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'''Reform (2003 - 2007):'''

The Qatar University Reform project was a progressive undertaking which evaluated and restructured the university administration and direction. It was deemed necessary as the best way to serve the nation and its people by ensuring the independence to readily manage its affairs, provide a more rigorous education for students, and enhance the quality of instruction. It also placed a fundamental emphasis on research and scholarly pursuit.<ref>http://www.qu.edu.qa/theuniversity/reformproject/why_reform.php</ref>
The Reform was initiated in 2003, led by His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, QU President Dr. Sheikha Al Misnad, and the newly established Office of Institutional Research and Planning (OIPD).<ref>http://www.qu.edu.qa/theuniversity/reformproject/index.php</ref> It focused primarily on three principles; “Autonomy”, “Decentralization”, and “Accountability”.<ref>http://www.qu.edu.qa/theuniversity/reformproject/principles.php</ref> While the University had previously operated as a government entity, the reformed institution would be an autonomous body governed by a board of regents who reported to the Emir. This fundamental change in approach now allowed the University to manage its own finances, stated objectives & vision, and personnel. As such, it was a crucial accomplishment necessary for the Reform to take place. After achieving this milestone, decentralization within the university granted similar financial and personnel control to respective colleges, departments and programs. In doing so, the University best assured that the individuals most familiar with the immediate needs of these areas could best and most efficiently address them. Given the magnitude of constructive responsibilities now delegated throughout the institution, an extensive new set of policies for accountability and administrative transparency were placed to ensure smooth operation.<ref>http://www.qu.edu.qa/theuniversity/reformproject/structure.php</ref>

Academically, the Reform brought a renewed emphasis on instructional rigor, student integrity, and institutional standards. With the independence afforded to the colleges, many new programs were proposed and developed as best suited to the local economy and global advancements. Student-University relations and departmental affinities were also re-evaluated and given much greater support, resulting in the establishment of offices such as the Student Learning Support Center (SLSC) and Student Counseling Center (SCC). Additional construction was also undertaken to ensure accessibility of university facilities by handicapped persons. As a voice for the Reform and platform for motivated faculty, a new newsletter, “Tawasol”, began and has continued publication in the university.<ref>http://www.qu.edu.qa/theuniversity/reformproject/students.php</ref>

It is worth noting that the Reform placed a significant emphasis on the image of the University, and instated several noteworthy changes:<ref>http://www.qu.edu.qa/theuniversity/reformproject/tawasol.php</ref>

1) A change in title from “University of Qatar” to “Qatar University”. The former is no longer officially used.<br />
2) A new university slogan; “Qatar University, Changing for You”.<br />
3) The development of a new university logo. While the original logo captured the spirit of local culture and tradition, the new logo places emphasis on academic accomplishment and pride while adhering to traditional values.


==Local Significance & Interaction==
==Local Significance & Interaction==

Revision as of 08:02, 21 July 2009


Qatar University
TypePublic
Established1885[1]
PresidentSheikha Abdulla Al-Misnad
Academic staff
807
Location
{{Doha]}} [[]]
,
Qatar
MascotT
Website[1]
[[]]


About the University

Since its inception in 1973, Qatar University (QU) has served as Qatar’s most prominent and sole national institution of higher education. With nearly 8000 students and a 13:1 student-teacher ratio, the university campus serves as a community and industrial focal point for communication, business introduction, and cultural interaction. The University currently hosts seven colleges – Arts and Sciences, Business and Economics, Education, Engineering, Law, Sharia and Islamic Studies, and a newly instated College of Pharmacy. Additionally, students entering the university are initially placed in a “Foundation Program”, which ensures the acquirement of regionally crucial skills such as math, English, and computer technology.[2]

With over 60 specializations, Qatar University offers the widest range of academic programs in the State of Qatar. Like most other regional institutions, the majority of courses are for undergraduates. Due to a large disparity in international standards, QU has taken a strong approach towards receiving accreditation for its existing programs. A large number of its academic departments have already received or are currently under evaluation for accreditation from leading organizations.[3]

In addition to undergraduate academics, QU has a well-established research infrastructure including advanced research labs, an ocean vessel, cutting-edge technical equipment and a large library housing thousands of books, including an invaluable collection of rare manuscripts. The University commonly serves on behalf of the government and private industry to conduct regional research, particularly in areas of the environment and energy technologies.

