A new initiative to benefit students as they explore colleges and careers

The State of Qatar has been investing a considerable amount of resources in educational change initiatives since the mid-1990s upon the assumption of leadership by HH The Emir, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani. The goals underlying these changes are to modernize society and to educate Qataris for professions and careers -- while maintaining the cultural heritage and social mores of the nation. It must be noted that the vision for these extraordinary initiatives has come from Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned; and, the newest initiative that is being presented here to potential college-bound students is part of her continuing vision for all aspects of the educational ethos.

To meet the current and emergent educational and labour market needs, our nation is embarking on an exciting initiative to create The Community College of Qatar. Community colleges provide students with both a solid educational foundation and critical job training, so they may pursue either further study at a university or a career in a growing industry upon graduation. The “two-year college” concept that acts as a midway home for students transitioning from secondary school to college/university also has roots in other countries under differing names; the committee will also examine and may adopt key innovations that will suit the educational ethos of this country.

The Community College of Qatar is in the advanced planning stages now. Steps are being taken to acquire and remodel a provisional campus and to work on collaboration agreements with colleges overseas. It is expected that the college will open its doors either in January 2010 (if all planning work is completed) or in September 2010 at the latest. Public announcements will be made in the Qatar media well in advance for potential students to come and explore program requirements and admissions procedures.

Q. What is this new educational initiative?
This new project has the goal of creating The Community College of Qatar which will offer college classes and training programs by early 2010. The Steering Committee appointed in October 2008 by the SEC Secretary-General, HE The Minister for Education and Higher Education, has made considerable progress in planning for the new college to start offering classes in early 2010.

Q. What is a Community College and what are the origins of the educational model?
A community college offers the first two years of classes at the college level. One option for graduating students is continuation of studies in a regular university leading ultimately to a Bachelor’s degree. The other option upon graduation is to enter the work force in his or her field; however, the students may go back later to complete Bachelor’s degrees. The community college model that has evolved over 125 years and guides the missions of 1200+ community colleges in the USA will be used to create The Community College of Qatar; but, variations that suit the environment in the State of Qatar will be adopted.

Q. What is the range of programs that will be offered by the community college?
The Community College of Qatar was authorized on the basis of a report (dated May 25, 2008) presented to the SEC Executive Board chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Mozah. The report outlined some key programs that will form the basis for the new college to start with; other relevant programs may be added as we move ahead.

• General Education / Liberal Studies (Arts and Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences) programs leading to one-year certificates and 2-year degrees that are accredited and that facilitate the transfer of college credits to universities, applicable towards Bachelor’s degrees.

• Specialized Programs -- in fields such as Engineering Technologies, Medical Studies / Health Sciences, Information Technology and Business / Finance – that will meet the needs of employers as well as be transferable to quality universities to enable students if they so desire to obtain Bachelor’s degrees.

• Developmental Studies / Workforce Training Programs and Services -- that will strengthen the knowledge and skills of students to perform well in basic college level work, while enabling them to acquire transferable credits towards degree programs of their choice; simultaneously, the college will use its faculty, laboratories, workshops and programmatic expertise, and work closely with business and industry – to train and continually retrain their workers to keep them abreast of emergent knowledge and skills in their field.

Q. What will be very special in this college environment and in the services to students?
Ties are being explored for collaboration with outstanding colleges and programs in the US. Efforts have already begun to look at accreditation for programs to be offered and to meet international standards. Above all, the community college is noted for instruction in small groups, for individual attention to the learning needs of student, and above all, to meet the needs of college-bound students who must be provided with encouragement and support in a homely environment in order to succeed in college.

We extend a warm welcome to you from the Community College Project Office as you explore colleges and careers in the months ahead. For more information please contact the Advising & Career Development Center at the following numbers: 4560710 / 4560730.
The Community College Project Office at 494-1514