may not impact grades and may include:
**Students must inform their instructors as soon as possible and provide appropriate documentation for excused absences. No excuses will be approved during the Final exams period.
- Excused Absences Submission Procedure
Students should report anticipated or actual absences to their instructors as soon as possible, preferably before the missed class or within a reasonable period following the absence. Documentation submitted should support the reason for the absence and ensure appropriate arrangements for missed work or assessment
- Log in to the website: apps.gust.edu.kw
- Navigate to the "Excused Absence" section from the side menu
- Click the “Add” button
- Fill in the form by selecting the reason, specifying the dates and attaching the supporting document(s). Include any additional comments in the notes box if necessary. Provide information on the missed academic work, such as the subject number(s) and instructor's name(s), and any specific assignments, exams, or meetings.
- An email notification will be sent once the absence is approved or rejected.
- Total Excused Days
Total excused days must not exceed 2 weeks per regular semester and 5 days per summer semester. Exceeding this limit requires applying for a semester withdrawal and Private Universities Council Scholarship Deferral (for PUC students). Late submissions (after l4 days of absence) will not be considered, and unauthorized manipulation of forms may lead to legal action.
Unexcused Absences
Unexcused absences are those not communicated or justified in advance. These absences will not be removed, and any missed assignments, exams, and classwork will NOT be eligible for a re-sit. Persistent unexcused absences may result in disciplinary actions as outlined in the academic code of conduct. Unexcused absences may include, but are not limited to basic dental appointments, weddings, traveling/travel disruptions (e.g. cancelled flight), missing class without a valid excuse, not finding parking, plastic surgery, military recruitment appointments, etc.
Procedures for managing absence
- Early Intervention
Instructors should proactively address attendance concerns by initiating early intervention strategies. This may involve meeting with the student to discuss their attendance issues and providing necessary support or resources to facilitate regular class participation.
- Documentation and Record-Keeping
Students are required to submit appropriate documentation for any excused absences. Instructors will maintain accurate attendance records to ensure transparency and accountability. These records will be used to monitor and manage attendance-related issues effectively.
- Appeals Process
Students who believe their absence has been unjustly categorized as unexcused or who face academic penalties due to attendance issues may appeal to the One Stop Student Services Center (OSC). Appeals must be filed in writing with supporting documentation. The OSC will review the appeal and provide a resolution based on the evidence presented.
Exceptions and Special Considerations
In exceptional cases, such as prolonged illness or other significant challenges, students may request special considerations regarding their attendance and academic requirements. The university recognizes that certain situations may necessitate additional accommodations, which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and addressed in accordance with university policies.
Students with Special Needs
Students with chronic health conditions or disabilities that may impact their attendance should collaborate with the university's support services to develop an individualized plan accommodating their needs while maintaining academic standards.
- The Disability Services Program
The Disability Services Program provides accommodations for students with documented medical conditions. Accommodations may include note-taking assistance, tutoring, and extended exam time. Students should request accommodations through the OSC during the admissions process.
- Accommodations
Reasonable accommodations are tailored to each student's needs, based on documentation and program requirements. To register for accommodations, students must submit a Disability Accommodation Request Form and appropriate disability documentation after meeting with the Disability Services team. Accommodations may include:
- Proctoring Exams: Typically arranged by faculty and conducted at the OSC with a Disability Services team member present.
- Extended Time: During exams and/or quizzes, either at the OSC or in the faculty member's office.
- Orally Administered Exams: Questions may be heard and answered orally or recorded. If a tape recorder is required, the student must confirm this need and provide the recorder.
- Note-Taking Services: A notetaker will be hired to assist the student in class.
- Use of a Tape Recorder in Class: Requires student confirmation and provision of a tape recorder.
- Disability Documentation
Students requesting accommodations must provide up-to-date, valid documentation issued by a qualified professional. Documentation must be printed on an official letterhead, dated, and signed by the licensed professional. GUST reserves the right to request certified copies of the report sent directly from the licensed professional.
Comprehensive documentation should include the following:
- Psycho-educational evaluation,
- Diagnostic interview, and
- Clinical summary
Preferred assessments include the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery III (Tests of Cognitive Abilities — Standard Battery, subtests 1-10) or subtests from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale III (WAIS-III). Additional information may include the student's history of receiving accommodations and academic adjustments, if such history exists. Any specific recommendations for accommodations should be explained and justified.
