Qatar University’s (QU) Office of Graduate Studies held an orientation meeting for newly admitted graduate students online through Webex, following the precautionary measures taken at Qatar University during the third phase of lifting restrictions as a result of the spread of Coronavirus - Covid 19 on Saturday, 15 August.
A group of college representatives and nearly (460) students attended the orientation. The event included a welcome speech by the Dean of Graduate Studies, Dr. Ahmed Al-Own, who discussed the nature of study life at the postgraduate stage compared to the undergraduate level, and introduced the sections of the Office of Graduate Studies at Qatar University and the services provided at each section. At the end of his speech, he encouraged the students to bring their best efforts in the near future, especially that most of them have further career and family responsibilities in addition to their studies.
Ms. Ghada Al-Kuwari, the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at the Office of Graduate Studies, presented a tour on the graduate studies office webpage on the Qatar University website and detailed explanations of some important policies that students should observe during their graduate studies. The event also included a speech by Dr. Mary Newsome, the Assistant Dean for Student Academic Support, who talked about the services provided at her office, such as workshops for writing thesis, and how to use SPSS program in research questionnaires. In addition to student events such as tad boot camp for thesis & dissertation, tad Talks for discussing the different life experiences and challenges for graduate students and others. Dr. Sandi Adeeb, Head of Research Ethics & Integrity, gave a detailed explanation of the research ethics and the approvals that the students must obtain when they begin preparing for their thesis.
In addition, Ms. Shaikha Al-Kobaisi, a senior student affairs specialist, talked about student services available on campus, such as photocopying, printing and university ID card, as well as an overview of how the students can get their textbooks (paper and electronic copies). The event ended with an open discussion session, during which all students' questions were answered by the dean and the assistant deans in office of graduate studies.
The orientation is the first important step into the significant journey of graduate studies, which will transfer the student into very distinguished levels of their life, and will change oneself into a very different and skilled individual. Obtaining a graduate degree is not only a goal for advancing in one’s career, it is a comprehensive experience that takes the student into a new different amazing world with its marvelous amount of knowledge, and every step that is taken by the student is an important one towards completing their journey successfully.