Qatar University has a diverse student body comprising over fifty-two nationalities, the majority of which are Qatari nationals. Women make up approximately 70% of the student population, and are provided their own set of facilities and classrooms.[4]

QU boasts an alumni body of over 30,000 graduates.[5] Its fifth and current President, Prof Sheikha Abdulla Al-Misnad, is a QU graduate of the Class of 1977. Also an alumna is Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned, Class of '86.[6]

History

Creation:

The University began with the construction of Qatar’s first national College of Education in 1973, when the Emir of Qatar issued a decree proclaiming its establishment. Due to a surge in industrial growth and economic resources, leading authorities foresaw education as a principle contribution to its expanding society, and sought a venue to promote higher learning while retaining a level of control to preserve traditional customs.

Membership of the college began with a total of 150 students, including 93 women and 57 men. As the subsequent colleges opened and national wealth afforded a shift in priorities towards education, this number increased rapidly. By 1980, the number of enrolled students was 2,600; by Fall Semester 2005 / 2006, the number of registrants for study at Qatar University had reached 7660 male and female students, equaling almost 1/6th of the eligible Qatari population.[7]


After several semesters, rapid development of the country made it necessary to expand upon the College of Education to accommodate new areas of specialization. In 1977, the University of Qatar was founded with four colleges: Education; Humanities & Social Sciences; Sharia, Law, & Islamic Studies; and Science. By 1985, two additional colleges, Engineering and Business & Economics, had been established. The new colleges prompted a large expansion of the university campus, which was overseen by Aga Khan Award for Architecture recipient Kamal El Kafrawi.[8]

Over the years, Qatar University has witnessed a steady increase in resources, patent applications, and number of students enrolling in its expanding academic programs. While being a strictly equal-opportunity institution with students, faculty and administrators from around the world, QU’s student body has traditionally been composed primarily of Qatari women. This unique balance has enabled the university administration to focus on introducing and providing specialized services such as private and domestic counseling, women’s health workshops, and high-class recreational facilities.[9]


Reform (2003 - 2007):

The Qatar University Reform project was a progressive undertaking which evaluated and restructured the university administration and direction. It was deemed necessary as the best way to serve the nation and its people by ensuring the independence to readily manage its affairs, provide a more rigorous education for students, and enhance the quality of instruction. It also placed a fundamental emphasis on research and scholarly pursuit.[10]

The Reform was initiated in 2003, led by His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, QU President Dr. Sheikha Al Misnad, and the newly established Office of Institutional Research and Planning (OIPD).[11] It focused primarily on three principles; “Autonomy”, “Decentralization”, and “Accountability”.[12] While the University had previously operated as a government entity, the reformed institution would be an autonomous body governed by a board of regents who reported to the Emir. This fundamental change in approach now allowed the University to manage its own finances, stated objectives & vision, and personnel. As such, it was a crucial accomplishment necessary for the Reform to take place. After achieving this milestone, decentralization within the university granted similar financial and personnel control to respective colleges, departments and programs. In doing so, the University best assured that the individuals most familiar with the immediate needs of these areas could best and most efficiently address them. Given the magnitude of constructive responsibilities now delegated throughout the institution, an extensive new set of policies for accountability and administrative transparency were placed to ensure smooth operation.[13]

Academically, the Reform brought a renewed emphasis on instructional rigor, student integrity, and institutional standards. With the independence afforded to the colleges, many new programs were proposed and developed as best suited to the local economy and global advancements. Student-University relations and departmental affinities were also re-evaluated and given much greater support, resulting in the establishment of offices such as the Student Learning Support Center (SLSC) and Student Counseling Center (SCC). Additional construction was also undertaken to ensure accessibility of university facilities by handicapped persons. As a voice for the Reform and platform for motivated faculty, a new newsletter, “Tawasol”, began and has continued publication in the university.[14]

It is worth noting that the Reform placed a significant emphasis on the image of the University, and instated several noteworthy changes:[15]

1) A change in title from “University of Qatar” to “Qatar University”. The former is no longer officially used.
2) A new university slogan; “Qatar University, Changing for You”.
3) The development of a new university logo. While the original logo captured the spirit of local culture and tradition, the new logo places emphasis on academic accomplishment and pride while adhering to traditional values.

Local Significance & Interaction

As part of a small nation with a strongly focused economy, the University is highly sensitive to the economic and social demands of both business and its students. Since the university’s growth and development have historically mirrored that of industry, QU has formed strong bonds with many regional organizations. While possibly influencing the development of programs, these connections more commonly benefit students by helping them understand the marketability of various degrees, and allowing them to take advantage of industry support, by way of scholarships, endowments, research grants, and other forms of collaboration. [16]

Since the reform project, QU has begun making of stronger point of being "Aligned to the country's national goals" and claiming a strong commitment toward contributing to Qatar’s national vision. This reflects an increased emphasis on nationalism in the current global social climate, as well as the continued involvement of government authorities with the university, including board of trustees Chairman H H the Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani maintains a continued interest and involvement as well, issuing his latest revision of the university Board of Trustees on Feb 10, 2009.[17]

