Prof al-Misnad (right) presenting the Merit Award to Dr Rana Sobh
Qatar University is committed to promote language skills in both Arabic and English, president Prof Sheikha Abdulla al-Misnad said yesterday in her annual convocation address.
The introduction of a Minor course in Translation was cited as an example of the national university’s commitment to the cause in this regard.
She outlined changes in the primary language of instruction from English to Arabic at a number of colleges and departments this year, including the College of Business, College of Law, Department of International Affairs, and Mass Communication.
“We want to ensure that students graduate as competent and well qualified, and ready and willing to face career complexities and challenges,” Prof al-Misnad said.
Recalling the changes to the Foundation Programme, the president explained that it underwent a restructuring process last year and has emerged with a new format and direction in its mission to prepare students for courses such as Engineering, Science, and Pharmacy, and to strengthen their Maths and English language skills within a timeline that does not exceed one year.
Dr Yousif Al-Sada – QU’s Employee of the Year with his award
Prof al-Misnad pointed out that over the academic year, QU witnessed considerable expansion in line with the state’s ever-increasing development, which necessitated the launch of new majors and the expansion of graduate programmes and applied research endeavours.
She highlighted some of the 12 new programmes at undergraduate level, including Public Health, Policy, Planning and Leadership, Psychology, and Secondary Education. 
New graduate courses for this year include Qur’anic Sciences and Tasfeer and Jurisprudence and Foundations of Jurisprudence ( Fiqh and Usul al Fiqh) at College of Sharia & Islamic Studies; Biomedical Sciences and Materials Sciences at College of Arts & Sciences; and Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Civil Engineering at College of Engineering.
“QU views research as an integral process that involves academic study on one hand, and the provision of practical solutions to life issues on the other.  With this in mind, QU continues to develop its research centres and other units,” the president said.
Prof al-Misnad highlighted the importance of the Strategic Plan to QU’s direction and noted that the next phase is underway, and would include student feedback as a critical component of the accreditation process. 
Some 50 Qatari academics are expected to return soon as faculty in various majors at QU, she said.
The QU President also paid tribute to five distinguished Qatari faculty who received State Incentive Awards – Dr Hassan al-Sayed (Law), Dr Nora al-Kuwari (Geography), Dr Khalid al-Khatir (Accounting), Dr Mariam al-Ma’adeed (Physics), and Dr Rashed al-Amari (Electrical Engineering).
During the event, faculty, staff and students were honoured for their contributions during the academic year.
They were Dr Abdel Jabbar Said (Associate Professor of Islamic Studies) - Exemplary Online Teaching using Blackboard Award, Dr Jon Truby (Assistant Professor of Law) - Exemplary Online Teaching using Blackboard Award.
The Outstanding Faculty Service Awards were presented to the following: Dr Asma al-Thani (Acting Head, Department of Health Sciences   and Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences), Dr Rajab Ismail (Associate Dean for  Student Affairs), Al Bairaq Team comprising Dr Mariam Ali al-Maadeed (Section Head,  Centre of Advanced Materials), Dr Noora Jabor al-Thani (External Affairs Manager, Centre of Advanced Materials), Dr Kaltham Ali al-Ghanim (Associate Professor of Sociology), and Dr Yasser Hussein (Programme Coordinator for Chemistry Programme).
Dr Rana Sobh (Head of Department of Management and Marketing) was presented a Merit Award.
Media graduate Hessa Naser al-Nasser was announced the Young Alumnus of the Year.   A new award -- Outstanding Service in Media -- was launched this year and was presented to CAS professor of contemporary history Dr Mahjoob al-Zuwairi.
The award for Outstanding Employee of the Year was presented to Director of Housing Dr Yousif al-Sada by QU vice president and chief financial officer Dr Humaid al-Midfaa.