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Orientation focuses on exceptional academic and extracurricular opportunities awaiting students
Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has welcomed new and returning students back to campus to begin the 2022/2023 academic year. A two-day orientation on July 24-25 included a virtual experience and an in-person event at Multaqa that brought the academic community together.
Drawn from a strong applicant pool, and with a marked diversity in their academic and professional backgrounds, over 350 new students are set to begin their journey at HBKU. Around 100 Qataris are among the new batch of students enrolled across HBKU’s 36 multidisciplinary programs.
HBKU also received the first intake in the Master’s in Social Policy and Program Evaluation (MSPPE). The full-time two-year interdisciplinary degree is offered through the College of Public Policy.
The orientation program focused on helping the incoming students transition to HBKU, navigate resources on campus and across Qatar Foundation, and connect with their peers. Breakout sessions were an opportunity to meet program advisors, learn about the curriculum, and prepare for their coursework.
The event featured addresses by Dr. Abdesselam Bouzerdoum, Associate Provost for Academic Affairs; Dr. Maryam Al-Mannai, Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Richard O’Kennedy, Vice-President for Research, and the college deans. The leadership messages touched on HBKU’s commitment to advancing Qatar’s national development by cultivating human capacity through innovative research education. They encouraged students to use the opportunities at HBKU to gain skills and knowledge in areas of local and global importance.
Dr. Michael J. Benedick, HBKU Provost, said: “The start of a new academic year is a time of great potential and expectation. Our new students join HBKU at a particularly exciting time and we urge them to grasp the advantages that come with studying at a growing research university. Exceptional opportunities to make new discoveries and understand how research answers questions and addresses challenges will dramatically enrich their learning process. We fully expect them to leave HBKU with an entrepreneurial mindset that applies innovative thinking to the challenges of today, both locally and globally.”
In May, HBKU celebrated the achievements of 215 graduates, representing 47 countries, both an inspiration to the new class and a testament to the exceptional academic experience they can expect.
In her message of encouragement to the student body, Dr. Maryam Al-Mannai, Vice President for Student Affairs, said: “I am very pleased to welcome you to HBKU, whether you are continuing or starting your academic journey with us. Congratulations on taking this important step towards fulfilling your aspirations. I encourage you to seek out every opportunity to learn and grow here at HBKU. Our programs will challenge you academically, but you are now part of a supportive network and strong campus community. We will be beside you, motivating and encouraging you throughout your journey.”
An innovation-centric academic institution, HBKU is leading in education and research that is dedicated to solving critical challenges facing Qatar, the region, and the world.