The students listen to Dr Critchley during the orientation programme
The University of Calgary-Qatar (UCQ) has organised an orientation programme known as UCQ101 for some 93 new Bachelor of Nursing students at its campus.
Of the new enrollments, 10 are Qatar nationals and the remaining students originate from more than 20 countries including Canada, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan and Tunisia with 80 of them being females and the rest 13 males. 
The new batch of students increases the current student body at the institution to 315 – the highest enrollment to date at UCQ. 
UCQ students are able to complete a Bachelor of Nursing degree through a variety of streams including regular track for recent high school graduates, a part-time programme for working nurses and a diploma programme. 
The university will offer a Masters programme starting in January 2013.
During the event, the UCQ associate dean-Academic Dr Kim Critchley who congratulated the new students on their admission into the challenging field of study, explained what it means to undertake a demanding journey and described the significance for individuals entering the profession of nursing.
“We are extremely excited to have you here and we are privileged that you have chosen UCQ to pursue your career in nursing. You will learn excellent technical and communication skills so that you are able to work efficiently with your fellow students and expertly with families, communities and healthcare colleagues. You will be advocates for a healthy nation and the leaders in healthcare innovation,” she said.
She stated that Qatar will be enriched by the students’ contributions saying: “Your nursing degree will open a variety of doors for you that will offer you challenges and rewards beyond your dreams.”
The focus of UCQ 101 is to give new students the opportunity to meet classmates and to learn about the university’s commitment to a successful and rewarding student experience. 
Student support systems are in place offering expert teaching and research faculty, dedicated programmes such as the Foundation Programme, the Learning Commons and Writing Centre, and the Clinical Simulation Lab.
There is also an active student life with opportunities to join student government, environmental, debating or ambassador clubs.
The students were engaged and enthusiastic about the upcoming academic year as a first year student Hany Ibrihim claimed: “UCQ101 was very exciting for us and the university seems extremely welcoming for us.”