To meet the current and emergent educational and labor market needs, our nation is embarking on an exciting initiative to create The Community College of Qatar (CCQ). Community colleges provide students with both a solid collegiate studies 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 home for students transitioning from secondary school to college/university has roots in other countries under differing names; the CCQ will also examine and may adopt key innovations that will suit the educational ethos of Qatar.
The Community College of Qatar will open September 2010. Steps are being taken to remodel the provisional campus on C Ring Road and to work on collaborative agreements with international colleges. The CCQ will be accepting application from interested students at the Higher Education Institute Open House June 14-15 at the Four Seasons Hotel. Public announcements will be made in the Qatar media well in advance for potential students to come and explore program requirements and admissions procedures.
Here are some facts to acquaint you with The Community College of Qatar (CCQ):
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The College was established in 2010.
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CCQ is the first and only community college in Qatar
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CCQ provides education and services for students in three main areas:
Associate Degrees (AA and AS) for transfer to university, Associate in Applied Sciences (AAS) Degrees for work advancement or employment and Certificates/ Courses for training and personal development.
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CCQ plans to enroll 300 students in the 2010-2011 academic year and grow to 1500 students in five years.
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The new CCQ campus located on C-ring road boasts the most advanced technologies for learning and skill development
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CCQ partners with Houston Community College for coursework, faculty and staff
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CCQ plans a Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accreditation for international articulation of degrees
College Vision
The Community College of Qatar shall be a leading educational institute providing higher education and diverse opportunities for lifelong learning. The Community College of Qatar shall provide a healthy learning environment inspiring student success and promoting active participation and effective service to the community.
College Mission
To respond effectively to the education and training needs of the Qatari community. To work in partnership with the community tin order to meet the evolving needs of the nation as it strives to realize the goal of thee Qatar National Vision 2030. To provide access to quality programs to students seeking to pursue their higher education studies.
College Mission Goals
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Providing a wide range of higher education programs responsive to the needs of the individuals and stakeholders.
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Nourishing flexible learning options and strategies resulting in constantly evolving programs and services in higher education, lifelong learning, workforce training and community services.
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Providing education in a culturally rich and socially responsible environment.
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Ensuring quality services and programs.
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Expanding the use of learning technologies by teachers and students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Community College of Qatar?
The Community College of Qatar is a new educational initiative part of the Educational Reform. It aims to serve the Qatar society by providing students with opportunities to either pursue their university degrees or employment.
The “Community College” model that has evolved over 125 years in the US, embraces more than 1,200 colleges throughout the world and will be adopted to establish the Community College of Qatar with some adaptations to fit Qatari Society.
What is the difference between the Community College and the University?
There are several differences between the community college and the university in terms of duration of study and the type of degrees granted. The community college offers two year programs (4 semesters) leading to the “Associate’s Degree”. This degree allows the graduates either to enter the workforce directly or transfer to a university as a third year student to complete their Bachelor’s Degree. The community college also grants training certificates in some fields that are highly demanded by the labor market.
Studying at a university requires four years (8-semesters) leading to the “Bachelor’s Degree”. Articulation agreements between the community college and universities will provide the opportunity for community college graduates to apply credits earned for the Associate’s Degree toward their Bachelor’s Degree requirements.
What is Unique about the Community College of Qatar?
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Recognized “Associate’s Degree” inside and outside Qatar because of accredited programs.
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A wide variety of academic and technical programs of study that qualify the student to further continue university studies or join the labor market.
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Opportunities for students/employers to choose short-term training programs for employment.
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Specialized and diversified training programs that meet the needs of the Qatari Labor market.
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Accredited training certificates - Basic skills courses, including ESL.
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Supportive educational environment within small classes and study groups.
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Possibility of transferring part or all Associate Degree credits earned at the CCQ to universities.
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Flexible admissions requirements to serve the students who did not have the chance to continue their studies due to their secondary school average, English language proficiency, maturity, out-dated secondary school certificate, work or other reasons.
