DOHA: Qatar University College of Arts and Sciences (QU-CAS) has progressed significantly in areas of research and academic performances of students, according to senior officials.
QU-CAS held its advisory board meeting for the academic year 2015-2016 and outlined its progress, growth, and plans recently.
The meeting was opened by QU President Dr Hassan Rashid Al Derham, and CAS dean Dr Eiman Mustafawi highlighted the achievements and plans of the college.
CAS has 14 Undergraduate Degrees, seven Graduate Degrees including a dual PhD degree in Gulf Studies with Durham University, and a dual PhD degree with Korea University in the Biological and Environmental Sciences, in addition to one Certificate Program offered by the Arabic for Non Native Speakers Center (ANNS) adding that 412 students graduated from CAS last year.
CAS has thus far expanded its local and international connections through signing 16 MoUs with many local and international institutions.
According to last year’s research annual report out of 209 journal articles, 173 were published in indexed journals, noting that Arabic journals are generally
non-indexed.
She also noted that CAS faculty received 33 research grants valued at QR47,305,095, an increase of 28.5 percent.
Dr Eiman indicated that the three new CAS research centres (Gulf Studies Center, Center for Humanities and Social Sciences, and Center for Sustainable Development) have become critical in forging interdisciplinary synergies between faculty in the various Arts and Science departments.
She also presented some highlights from last year’s performance against CAS 2013-2016 strategic plan and highlighted the college has achieved or exceeded the target.
However, the percentage of graduates from undergraduate programs who received offer for employment within 6 months of their graduation reached only 50 percent which is an issue that the college needs to work on in the future.
QU-CAS aims at preparing well-rounded, creative and competent graduates through interdisciplinary enquiry, which equips them with imaginative and critical thinking skills to be effective members of society.The Peninsula
