Doha: As part of Qatar University’s (QU) goal to bring its services closer to its students and to answer their most important inquiries related to their studies, university’s curricula and its developments, Dr. Hassan bin Rashid Al Derham, President of Qatar University, held a virtual meeting via the WebEx platform with the university students.
During this meeting, Dr. Al Derham touched on all issues of interest to the university students, whether it is related to acceptance merits at the university, the development of new buildings, ending virtual education and returning to the campus.
The meeting began with the recitation of Holy Qur’an, followed by an opening speech by the President of the Student Representative Council, in which he thanked the academics and administrators for their role in the progress of the university, stressing the council’s determination to contribute to that development and progress.
After that Dr. Al Derham was about the university’s strategy and current goals.
Responding to a question about the university’s strategy and current goals, Dr. Al Derham said QU’s strategy began to take its course from 2015 and 2016.
He also noted that QU has many goals, including solving the observed problems in the educational process such as the academic difficulties Qatari students face in particular, and the attempt to reduce their graduation period. He added that another goal is to solve the problem of Qatari students’ regarding their discipline of interests and increasing male students from Qatar on campus.
Dr. Al Derham added that another important goal is to inculcate and promote the values of social responsibility, innovation, academic integrity and diversity. The university also aims to be a compass that guides students towards achieving their goals.
On the future of distance education at the university after the pandemic, the president explained the importance of face-to-face education for students. He added that the university has taken virtual education as a solution to continue the learning process keeping in mind the current circumstances.
Among new information, President added that the university’s new buildings will receive students as of the next academic year.
Commenting on the students’ query about inadequate food outlets for boys compared to restaurants in the girls’ building, Dr. Al Derham said the administration is currently working to increase cafes and restaurants for male students. He added that kiosks will soon be opened in the yard of the boys building.
Regarding the traffic issues he disclosed that the university is studying the situation to find a sustainable solution.
In conclusion, Dr. Al Derham urged the students to take advantage of their time on campus to benefit from the research programmes and grants offered by the university. He urged them to work hard towards a better future.