Does CCQ help students find jobs?
The CCQ Career Advisor will provide the necessary resources for students as they look for employment opportunities during and after college. The Center will provide individual career counseling and will conduct workshops in resume-writing and how to prepare for job interviews. A career library as well will provide resources on internships and employment opportunities.
Who is in charge of the Community College of Qatar?
During its early phase of establishment, the college will be under the umbrella of the Supreme Education Council, who have chosen a Dean to manage and lead CCQ. Partner college, Houston Community College will provide accredited certificate and degree programs and courses and credentialed faculty and staff in the first years of CCQ.
Where will the College be located?
The CCQ will use a temporary building located on the C-Ring Road (near Abu Obadiah Bin Al- Jarrah Mosque)
Will the College be co-educational?
Yes, the College will be co-educational.
What will be the language of instruction?
English will be the medium of instruction, with Arabic being certainly used for Arabic classes.
Since English is the language of instruction, will there be a preparatory year for those lacking English language proficiency?
Students will take a placement test for English and Math to determine their level of English and Mathematics ability. College courses and student programs will be tailored to meet the needs of each student.
What are the programs that will be offered by the Community College of Qatar?
The college will start with the University Transfer Degree Programs that are not offered anywhere in Qatar; and Associate in Applied Sciences (AAS) Degrees in selected programs that lead to jobs:
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Business
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Management
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Construction Management
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Finance
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Communications
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Media
The Associate Degrees for university transfer, Associate’s in Arts (AA) and Associate’s in Science (AS) will offer the liberal arts and sciences programs that qualify students, after earning the associate degree, to transfer to a university to continue their bachelor degree programs inside and outside Qatar.
When will the application process start?
Application for CCQ will start in June 2010 for classes beginning in September 2010. The first announcements regarding application, admission and registration will be made before the end of the current academic year 2009-2010.
What are the Registration Requirements?
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Qatari General Secondary School Certificate or its equivalency.
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ACT Compass test required for placement in classes that fit student academic needs. Sitting for these tests will be scheduled following application.
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Completion of Application and Registration Forms
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Payment of Application Fees (non-Qatari Students) and arrangement for payment of Tuition (non-Qatari students)
What is the Cost of the CCQ?
The CCQ enrollment is free for Qataris and non-Qatari costs will include tuition and fees that are reasonable to student access to education. Scholarships will be available for qualifying students.
What is the expected number of students?
It is expected that the college will enroll 300 students for the first year. This number will increase gradually in the coming years.
What about students who have dropped out of Qatar University, or only completed the Foundation year and have a low GPA?
The college will accept all students as new students. Students who have taken any previous university courses may be considered on a case-by-case basis for transfer of credit to the Community College of Qatar based on placement test scores.
Will there be morning and evening classes?
Most Classes will be offered during the day. Some classes being in the afternoon and evening for job update and advancement of working students.
Will the college offer study opportunities for those who are currently employed?
Most full time classes will be offered during the day. Classes for working students will be scheduled in the afternoon and evening based on student expressed need.
Will there be special seats assigned for companies and ministries who will sponsor their employees or potential employees to study at the college?
Yes, the Community College of Qatar will encourage Corporate sponsorship of students. Corporate representatives should contact the College Dean for information and recommendation of sponsored students and classes.
What degree will the CCQ award?
The CCQ will award the AA, AS and AAS Degrees.
If a student wants to transfer to Qatar University, will he/she be required to sit for the TOEFL or the IELTS?
Articulation agreements will be made with the universities in Qatar including Qatar University regarding credit transfer from CCQ, taking into consideration. CCQ graduates will be required to comply with each university’s own entry requirements.
Will admissions be conducted once a year or each semester?
CCQ application will be accepted all year. Admission and Registration will occur each semester.
Other issues
The college will provide opportunities for those currently employed and out of work, who did not have the chance to complete their secondary school certificate, by enrolling them in special English and training programs.