Student-Athletes and Other Representations
This section provides guidelines and procedures for supporting all registered student- athletes at the university in balancing their academic responsibilities with their athletic commitments. It also applies to students representing the university in various capacities, such as involvement in university-sanctioned events or with other significant commitments (e.g., competitions, conferences, etc.).
Eligibility Criteria:
- Student-Athletes: Students participating in GUST sport team(s), including football, futsal, volleyball, basketball, tennis, padel, etc. who represent the institution in official sports events.
- Club and Team Members: Students involved in GUST clubs or teams, such as programming club or the debate team, representing the university in various events or competitions.
- Academic Standing: Students are advised to maintain a minimum GPA 2.00 and above.
- Declaration of Athletes
The Athletics Department is responsible for submitting a list of all registered athletes to relevant OSC at the start of each semester. Additionally, the Athletics Department will provide instructors with a list of in-season student-athletes and their scheduled athletic events for the semester during the first week of classes.
- Declaration of Club and Team Members
The Office of Student Life (OSL) must submit a list of all scheduled events and registered club/team members at the beginning of each semester to OSC. This list should include students eligible to participate in local and external events representing the institution as part of their club activities.
- Mid-Semester Changes
Any changes to an athlete's status or schedule during the semester must be reported immediately. Updates regarding the schedule should be communicated to the course instructors through the athletic advisor as needed throughout the semester. Policies for newly joining athletes will take effect upon submission of necessary documentation.
- Academic and Athletic Conflicts
GUST is committed to ensuring that student-athletes and participants in academic and extracurricular events receive the same quality education as all other students. Athletic and extracurricular commitments are designed to complement, rather than overshadow, academic responsibilities. Therefore, students are encouraged to register for classes that align with their events schedules (through their advisor), when possible, to minimize potential conflicts. If conflicts arise between athletic and extracurricular obligations and academic requirements, students should first consult their coach/supervisor to explore possible adjustments. If no adjustments can be made, students should request accommodations directly from their instructors, understanding that such adjustments are at the discretion of the instructor.
- Missed Class/Exam
Recognizing that athletic, other academic and extracurricular events may sometimes necessitate absencesfromclass,participatingstudentsareexpectedto managetheirabsencesresponsiblyandmakeeveryefforttominimizeadditional absences.Itis importantto notethat absencesdue to eventparticipationshouldnot be considered extra allowances beyond what is permitted by the instructor/universityguidelines.Students must provide their instructors with written confirmation from their coach/advisorsoftheir participationat least 2days before the scheduled event.Toensure that student-athletesandparticipants inacademic andextracurricular eventsmeet theiracademic obligations, necessary adjustments willbemadefor missed classesandassessments. Ifascheduled eventconflicts withaclass,student- participants are responsible for obtaining any assignments given during their absence from theinstructor. Requests for extensions or rescheduling of project deadlines must be submitted at least 2 days in advance and include supporting documentationiftheirtrainingoreventscheduleconflictswithsubmissiondates.Shouldtheymissanassessment,suchasaquiz,test,presentation,orexam,they mustconsultwiththeinstructor inadvancetoarrangeforeithermake-upworkor analternativeasadvised bythe instructor.Students representing national teams or clubs may be granted a maximum of 2 weeks of excused absences. These absences will be removed from their attendance record, and they will be eligible to re-sit missed assignments or exams with appropriate documentation, subject to committee review during the summer term.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with the attendance policy may have significant academic repercussions.
- Impact on Grades
Excessive absences may negatively impact a student's grades and overall academic standing. Regular attendance is essential for academic success, and failure to meet the minimum attendance requirements, without valid reasons, may result in grade reductions, course failure, or other academic penalties. Instructors will outline the impact of absences on grades in their course syllabi.
- Disciplinary Actions
Persistent non-attendance without valid justification may lead to disciplinary actions according to GUST's student conduct guidelines. Possible consequences include suspension or expulsion, depending on the severity and frequency of the infractions.
Wake-Up Work and Examinations
The instructor in charge of the course will determine whether make-up work or another alternative is feasible, as advised.
