Student Support

SoFS tries its best to provide safe and timely services to all GFP stakeholders. Consideration is given to infrastructural facilities [physical and electronic] and how they lend themselves to improving teaching and learning. SoFS strives to implement a strong student induction to help acclimatize students and prepare them for a smoother transition into degree programs.

SoFS provides a well-equipped campus for its GFP students that includes large multimedia classrooms, a well-provisioned library, and infrastructure to use LMS like Google Class, Moodle, and Blackboard, well-equipped computer labs for both language learning and computing skills. The library at SoFS houses 6000 books, a vast digital collection, an assortment of magazines and ELT journals. Students get to know more about the library through different channels like student induction, Student Handbook and through workshops run by the library staff on how to access digital resources .This ensures that information literacy skills are built upon at different stages of GFP. The library has now added an Arabic section related to self-development as well as added 104 books to its already large collection. The Library Information Center at SoFS also includes a good selection of teacher training books and publications as NU is a recognized Cambridge CELTA center which helps support all tutor training and improve the teaching-research nexus.

Also, the ITS unit at SoFS has constantly strived to offer the best, the most affordable and the most convenient service as it can, while looking to further improve its quality. Students get a glimpse of the institution through the NU website and portal page, which is well-designed, interactive and has all information related to foundation study.

Students are made aware of academic advising in the Student Handbook and during the first week of study. The purpose of the GFP advisory system is to help students get acquainted with the rigors of college life, the GFP structure and the skills needed for study. SoFS is committed to providing every opportunity to students based on their current and future learning needs. Another provision in place is providing support classes for late joiners on the program. Admissions to the course usually close by week 3 of the semester allowing late registrations for reregistering students, late applicants as well as students with financial issues. These classes help such students catch up on the course.

Apart from this, SoFS also provides other opportunities for self-development at a holistic level. The Student Affairs Unit oversees the functioning of several recreational clubs and activities, these events are conducted in keeping with NU’s strategic goals. Students at the foundation year are given opportunities not only to participate but organize and conduct the program and activities with support from faculty.