Qatar University (QU) inaugurated the new academic year yesterday with the Annual Convocation in which QU President Prof Sheikha Abdulla al- Misnad addressed members of the QU community. During her speech, she focused on the new academic year, provided direction and guidance for the year ahead and reflected on the achievements and developments of the previous academic year.
The event was attended by QU leadership, deans, heads of departments, programme directors, faculty members, staff, students and alumni. It was an opportunity for the president to update QU members on the university’s progress in line with goals set out in the strategic plan and to inform them about ongoing initiatives such as accreditation, new degree programmes and research.
In her remarks, Prof al- Misnad welcomed the new faculty members to QU and encouraged them to spare no effort in advancing quality and excellence at the organisation.
She said: “Over the past academic year, the university has witnessed considerable expansion in line with the country’s ever-increasing development, which necessitated the launch of new majors and the expansion of graduate and undergraduate programmes as well as research endeavours.”
“Launching a new programme  or major such as the new PhD in environmental sciences at the College of Arts and Sciences is a well-considered process that must take into account a number of factors, important of which are the National Vision, National Development Strategy and other issues such as the needs of the labour market,” she added
Commenting on the organisation’s achievements in research last year, the president said: “Our research endeavours reflect community needs and priorities outlined in the national development strategies which aim to build a knowledge-based society. We are proud of our ever-increasing research grants awarded by Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) and awards received in local, regional and international research competitions.   With the involvement of a large number of talented students in these competitions, we have achieved top places and gained top funded grants”.
The convocation programme also included the distribution of awards to distinguished faculty, alumni and staff for their achievements and accomplishments during the academic year. The awards were presented by Prof al-Misnad, QU vice president chief financial officer Dr Homaid Abdulla al-Midfaa and vice president and chief academic officer Dr Mazen Hasna.
Merit award was presented to Dr Saud Abdul Aziz Abdul Ghani, head department of mechanical engineering, outstanding teaching award was given to Dr Khaled Salah Shaaban, assistant professor of civil engineering, employee of the year award went to  Nasser Rashid al-Marri, director of registration,  Ahmed Ismail al-Emadi, senior student service specialist; and  Fatima Noaman al-Emadi, external relations coordinator.
Media award was won by  Dr Mohamed Kirat, professor of public relations; and Dr Mahjoob Zweiri, head department of humanities and the young alumni of the year award: was bagged by  Amina Abdul Aziz al- Kaabi, and Issa Ali al- Mannai.
Long Service Awards were presented to Dr Hessa Fakhroo, professor of Educational Psychology; Dr Ali Ahmed Alkubaisi, head department of Arabic Language; Prof Ibrahim Shahdad, professor of history; Dr Ali Ibrahim al-Shib, associate professor of geography; Dr Sara Mohd al-Zaman, assistant professor of geography; Dr Abdulrahman al-Muftah, assistant professor of marine sciences;  Dr Maytha Daher al-Muraikhi, associate professor of physics; Dr Fatma  al-Sowaidi, associate dean for outreach and engagement; Dr Lamees Abdulhadi Shahada, associate professor of chemistry; Dr Abdul Hussain Ali Mohammed, associate professor of history; Mohd Ali  Ali, HR assistant director; Mohamed Hussein Mohamed Awadh, senior HR specialist; Mohamed Hussain Abdulla, head section of events; Mohamed Juma Hasan al- Hajari, facility operator; and Ayed Mesfer Alsubaie, transportation assistant.