- Wake-Up Work
Students who miss classes or examinations due to excused absences are responsible for arranging make-up work with their instructors promptly. The timeframe for completion will be determined by the instructor.
- Examinations
Examinations should be administered during regular class meeting times or as approved by the Head of Department who should inform the Assistant Dean. Final examinations must adhere to the official university schedule. Only non- programmable calculators are allowed during exams, and mobile phones are prohibited.Students must adhere to the exam schedule and coordinate with their instructor and advising office in advance if they anticipate missing an exam. Documentation supporting the absence should be provided to both the instructor and advising office before the exam. Make-up exams may differ in content from the original exam.
Incomplete Grades (I)
Studentswhoareunableto complete coursework ontimeduetoabsences mayrequest an incompletegradefollowing the university's procedures. Thisrequest shouldbediscussed with theinstructor and requires approval from the Head ofDepartment, Assistant Dean and the Dean.An incomplete (I) grade is typically given for missed final exams or other significant coursework. The incomplete work must be completed within the first six weeks of the following semester; otherwise, the grade will automatically convert to an "F." Students must notify the registrar of the completion of the missed work using a special form. Additionally, the "I" grade must be reported to the Dean within one week ofthe final grade recording deadline for the semester.
Communication and Support
Students are encouraged to communicate with their instructors if they face difficulties that may affect their attendance. GUST provides support services to assist students in managing their academic responsibilities and personal challenges.
University Honors and Awards
President's List
Undergraduate students completing at least 15 credits of graded courses during a semester with a semester grade point average (SGPA) of 4.0.
Dean’s List
Undergraduate students completing at least 15 credits of graded courses during a semester with a semester grade point average (SGPA) between 3.5 and 3.99 for the semester.
Graduating Students
Graduation With Honors
Students who complete their university studies within the normal duration or less shall be awarded the degree with Highest Honor if their accumulated grade point average is 4.0 and they have had no disciplinary action taken against them. Students who complete their university studies within the normal duration or less shall be awarded the degree with Honors if their accumulated grade point average is 3.67 or above and they have had no disciplinary action taken against them. The normal duration is defined as eight semesters of continuous regular course work (not including semesters in the Foundation Program Unit).
Degree Application
Students in their last semester before completion of their degree requirements must apply for graduation online via PeopleSoft.
When a student has completed 90 credits of their degree requirements, they must submit an application for graduation request to the Admissions and Registration Department. Students must graduate using the major sheets in effect during their admit term of enrollment or the major sheets in effect the semester they change majors.
Academic Record
The Admissions and Registration Department is responsible for maintaining all student academic records.
Rules of Graduation
How to Graduate
Students must satisfy the degree requirements of the their major and must obtain a cumulative GPA and MPA of 2.00 or higher.
Degrees Awarded with Highest Honors
To graduate with highest honor, a student must:
- Must fulfill all the degree requirements as per their major
- Attained a cumulative GPA of 4.0
- Complete the program within 8 regular semesters (excluding foundation Program (a semester without GPA) and Summer Semester)
- Not have had disciplinary action within the university
Note: Students who have leave of absences in any semester will be countered.
Graduates with Honor
To graduate with honor, a student must:
- Must fulfill all the degree requirements as per their major
- Attained a cumulative GPA of 3.67
- Complete the program within 8 regular semesters (excluding foundation Program and Summer Semester)
- Not have had disciplinary action within the university
Note: Students who have leave of absences in any semester will be countered.
MBA Program
In order to graduate, students must:
- Pass the required number of credit hours (45)
- Obtain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or higher
- Submit an official GMAT score (if the GMAT submitted during the admission process is expired)
Note: the maximum allowed period for graduation is 5 years. If a student fails to fulfill the graduation requirements within 5 years, he/she may be dismissed.
Degrees Awarded With Highest Honor
Highest honor students attain a cumulative GPA of 4.0 upon graduation.
Dean's Honors List
To be placed on the Dean’s Honor List at the end of given fall or spring semester, a student must:
- Be registered for at least nine credit hours
- Not be repeating the semester nor be on probation
- Passed all semester courses and attained an overall semester GPA of 3.67
- Not have had any disciplinary action within the University
