Dr. Khalid Al-Shafi
Undoubtedly, our wise leadership has given significant attention to positioning Qatar University as a prestigious and advanced institution among global universities. It is essential for any university to rely on several pillars to achieve excellence and precedence, and our national university is no exception. Its strategy is based on sectors that have demonstrated development and superiority regionally and internationally.
Qatar University prioritises research, health, student affairs, and last but not the least, the academic sector. In recent years, the university has achieved advanced positions, particularly in the field of scientific research, which motivates the academic staff and various research teams to keep pace with developments and utilise the latest innovations.
The discipline (sector) of medical and health sciences played a significant role in solidifying Qatar University’s position by bringing together important scientific disciplines. This wouldn’t have been possible without the direct support from the esteemed Board of Trustees, chaired and directed by H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, Deputy Amir and Chairman of the Board of Trustees. This support provided a strong push towards diversity in higher education, attracting Qatari students to medical specialities.
Medical specialisations have become very popular with Qatari students, several of whom have graduated in these specialisations, and the sector continues to attract students and receive support from the relevant authorities in the country.
Student Affairs department and continuous follow up by those responsible have had a significant impact on our students, instilling a sense of belonging to the country. The efforts to serve the nation are evident in the determination of our students to excel in any position.
Considering that the entire educational process cannot succeed and evolve without the right selection of the teaching faculty, the academic sector carries significant responsibilities and tasks. The academic sector is crucial, and the authorities overseeing it should be driven by a sense of national duty. As an Assistant Professor appointed to the Department of Mass Communication for nearly nine years, I can affirm that I have sensed this commitment during my various interactions with officials in the past and present.
I believe that Qatar University will only progress and compete by choosing specialised competencies that, with their knowledge and experience, can help the university achieve its desired goals and fulfil its mission.
With all due respect, to all those in charge, from the dean of the sector to the dean of the college, and in charge of the academic affairs, and up to the top university official: academic quality is at stake, and the outcomes face challenges. Delays in decisions that contribute to them are not in the interest of this scientific institution or the nation’s great legacy, on which the country places its hopes and aspirations for Qatar’s future generations.
Our national university needs everyone, officials, academics, and students, to work as one team under one motto: Qatar first and last. Our leader and the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani always emphasise the excellence of our institutions and strive to place them in top positions. Let this be the sought-after goal and always look forward to our great home, QU.
Our trust in those responsible for QU, whom we are proud of, remains steadfast. Our concern for our university is what moves us to feel a sense of responsibility towards it. Therefore, we will continue to write about our university, regardless of the topics. Not all our words necessarily have to be praises, we may also address some shortcomings on the horizon.
As our leader Omar bin Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “May Allah have mercy on a man who pointed out my faults.” Successful work may be accompanied by areas of weakness. We will continue to have confidence that love for Qatar and its interests is what motivates us all. May our words be a soothing balm and a motivation for more diligence, contribution, progress, and success.
