The university’s Reform Committee has recommended that an office with broad responsibility of instructional development be established at Qatar University.
In September 2004, this proposal was implemented and put into action. The recommended office was established as an institutional identity: the Office of Faculty and Instructional Development. This office aims to:
- Enhance excellence in teaching and learning.
- Disseminate information about educational innovations and effective teaching.
- Disseminate information about the best pedagogical practices.
- Assist faculty in designing and implementing effective and efficient instructional systems.
The CETL is supervised and monitored by the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Center has a director, an advisory committee consisting of representatives of the eleven colleges of Qatar University, and an executive and technical administration. CETL also includes the Designing and Production Unit.
Strategic Directions
- Enhance and promote excellence in teaching and learning.
- Disseminate examples of the best teaching and learning practices university-wide.
- Assess and respond to immediate and long range professional development needs related to new academic programs.
- Maintain a quality workforce and work environment.
- Provide offerings and services to help faculty, teaching assistants, and supportive staff integrate e-learning strategies and related technology into teaching.
- Develop online delivery of CETL offerings and services.
When the framework for the university Reform Project began in the academic year 2003-2004, the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) was established to reflect:
- The increased attention given to faculty by Qatar University as one of the most important inputs for achieving its mission and objectives.
- The trend being considered by the university to undertake new approaches in the instructional practices and related teaching methods used to achieve quality education and academic excellence.
- The aim of the university in providing faculty with meaningful opportunities for continuous professional development.
- The effort put forth in creating a specialized identity that coordinates with other offices, centers, and departments, and units institutionally for achieving such a purpose.