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| Dr Omar al-Ansari: “Qatar University has adopted international standards.” |
“QU has adopted international standards and a number of colleges, programmes and units have been accredited by globally renowned agencies,” said Dr Omar al-Ansari, vice president for student affairs.
As a result, student GPAs continue to improve remarkably, he explained. For instance, in 2011, the mean of cumulative GPAs at graduation was 2.8, from 1.9 in 2005. The percentage of graduate students who obtained a cumulative GPA of 3.5 and above has doubled over the past four years.
“This undoubtedly proves that our students are responding to required standards and expectations and ready to face challenges and commit themselves to improvement and excellence,” Dr al-Ansari stated.
There has been a dramatic decline in the number of years of study from the date of enrolment to graduation, in that the percentage of students completing their studies within a period of more than six years dropped from 21% in 2007 to 12% in 2011.
“Year after year, our students complete their studies in various majors and are equipped with a strong set of skills and knowledge that will enable them to compete in an increasingly competitive labour market,” the official said.
As QU raised its academic standards and expectations in terms of students’ academic performance and competences in English, IT, and mathematics prior to choosing their majors, it was found that the period of time towards graduation was decreasing.
“This is clear evidence that students have become more focused and committed and are graduating within a shorter period than when QU academic standards were comparatively lower,” he observed.
On the number of graduates obtaining diplomas and master’s degrees, Dr al-Ansari pointed out that in 2007 only 14 graduate students obtained certificates at those levels whereas in 2011 the number
jumped to 46.
He explained that strong bonds between students and their instructors made for effective communication between them which helped to enrich the students’ practical and research
experiences.
The vice-president noted further that for the 2010-2011 period, 250 students enrolled in QU graduate programmes, 150 of which are pursuing MAs.
The recent graduation of the Class of 2011 saw 1,148 students - 879 female, 269 male – receiving their degree certificates, the latter group in the presence of HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani.
The degrees comprised 1,074 Bachelors, 46 Masters and 28 Diplomas. This year’s ceremony also saw the graduation of the first batch of graduates from QU College of Pharmacy.
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