DOHA: Qatar University (QU) is ready for an era of transformation with a focus on excellence and leadership, President Dr Hassan Al Derham has said.
In his Annual Convocation address marking the start of the new academic year, Dr Al Derham said, “The current vision must be reconsidered to grow from the academic comprehensiveness phase and focus on excellence and leadership in niche areas and play an increasing role in supporting Qatar’s economic and social development.”
He said reform must be cohesive, taking into account national needs, regional circumstances and international trends, while consistently being guided by the compass of the national vision.
“The coming phase will be about building on reform and turning it into transformation through five fundamentals — promote educational and research excellence, promote institutional effectiveness, advance knowledge, maximise impact on students and society, and drive innovation”, Dr Al Derham said.
“We will continue to assess and align qualities of our graduates with the needs of the fast-developing labour market and review policies to empower faculty members and promote their professional development.
“We will also continue to advance campus infrastructure to provide our students with an optimal teaching/learning environment that helps them unlock their potential and reach success,” he added.
Dr Al Derham also highlighted the role of students as partners in shaping a better future and building Qatar.
“Our educational philosophy is based on dialogue and partnership with students,” he said, adding “student interests come first, and every effort should be made to enrich their educational process, improve their experience and offer necessary support and guidance to help them fulfil their potential.”
The event was attended by QU leadership, deans, heads of departments, programme directors, faculty members, staff, students and alumni.
Dr Al Derham honoured QU members with awards:
Merit Award: Dr Atif Iqbal, College of Engineering Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering; and Runner-up Dr Jassim Al Khayat, Associate Professor of Marine Sciences at the college.
Faculty Service Award: Dr Kaltham Ghanim, Director CAS Centre for Humanities and Social Sciences and runner-up Dr Maha Al Hendawi, Director, Core Curriculum Programme.
Developing Online Course Award: Dr Basyouny Nahela, CAS Professor of Mass Communication.
Employee of the Year Award: Dr Mohammed Saleh Al Saadi, Director of Procurement.
Media Award: Dr Hanan Al Fayadh, CAS Acting Head of Department of Arabic Language.
Young Alumnus Award: Saleh Hamad Al Marri and Sultan Nayef Al Thani.
Long Service Awards: Dr Darwish Abdulrahman Al Emadi, Acting Vice-President for Research; Dr Khalid Abdulla Al Ali, Associate Vice-President for Faculty Affairs; Dr Salama Abdulla Al Suwaidi, CAS Arabic language professor; Dr Modi Hamad Al Nasr, CAS Associate Professor of Mathematics; Dr Abdulqader Hemoud Al Qahtani, CAS Associate Professor of History; Dr Fuad Khalil Al Muhannadi, CAS Assistant Professor of Mathematics; Dr Aisha Yousuf Al Mannai, College of Shariah and Islamic Studies Professor of Islamic Studies; Prof Abdulla Salem Al Mannai, CED Professor of Instructional Technology; Dr Fatima Yousuf Al Maadadi, Coordinator, CED, Early Childhood Centre; Ramadan Abdel Fattah Mohamed Ibrahim, CED Executive Assistant; Ali Hadi Al Naimi, Assistant Director for Immigration Relations; Yehia Adb El Mohsen Ibrahim El Mechad, Senior Accountant; Hamed Adbel Latif Salah, Treasurer; Rifaat Galal Massbah Hasanin, Lab Technician; and Ahmed Adel Ahmed Mohamed El Azab, Store Coordinator.
The Peninsula
