Professor al-Naimi and professor al-Misnad shaking hands after signing the agreement
By Bonnie James/Deputy News Editor

The Community College of Qatar (CCQ) will pursue articulation agreements with Education City universities, acting president Professor Ibrahim Saleh al-Naimi told Gulf Times. He was speaking yesterday on the sidelines of an articulation agreement signing ceremony between Qatar University and CCQ, a first for the latter.
Texas A&M University at Qatar dean and CEO Dr Mark H Weichold, who is also on CCQ board, said an internal discussion has already taken place at his institution in this regard.
“CCQ, launched in September 2010, has a total of 650 students, including 65% women,” professor al-Naimi said. The strength is expected to reach 850 by next semester.
Around 10 students are to graduate in May by the end of next semester, he added.
The CCQ is run under a partnership with the Houston Community College in the US, which helps by providing qualified faculty members as well as proven and education programmes.
CCQ is offering Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Sciences (AS) Degrees for transfer to university or Associate in Applied Sciences (AAS) Degree for job placement.
AA degree graduates will have a chance to pursue their studies in arts, humanities, education, or business colleges at any university.
AS degree graduates can apply for further studies in science, engineering, health science, or information technology colleges at any university.
A salient feature of CCQ is that it offers opportunities to students who did not have a chance to continue their studies due to reasons including low scores in high school.
The CCQ is also seeking accreditation by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, US, the same accreditation held by HCC and that is being sought by Qatar University.
With accredited AA and AS Degree/Diploma curriculum articulated to local and national university curricula, students graduating from CCQ would be able to transfer to universities as third year students.
At the time of its launch, it was announced that CCQ plans to grow to 1,500 students in five years.

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