Tribune News Network
Doha
The third week of August saw Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), a Qatar Foundation (QF) partner-university, welcome new and returning students, staff and faculty to the new academic year, the first semester of which will be conducted in-person on VCUarts Qatar’s campus in QF’s Education City.
The first week kicked off with an orientation programmes for new students and a separate one held by the university’s department of Human Resources for faculty and staff. The three-day programme for the newly-joined undergraduate and graduate students was led by VCUarts Qatar’s Student Government Association and the Department of Students Affairs. The new students were greeted by VCUarts Qatar’s faculty, staff and students, including Dean Amir Berbi?.
"It’s always a privilege to welcome a new class, to see a collection of untapped creative potential raring to explore and experience what this university has to offer,” Dean Berbi? told the new students. "Believe me when I say that today your energy is palpable to the rest of VCUarts Qatar’s close-knit family.
He added, "The previous year taught us that restrictions cannot curb creativity. On the contrary, VCUarts Qatar seemed to thrive on it. I do not doubt for a second that each one of you is capable of doing the same. You’ve all worked your way across multiple challenges to earn a place in the region’s topmost art and design school.”
Dr Cherif Amor, VCUarts Qatar’s Dean of Academic Affairs, highlighted the importance of balancing academic studies with the extra-curricular programs that VCUarts Qatar offers. "In a few years from now, you’ll have the distinction of graduating from the best art and design university in the region,” Dr Amor said. "However, it’s important to remember that education is not only about exams and grades. Participation in extra-curricular activities during your formative years here at VCUarts Qatar is crucial for picking up new skills for future careers.
"So, be curious about the unfamiliar, participate in discussions on topics that are new to you, and be open to novel ideas and opportunities that will come your way during the next four years. All this will go a long way in helping you succeed in the workplace, and in life.”
The student orientation programme – which, under normal circumstances, would have been a week-long activity-driven introduction to VCUarts Qatar – was adapted in line with the latest guidelines recommended by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH).
In addition to being introduced to the university’s facilities, resources, activities and associations, the new students were also briefed on the health and safety precautions that the university has implemented across its campus, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Doha
The third week of August saw Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), a Qatar Foundation (QF) partner-university, welcome new and returning students, staff and faculty to the new academic year, the first semester of which will be conducted in-person on VCUarts Qatar’s campus in QF’s Education City.
The first week kicked off with an orientation programmes for new students and a separate one held by the university’s department of Human Resources for faculty and staff. The three-day programme for the newly-joined undergraduate and graduate students was led by VCUarts Qatar’s Student Government Association and the Department of Students Affairs. The new students were greeted by VCUarts Qatar’s faculty, staff and students, including Dean Amir Berbi?.
"It’s always a privilege to welcome a new class, to see a collection of untapped creative potential raring to explore and experience what this university has to offer,” Dean Berbi? told the new students. "Believe me when I say that today your energy is palpable to the rest of VCUarts Qatar’s close-knit family.
He added, "The previous year taught us that restrictions cannot curb creativity. On the contrary, VCUarts Qatar seemed to thrive on it. I do not doubt for a second that each one of you is capable of doing the same. You’ve all worked your way across multiple challenges to earn a place in the region’s topmost art and design school.”
Dr Cherif Amor, VCUarts Qatar’s Dean of Academic Affairs, highlighted the importance of balancing academic studies with the extra-curricular programs that VCUarts Qatar offers. "In a few years from now, you’ll have the distinction of graduating from the best art and design university in the region,” Dr Amor said. "However, it’s important to remember that education is not only about exams and grades. Participation in extra-curricular activities during your formative years here at VCUarts Qatar is crucial for picking up new skills for future careers.
"So, be curious about the unfamiliar, participate in discussions on topics that are new to you, and be open to novel ideas and opportunities that will come your way during the next four years. All this will go a long way in helping you succeed in the workplace, and in life.”
The student orientation programme – which, under normal circumstances, would have been a week-long activity-driven introduction to VCUarts Qatar – was adapted in line with the latest guidelines recommended by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH).
In addition to being introduced to the university’s facilities, resources, activities and associations, the new students were also briefed on the health and safety precautions that the university has implemented across its campus, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.