The Academic Bridge Programme (ABP), a centre of Qatar Foundation, started a two day orientation programme for about 250 new students yesterday.The orientation programme will conclude today.
During the orientation,the Class of 2016 was introduced to the ABP’s facilities, policies and activities, as well as, to the administrators, faculty and staff who will be working closely with the students throughout the upcoming academic year.
A college information session, a goal-setting and reflection session, an academic integrity session and a community building activity were also part of the programme.
Around 80% of this year’s students are Qatari and the rest of the students come from around 27 different countries. Nearly 75% of this year’s class is female.
ABP director, Dr. Bryan Lewallen, said: “This is a very special year for the Academic Bridge Programme, as we celebrate our 15th Anniversary. Last year was the most successful in the history of the ABP, in regard to university admissions. We have yet another excellent group of students this year and hope that the Class of 2016 will set the bar even higher for academic success and admission offers to universities in Qatar and abroad.”
The two-day orientation programme began with an introductory welcome followed by a presentation by Ahmad al-Jassim, ABP Student Affairs Events co-ordinator, explaining the ABP Student Services’ policies and activities. The second day of orientation will have a presentation outlining the keys to success by Dr. Mark Newmark, assistant director for Academic Affairs.
The ABP is introducing a new computer course this year, a course that teaches students the fundamentals of computer programming. Another new development is the creation of a Student Support Team, headed by Mutassim AwadAllah, the ABP’s Learning and Resource Centre (LRC) Coordinator.
More than 2,500 students have graduated from the ABP, since its inception in 2001. About 90% of the ABP graduates have gone on to attend English language universities in Qatar or abroad.
Dr. Bryan Lewallen,speaking at the Orientation
