As part of Qatar University (QU)'s efforts to strengthen communication between the Student Housing Management and resident students, the department organized a discussion session with Ms. Kholoud Al-Hammadi, Director of Student Housing and Residential Life Department titled “Dialogue and Coffee". Dr. Mohammad Shahin Al-Kuwari, Associate Vice President for Student Life and Services at QU, and Mr. Rashid Mubarak Al-Naemi, Head of Male Student Housing, attended the session, along with a number of students and housing officials. The event aimed to strengthen connections between the administration and students through an interactive environment.
Ms. Kholoud Al-Hammadi, Director of the Student Housing and Residential Life Department at QU, started the session by thanking the students for their attendance and emphasizing the importance of open forums in building trust and enhancing the relationship between the Student Housing Department and the residents. She highlighted the vital role the administration plays in improving the quality of life within residential complexes and the challenges they face in ensuring a comfortable and safe living environment for everyone.
In her speech, Ms. Al-Hammadi stressed the significance of open dialogues with students, stating, “The Student Housing Management continually works to provide a comfortable and safe living environment for everyone. Your direct communication with us, and sharing your opinions and suggestions is a fundamental part of improving our services and enhancing the housing experience. Through this event, we aim to foster ongoing dialogue and listen to your concerns and needs." She added, “We are always striving to offer the best, and we understand that every student has different needs. We will review all the feedback and suggestions raised today and take them into consideration as part of our future plans to improve the quality of life in student housing."
Dr. Mohammad Shahin Al-Kuwari, Associate Vice President for Student Life and Services, affirmed the importance of hearing students' voices, noting, “We are here today to listen to our students. While we care for all students, those residing in student housing hold a special place, as we consider them part of our family. Their safety, comfort, and well-being are priorities that we uphold to ensure their academic success and excellence. We promise to continuously work on improving and developing services, God willing."
Mr. Rashid Mubarak Al-Naimi, Head of Male Student Housing, emphasized the role of the Housing Department in improving the residential experience for male students, stating, “In the Male Housing Department, we are committed to meeting the needs of students and providing a living environment that aligns with their aspirations. Your feedback and suggestions are fundamental to us as we work on continuously developing the facilities and services. We always strive to be responsive to your needs, and we will work on implementing the ideas presented today to enhance the quality of life in the dorms."
Ms. Hamda Al-Hamad, Acting Head of Female Student Housing, also highlighted the importance of creating a supportive and comfortable environment for female students, stating, “At the Female Housing Department, we work hard to provide the best residential experience for our students. These sessions help us better understand the needs of female students and open the door for their feedback. We will take all the suggestions raised today into consideration and work on developing the housing environment to be more supportive and interactive."
Additionally, the student Emir Akyuz, assistant in representing the Student Housing Department, spoke about the purpose of these sessions, saying, “Our goal with these meetings, including this discussion with Ms. Kholoud Al-Hammadi, is to address past inquiries and complaints from students and ensure necessary actions are taken. We also welcome new requests and concerns regarding the upcoming phase, focusing on serving students and addressing their issues effectively and transparently."
The session addressed several key topics, including policies related to services and facilities, the importance of social and recreational activities to foster interaction among residents, and students' suggestions for improving certain aspects of the housing experience. Many students expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to discuss their concerns directly with the administration, praising the responsiveness of Ms. Kholoud Al-Hammadi, Mr. Rashid Al-Naimi, Ms. Hamda Al-Hamad, and their team.
Ms. Al-Hammadi echoed her thanks to the attendees and reaffirmed the administration's commitment to implementing the required improvements based on student feedback. She expressed her hope that such meetings would continue to foster cooperation and transparency between the Student Housing Department and residents.