The University actively contributes to the process of “Qatarization”, which places a strong emphasis on the hiring and support of national citizens. While western nations may have trouble implementing such a system due to equality legislation, Qatari nationals only account for approximately 1/4th of the country’s population, and this movement is deemed necessary to maintain cultural and national identity.[18][19]


World View & Influence

Qatari leaders have recognized the fallibility of oil and natural gases as a long-term economic model, especially for a smaller area such as Qatar. In the past years, large initiatives have been established to develop Qatar as an intellectual economy, with particular expertise in the field of common regional energy and industrial processes.[20]

In addition to this, the University has directed a large amount of funding towards contribution to international projects. This has included taking part in global environmental studies through regional measurements, promotion of energy-awareness, and the recent contribution to CERNE of data gathered through the university’s new positron beam.[21]

Since graduate programs are not available in many fields, Qatar University often works closely with a network of international affiliate schools. Students who have shown exceptional potential or progress can often receive sponsored by the University for graduate studies abroad, on the condition that they will return to work once finished.


Construction

Qatar University is situated on the northern edge of Doha, approximately 16 kilometers from the city center. Due to the growth of the city, this area has recently become more valuable, and a popular development site for upscale residential and commercial buildings. QU has agreed to lease a portion of its property to the construction of new commercial zones to the north and east, as well as a substantial plot for the North Atlantic College to the south.[22]

File:Quconstruction.jpg

The University is rapidly growing as well, and has allocated 800,000,000 Qatari Riyals (QAR) towards the building of several new facilities. These are to include a new engineering building on the women’s campus, which will have state-of-the-art studios for architectural engineering students, a 42-classroom extension to accommodate up to 1,200 students, an 18,000 sq. meter library, a new College of Business & Economics building and a Food Hall. Additionally, a QAR 20 million Scientific and Applied Research Center is currently under construction to further advance the University’s research efforts and abilities.[23]


Colleges and Departments

College of Arts and Sciences

The College of Arts and Sciences was established in the academic year 2004/2005 through the merging of two former colleges; the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the College of Science. It is currently the largest college by both number of programs and student population at Qatar University, with a total of 2383 students; 1933 Arts majors and 450 Science majors. This reflects approximately 37% of the student body. The College currently employs around 240 faculty members.[24] 

 Departments:[25]
 Department of Arabic Language
 Department of Biological & Environmental Sciences
 Department of Chemistry & Earth Sciences 
  — Chemistry Program Accredited by CSC[26]
 Department of English Literature and Linguistics
 Department of Health Sciences 
  —Biomedical Program Accredited by NAACLS 
  —Human Nutrition Program is seeking Accreditation from ADA
 Department of Humanities
 Department of Mass Communication & Information Science
  —Mass Communication Program is Seeking Accreditation from AEJMC
 Department of Mathematics, Statistics & Physics
  —Statistics Program is Seeking Accreditation from RSS
 Department of Social Sciences  

 Programs:
 Arabic for Non-Native Speakers Program
 International Affairs Program


College of Business & Economics

Qatar University founded the College of Business & Economics in 1985, in response to a growing emphasis on understanding and managing rapid local economic expansion. The College itself has continued to develop rapidly, and has now begun work on a new QR 185 million facility to accommodate its student body and provide “state-of-the-art” resources.[27] 

 Departments:
 Accounting and Information Systems
 Finance and Economics 
 Management and Marketing 

 An MBA degree program is available for graduate students, as well as a CPA testing program.


College of Education

The College of Education was the primary academic body under which Qatar University was founded in 1973. It has undergone a number of revisions and physical relocations, and grown considerably with the university.[28] 

 Departments:
 Educational Sciences
 Psychological Sciences
 Art Education


College of Engineering

The College of Engineering was first established in 1980, and has become one of the largest at Qatar University due to local demand for technical professionals. As a highly competitive field world-wide, the College has taken a particular focus on keeping its programs up to date with global standards and accreditation.[29] The College’s previous Dean, Dr. Alfadala, was also the founder and former Chairman of the University’s Gas Processing Center (GPC) research facility.[30] 

 Departments:[31]
 Architectural Engineering
 Chemical Engineering 
  —Accredited by ABET
 Civil Engineering
  —Accredited by ABET
 Computer Engineering
 Computer Science
 Electrical Engineering
  —Accredited by ABET
 Mechanical Engineering 
  —Accredited by ABET
 Industrial Engineering


College of Law

In 2004, Qatar University instated a new College of Law by separating the law department of the existing College of Sharia. This was done in accordance with new administrative guidelines and the necessity to accommodate expanding student requirements. The College has since created a number of new programs, including a graduate law program. Significant efforts have been made within the college to increase the availability of English language classes, and the College reports that now 45% of its graduate program is instructed in English.[32] 

