Qatar university and community college sign agreement

Qatar University (QU) and the Community College of Qatar (CCQ) signed here on Tuesday an articulation agreement that would ease the process for CCQ students to join QU. QU President Dr. Sheikha bint Abdullah Al-Misnad represented the QU and acting president Dr. Ibrahim Saleh al-Naimi represented CCQ in the presence of other high ranking officials from QU and CCQ and faculty. According to the agreement, CCQ graduates who complete 60 credit hours in arts or sciences and get a participation certificate are allowed to apply for admission at QU bachelor programs without having to study the prerequisites of basic curriculum (English, mathematics and computer science) unlike students who didn't finish their CCQ studies and, consequently, have to pass the prerequisites provided that they have finished a minimum of 24 hours at CCQ. The agreement took into consideration principles of accreditation set by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in the U.S. where QU is witnessing a wide process of accreditation at world institutions. "The agreement affirms the principle of continuing education sought by education policy makers in Qatar, which allows students from different institutions, including CCQ, to continue their university education and receive higher degrees by joining other higher education institutions," Dr. Al-Misnad said. She expressed her pleasure that QU is part of such an agreement that would provide students with a variety of options to continue their education and previous specializations. On the other hand, Dr. al-Naimi spoke of the significance of signing the agreement as he expressed confidence in the value it would add to higher education in Qatar. The agreement that would be managed by representatives from both QU and CCQ is considered a major step for the two institutions. The articulation agreement between CCQ and QU is an important milestone for both institutions. It will be administered by an Articulation Sub-Committee comprising chief academic representatives from QU and CCQ for program review and evaluation, recommendations, and relevant changes The conditions of the agreement are established in line with the principles of accreditation described by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) from which QU is in the process of seeking institution-wide accreditation. By the terms of the agreement, CCQ students having completed 60 credit hours of undergraduate coursework in the College's Associate Degree in Arts (AA) or Associate Degree in Science (AS) programs are eligible to apply for admission to QU's undergraduate programs. They would also be allowed to bypass QU's English, Math and Computer competency requirements. However, CCQ students who have not completed their associate degrees and wish to be admitted into QU, would need to fulfill those requirements as well as completed at least 24 credit hours of undergraduate coursework at the College. In turn, CCQ will accept reverse transfers of QU courses to the College for consideration as AA or AS degrees. Commenting on the agreement, Prof Al-Misnad said: "This agreement underlines the continuity of education promoted by education policymakers in Qatar that allows students from established educational institutions such as CCQ to add value to their certificates by following on to further study in higher education. We are pleased to be part of this agreement with CCQ which will provide students with a wide range of study options to build on their previous studies by pursuing their area of interest and specialization". Prof Alnaimi said: "It is of great importance to CCQ to sign its first articulation agreement with the country's national university, since many of our graduates will seek to continue their studies in Qatar. This agreement will open the door for them to excel in their studies towards enrolment in QU where they can pursue studies for their bachelor's degree. This kind of cooperation will definitely add more value to the higher education structure in Qatar". (END)