Student Support and Guidance:
The University Preparatory Program at Dar Al Uloom University, in cooperation with the University’s Student Support Center, provides the following services for students with learning difficulties, special needs, students who are not proficient in English, and some students who are not proficient in Arabic:
1- Comprehensive Assessment and Early Diagnosis:
• Initial Assessment: A comprehensive assessment is conducted for all new students at the beginning of the program to identify their strengths, weaknesses, and special needs. This assessment may include English language placement tests, learning skills assessments, and questionnaires about their educational and social background.
• Early Diagnosis: If the initial assessment reveals potential difficulties, more detailed assessments are required to accurately diagnose learning difficulties or special needs. Specialists in this field may be consulted.
2- Academic Support:
• Individualized Learning Programs: Individualized learning programs are designed for students, with the teachers of the courses utilizing office hours to accommodate their preferred learning styles and strengths.
• Adapted Learning Materials: Providing adapted learning materials to suit different students’ needs, such as audiobooks, large print materials, and visual summaries.
• Use of Assistive Technology: Providing assistive technology to students who need it, such as text-to-speech software, voice recognition software, and thought-provoking tools.
• English Language Support: Providing additional English language lessons to students who are not proficient in the language, focusing on academic vocabulary, reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Interactive teaching methods and visual learning materials can be used to make learning more enjoyable and effective.
3- Psychological and Social Support:
• Counselling: Providing counselling services to students experiencing psychological or social issues, such as anxiety, depression, and difficulties adjusting to university life.
• Support Groups: Organizing support groups for students facing similar challenges, such as students with learning difficulties or students who are not proficient in the English language.
• Orientation Programs: Providing orientation programs for new students to help them adjust to university life and develop their personal and social skills.
• Social Activities: Organizing various social activities to enhance communication and interaction among students and creating a supportive and inclusive university environment.
4- Coordination and Cooperation:
• Coordination between the departments: Coordination between the various departments at the university to ensure comprehensive and integrated support for students, especially the
Student Support Center, which diagnoses cases based on reports submitted by parents and identifies the specific needs of these students.
• Collaboration with Parents: Collaborating with parents to discuss student needs and develop appropriate support plans.
5- Adapting the University Environment:
• Providing Facilities: Providing the necessary facilities for students with special needs, such as appropriate entrances and elevators, equipped restrooms, and designated seating areas.
• Adapting Exams: Adapting exams to suit different student needs, such as providing extra time or using alternative assessment methods (individual and paper-based tests, with the need to clarify questions and translate them).
• Providing a Supportive Learning Environment: Creating a supportive learning environment that encourages students to participate and express their opinions and reduces discrimination and bullying.
6- Monitoring and Evaluation:
• Monitoring Student Progress: Regularly monitoring student progress to assess the effectiveness of support programs and modify them as needed.
• Evaluating Student Satisfaction: Assessing student satisfaction with the services provided to them and surveying their opinions on how to improve them.