Alhamd Islamic University expects students to follow academic rules, maintain discipline and complete their studies with honesty and responsibility.
The following sections explain the main academic rules and policies followed by the University.
Academic Integrity
Students and staff are expected to maintain honesty in all academic work. Any work submitted by a student must be his or her own work unless sources or assistance are properly acknowledged.
Cheating, fabrication of information, helping another person in academic dishonesty, plagiarism, or changing submitted academic work to obtain extra credit are not acceptable. A violation may result in serious disciplinary action, including a failing grade in the course and, in severe cases, expulsion from the University.
Academic System
The University follows the semester system for its degree programs. An academic year normally consists of two regular semesters: Fall and Spring.
A condensed Summer semester may also be offered when required, allowing students to make up deficiencies or complete approved coursework.
Credit Hours
Courses are defined by their credit hours. Most courses at Alhamd Islamic University carry three or four credit hours.
One credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours, while one credit hour of laboratory work is normally equivalent to two to three contact hours.
Freezing of Semester
A student may request to freeze admission for up to two semesters, subject to the applicable semester-freeze fee and University rules. Written approval from the Head of Department and the Registrar is required.
A student cannot freeze more than one semester consecutively and cannot use this facility more than twice during the entire degree program. The first semester immediately after admission cannot be frozen.
Plagiarism and Cheating
Alhamd Islamic University does not accept plagiarism or cheating in examinations, assignments, projects or any other academic work.
A student caught using unauthorized notes, communicating during an examination, or using any other unfair means may receive a failing grade in the course and may also face further disciplinary action. Copying another student's assignment or using copied material without proper acknowledgement may result in zero marks for that assignment.
Academic Duration for Degree Programs
Most bachelor's degree programs are designed to be completed in four years. Full-time bachelor's students are normally expected to complete the degree in four years, with a maximum permitted duration of six years.
Master's degree students are normally expected to complete their degree requirements within one and a half to three and a half years, depending on the program and applicable academic regulations.
Academic Load
The academic load depends on the degree program. In a four-year degree program, a student normally takes 15 to 18 credit hours in a semester.
The exact course load may vary according to the curriculum, program requirements and University regulations.
Withdrawal from the University
A student who wants to withdraw from the University must submit a written request to the Admissions Office and the Head of Department and complete the required withdrawal form.
After the prescribed process is completed, the University will formally close the student's admission record.
Attendance Requirements
Students are expected to attend classes regularly and on time. A student must attend at least 75% of the total classes held during a semester and must maintain at least 65% attendance in each course to be eligible to appear in the examination.
A student who does not meet the required attendance may receive an F grade in the concerned course.
In case of a genuine emergency or unavoidable absence, the student must submit an application with supporting documents to the concerned Head or Dean. Such cases may be reviewed for attendance relaxation according to University procedure. If a student misses classes because of an officially sponsored University activity, make-up arrangements may be provided where applicable.