 Programs:
 Undergraduate Law
 Graduate Law


College of Pharmacy

The College of Pharmacy at Qatar University was recently founded in 2008, and is the first pharmacy college to be established in Qatar. It began as an independent program in 2006, and saw its first student intake in 2007. 2008 also marked the College’s accreditation by the CCAPP, which became the first such international accreditation by that organization. As a principal institution for pharmacy training in the region, the College has experienced significant local attention and rapid growth.[33][34] 

 The College of Pharmacy offers two degrees:[35]
 5-year program Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy – BSc (Pharm)
 —Accredited by CCAPP
 6-year Doctor of Pharmacy – (PharmD)
 The PharmD degree is targeted for select graduates pursuing advanced clinical training.


College of Sharia and Islamic Studies

The College of Sharia and Islamic Studies was among the first founded at Qatar University when it was established in 1977. In recent years, the College has been undergoing substantial growth and changes in response to the 2004 reformation. Most notably is the addition of several new major and minor programs which target common student interests, such as “Da’wa and Media” and “Banking and Insurance”, respectively.[36] 

 Departments:
 Islamic Jurisprudence
 Islamic Culture & Preaching
 Foundations of Islam


Sport Science

The Sport Science Program is a new addition to Qatar University, and will first be open to students in the Fall 2009 semester. The Program was constructed as a joint project sponsored by the Aspire sports academy.[37]

The Program offers a Bachelor of Science degree which allows for one of 3 concentrations: 1) Sport Management, 2) Exercise and Fitness, and 3) Physical Education.

References

  1. ^ "Qatar University History". Qatar University. Retrieved 2009-07-12.
  2. ^ http://www.qu.edu.qa/theuniversity/
  3. ^ http://www.qu.edu.qa/theuniversity/accreditation.php
  4. ^ http://old.qu.edu.qa/html/qustats.html
  5. ^ http://www.qu.edu.qa/theuniversity/
  6. ^ http://old.qu.edu.qa/html/qustats.html
  7. ^ http://www.qu.edu.qa/theuniversity/students.php
  8. ^ http://www.archnet.org/library/files/one-file.jsp?file_id=707
  9. ^ http://www.qu.edu.qa/theuniversity/history.php
  10. ^ http://www.qu.edu.qa/theuniversity/reformproject/why_reform.php
  11. ^ http://www.qu.edu.qa/theuniversity/reformproject/index.php
  12. ^ http://www.qu.edu.qa/theuniversity/reformproject/principles.php
  13. ^ http://www.qu.edu.qa/theuniversity/reformproject/structure.php
  14. ^ http://www.qu.edu.qa/theuniversity/reformproject/students.php
  15. ^ http://www.qu.edu.qa/theuniversity/reformproject/tawasol.php
  16. ^ "Marhaba", Qatar University, 9/1/2008
  17. ^ http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=local_news&month=february2009&file=local_news2009021143112.xml
  18. ^ http://www.qatarization.com.qa/Qatarization/Qatarization.nsf/en_Pages/en_AboutQatarization_WhatIsQatarization
  19. ^ http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5437.htm
  20. ^ http://gpc.qu.edu.qa/AboutUs.aspx?enc=Ycton650fRde+KG778jaRmE9irXrgsVGckDBtDUmccE=
  21. ^ http://www.ilhamalqaradawi.com/positron-group/Dedication%20of%20positron%20beam%20to%20Qatar.htm
  22. ^ http://www.qu.edu.qa/theuniversity/campus/index.php
  23. ^ http://menafn.net/qn_news_story_s.asp?storyid=1093199794
  24. ^ http://www.qu.edu.qa/artssciences/about/index.php
  25. ^ http://www.qu.edu.qa/artssciences/departments/index.php
  26. ^ http://www.qu.edu.qa/artssciences/accreditation.php
  27. ^ QU 2008/2009 Brochure
  28. ^ http://www.qu.edu.qa/education/index.php
  29. ^ http://www.qu.edu.qa/engineering/
  30. ^ http://gpc.qu.edu.qa/
  31. ^ http://www.qu.edu.qa/engineering/accreditation.php
  32. ^ http://www.qu.edu.qa/law/glance.php
  33. ^ http://www.qu.edu.qa/pharmacy/
  34. ^ http://www.qu.edu.qa/pharmacy/about_us/index.php
  35. ^ http://www.qu.edu.qa/pharmacy/accreditation_status.php
  36. ^ http://www.qu.edu.qa/sharia/
  37. ^ http://www.qu.edu.qa/sportscience/
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