The start of the fall semester at Texas A&M University at Qatar (Tamuq), a Qatar Foundation partner university, saw a record 181 new undergraduate engineering students — including the largest incoming class of 103 Qatari students.
Tamuq dean Dr César Octavio Malavé said he was pleased to see the university’s ambitious recruiting efforts pay off with such a large incoming class.
“Our work of creating engineering leaders in Qatar continues, even in challenging times,” Malavé said. “But we don’t educate just engineers. We are also teaching classes to students throughout Education City. An immeasurable amount of work has been invested in preparing for this semester, including implementing new strategies to bring Qatar’s best and brightest students into our classrooms — both virtual and physical.”
The total number of students at Tamuq this fall is 695, including students from Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s computer engineering programme and other Education City partner universities, as well as graduate students who are conducting research at Tamuq.
Officials said these numbers are expected to fluctuate slightly in the next few weeks as the registration period closes.
Tamuq welcomed the new Aggies to the university during its three-day virtual Aggie Life 101 orientation ahead of the start of the fall semester.
The orientation also showcased the opportunities Tamuq offers to students to help them become engineering leaders — from social clubs and activities to transformative educational experiences, such as undergraduate research. During this time, students registered for classes, attended academic advising sessions, met with faculty, and talked to current student leaders.
Student Government Association president Motaz Eledrisi said, “Your experience at Texas A&M University is like no other. You are lucky to be a part of a world-renowned university close to home. Make sure to take advantage of all the opportunities that the university has to offer — from research, to student life, travel opportunities and quality education.”
During the orientation sessions, students were split into groups led by current students who served as ambassadors of Tamuq and to answer any questions the new students might have about college life. The groups also allowed new students the opportunity to get to know one another as they begin this new experience together.
At the end of Aggie Life 101, orientation leaders named five students Aggie Spirit winners for their participation in various sessions. Winners were Tammam al-Sabagh, Ali al-Shaiba, Mohamed Kibbi, Muhammad Saad and Yomna Sultan.
Tamuq began the semester online but will start holding some in-person classes from September 1.
