Qatar University (QU) held a press conference yesterday to announce accreditation from WSCUC, Senior College and University Commission.

Speaking during the press conference, Dr. Hassan Al-Derham addressed his note to the attendees, which included Vice Presidents, Deans, senior officials in QU and members of the press saying, “Obtaining this important international accreditation is in line with the mission of Qatar University to be regionally recognized for its distinctive excellence in education and research, and an institution of choice for students and scholars and a catalyst for sustainable socio-economic development in the State of Qatar.”

He added, “Qatar University's obtaining institutional accreditation from WSCUC is an important and essential step to confirm the university's commitment to its students and community to continuous improvement, and provide a high-quality educational environment whose objectives and procedures are in line with local and international standards. The initiative to obtain institutional accreditation is one of the initiatives that contribute to achieving Goal 5.7 of the university's current strategic plan, which contributes to achieving the fifth goal ‘Institutional Excellence,’ which stipulates that Qatar University is recognized as a benchmark for organizational and operational excellence, and sustainability.”

Dr. Hassan Al-Derham added, “The university's selection of the most prominent internationally known accreditation institutions such as WSCUC, reinforces the university's commitment to continuous improvement and providing a high-quality educational environment for the community, based on the mission of WSCUC.”

Dr. Khalid Al-Khanji, QU Chief Strategy and Development Officer, spoke about some of the desired objectives of institutional accreditation, such as reassuring stakeholders of QU’s commitment to high-quality education, facilitating the process of transferring students' earned credit hours between accredited institutions, enhancing institutional effectiveness through continuous self-improvement, and spreading the culture of evidence-based decision making to support institutional planning.

Dr. Moumen Omar Hasnah, Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness at QU, who oversaw the process of accreditation said, “Qatar University has the institutional practices and resources necessary to obtain international institutional accreditation. Qatar University has reached a level of advancement and institutional stability that enabled it to successfully achieve its goal of obtaining institutional accreditation.”

The purpose of the Commission is to foster excellence in elementary, secondary, adult and postsecondary institutions, and supplementary education programs. The Commission encourages school improvement through a process of continuing evaluation and recognizes institutions through granting accreditation to the schools that meet an acceptable level of quality in accordance with the established criteria.