HBKU begins 2023-24 academic year with student orientation

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has started its virtual orientation programme to introduce new students to their chosen degree courses, welcome returning students back to campus, and mark the start of the 2023-2024 academic year.More than 380 new students joined online for their first opportunity to engage with the HBKU’s integrated, cutting-edge teaching and research environment, explore available resources from the university and Qatar Foundation, and connect with peers.Around 70 Qataris are enrolled as part of the incoming cohort of students, with the rest of the diverse student body drawn from a talented applicant pool representing various academic and professional backgrounds.This year’s orientation also saw the HBKU welcome the first intake of five new programmes: PhD in Islamic Studies, Graduate Certificate in Islamic Studies, Graduate Certificate in Islamic Finance, Masters in Counselling Psychology, and PhD in Biopsychology and Neuroscience.These additions to the HBKU’s slate of multidisciplinary programmes expand upon the university’s scope of research by directing attention to emerging academic fields, reflecting an institutional pursuit of new solutions for global challenges.The virtual event featured speakers from university leadership and staff, encouraging students to embrace a spirit of entrepreneurship, adopt a mindset of continuous personal and professional growth, and participate in an environment of lifelong self-development.The deans of HBKU’s six colleges – the College of Islamic Studies, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Science and Engineering, College of Law, College of Health and Life Sciences, and College of Public Policy – offered advice to new students and highlighted the university’s inclusive, high-quality research and education ecosystem."Every academic year brings with it a sense of anticipation as we welcome students dedicated to positively impacting their communities,” said provost Dr Michael J Benedick. "This year is especially significant as we commence studies in five new graduate programmes, which personifies our commitment to solving critical challenges facing Qatar and the world.”"They follow the same template as the rest of our multidisciplinary academic programs by driving collaboration with esteemed institutions around the world and imbuing students with an entrepreneurial mindset ready to shape novel solutions for positive global impact,” he added."Every new member enriches our vibrant community, and we at HBKU Student Affairs are dedicated to fostering an environment of inclusion and support from which they can thrive academically and professionally,” said vice-president for student affairs Dr Maryam al-Mannai. "They will also find that they can benefit from a thriving alumni community whose members are directly involved in building capacities addressing areas of national and global importance, and we anticipate that they will also play vital roles in this network after their graduation.”