Psychological, Social and Personal Factors Associated with Academic Probation and Withdrawal/Dropout Students at Sultan Qaboos University

Introduction. The phenomenon of university academic dropout is thought to exist in higher education institutions all around the world. As it highlights the lack of support, guidance, and assistance provided to students as they adjust to their university education, it restrains governments' efforts to increase access to higher education and is seen as one of several measures of the system's quality. This is why most colleges make sure to include a primary goal of lowering student dropout/withdrawal rates in their strategic plans. Rationale for the study. High dropout/withdrawal rates in dynamic disciplines, such as those related to STEM, are of growing concern because graduates in these fields serve as the foundation for innovation, entrepreneurship, and growth, especially given that they are the foundation of the economy. This holds true for the Sultanate of Oman, which aspires to join the developed world by building an economy based on the utilisation of innovative and entrepreneurial people resources to generate chances for the future. Sultan Qaboos University, one of the greatest institutions of higher learning in the nation that draws the best applicants from all over, aims to increase student retention and decrease withdrawal and dropout rates. Aim of the study. The current study aims to examine the psychological, social, and personal factors which may lead to academic dropout/withdrawal at Sultan Qaboos University. Method. The current study employs a mix method in which both quantitative and qualitative data will be collected. Survey data will be collected on dropouts and probation students. In addition, multiple case study will be conducted on a number of dropouts from the different colleges to obtain an in-depth understanding of the dropout/withdrawal phenomenon. Implications. By offering informative advice on the academic advising and support services that may be given to students on probation before they become dropouts or withdraw from academic programmes, the study is predicted to improve university academic performance. The current study is anticipated to be beneficial to the Deanship for Student Affairs, the University Counselling Centre, and the Office of Assistant Dean at the University Colleges.