Qatar University Hosts Third Edition Of Student Affairs Professional Development Forum

(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Qatar University (QU) hosted the third edition of the Student Affairs Professional Development Forum over two days, under the theme 'Together Towards a Rich Student Experience at QU – Engagement, Knowledge, Passion.'
The forum witnessed wide participation from various university departments, student support service providers, and faculty members, as well as local and international experts in student affairs and higher education.
The aim was to strengthen communication channels among student affairs departments, exchange best practices and experiences, and raise awareness about the diverse functional roles across campus.
Key themes addressed during the forum included campus life, student support, success and development, research and innovation, quality, professional development, governance, and modern technologies, including artificial intelligence.
The forum reaffirmed QU's commitment to providing a holistic educational environment that enriches the student experience and supports their academic and personal success by fostering values of collaboration and teamwork across campus entities.
In his opening address, vice president for student affairs Dr Mohammad Diab, emphasised that choosing the theme of enriching the co-curricular student experience reflects the university's strategy of linking this experience to professional development pathways.
He noted that a rich university experience contributes to students' academic and personal excellence and stressed that the success of such an experience requires qualified professionals capable of delivering a distinctive experience to students.
Dr Diab further explained that enriching the student experience requires staff with high levels of knowledge and expertise. He underscored that the student experience is a central and vital aspect of university life, and the more enriched the experience, the more positively it reflects on students' academic and personal performance.
A keynote address by Dr Dennis C Roberts, a leading expert in student affairs in the US and Qatar, followed. With decades of experience in developing leadership practices and student-centered curricula in higher education institutions, Dr Roberts has authored influential works focusing on holistic student development, leadership, and learning experiences outside the classroom.
His speech centred on how to enrich the student experience and presented a historical overview of the evolution of the student experience concept in higher education. Dr Roberts co-authored the Social Change Model of Leadership Development and contributed as an evaluator for the first cohort of institutions to receive the Carnegie Foundation's elective classification for 'Leadership for public purpose (LPP).' His dedication to leadership development has spanned more than 41 years as a professor and student affairs administrator.
The forum's programme stood out for its diverse sessions and workshops. A session titled 'Future Readiness: How Do We Prepare Students for Jobs That Haven't Been Invented Yet?' was presented by Noora al-Tamimi during the orientation session for new student affairs staff.
It highlighted the rapid transformations in the global job market and the rise of AI and modern technologies. The session emphasised the importance of equipping students with critical thinking, creativity, adaptability, flexibility, digital skills, and teamwork.
It also underscored the university's role in supporting students through co-curricular activities, academic and career advising, and partnerships with institutions. The workshop called for embedding a culture of continuous learning and reskilling to keep pace with the future, aligning with QU's commitment to preparing an innovative, leadership-driven generation ready to face tomorrow's challenges.
An orientation workshop was also held for new staff in the student affairs sector to introduce the sector's vision, mission, and role in student support. Delivered by Zajia Zahi and Majid Fathallah, the session outlined the services and programmes offered to enrich the student experience. It emphasised the importance of integration among departments to ensure a comprehensive educational and campus life experience and concluded by affirming the active role of new staff as partners in student success.
Dr Saba Qadhi, dean of General Studies at QU, presented a workshop titled 'Keys to Academic Success: Strategies for Student Activities as Tools to Enhance Achievement and Skills,' which focused on the role of student activities in shaping students' personalities and developing both academic and life skills.
The session provided practical models of programmes and activities that promote academic achievement through interactive learning and hands-on practice. It also highlighted the importance of engaging students in cultural, artistic, and athletic initiatives to build leadership and teamwork skills.
Dr Qadi emphasised that participation in such activities fosters critical and creative thinking, positively impacting academic performance. The workshop concluded with recommendations to integrate student activities into academic plans as a vital component of academic success.
Dr Mohammad Shahin al-Kuwari, associate vice president for Student Life and Services Office, conducted a workshop on building a rich student experience, discussing mechanisms for creating an inclusive and vibrant student life. He explored how higher education institutions can cultivate engaging campus environments that foster student integration and retention.

MENAFN18092025000067011011ID1110081071