Higher education institutions across Qatar have demonstrated a unified commitment to enhancing student support systems beyond academic instruction, during the inaugural Qatar Higher Education Student Affairs and Services Conference held at Multaqa (Education City Student Centre). Hosted by Qatar Foundation and held under the patronage of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the event gathered university leaders and representatives to discuss current student support mechanisms—ranging from wellbeing and accessibility to leadership and career development—and explore opportunities for greater collaboration.
Central to the conference was the recent formation of the Qatar Higher Education Student Affairs and Services Consortium, established earlier this year with a board representing 11 institutions and with significant involvement from Qatar Foundation. The consortium aims to foster cooperation among universities to improve student services collectively and to develop professional standards in the field.
Dr. Abdulnassir al-Tamimi, executive director of Student Services at Qatar Foundation’s Higher Education division and the consortium’s newly appointed chair, highlighted the evolving challenges facing students today. These include mental health issues, the impact of artificial intelligence on learning methods, financial concerns, and uncertainties surrounding post-graduation employment. He emphasized that addressing these issues requires extending support well beyond traditional classroom settings.
“Qatar has invested significantly in education, bringing together a remarkable diversity of institutions, people, and ideas,” Dr. al-Tamimi said, stressing the importance of developing a uniquely Qatari model for student support rather than adopting external practices. He underscored the value of sharing knowledge and expertise across institutions to innovate and create best practices tailored to Qatar’s context.
The consortium aims to provide ongoing professional development opportunities and introduce certification programs for those working in student affairs, with potential for these practices to be shared regionally to enhance educational quality and innovation.
Francisco Marmolejo, president of Higher Education and Education at Qatar Foundation, noted that a student’s experience encompasses more than academic performance. He pointed to factors such as a sense of belonging, support during personal challenges, leadership development, relationship-building, and preparation for life beyond university as critical components shaped by dedicated professionals and institutional collaboration.
Qatar has established a distinct higher education environment, and Marmolejo called on institutions to further strengthen connections, cooperation, and student-centered innovation, framing the shared purpose around students, the community, and the country’s future.
In his keynote address, Dr. Hassan Rashid al-Derham, founder and vice chairman of Barzan University College, described student affairs as fundamental to education and the development of human potential. He advocated for an approach that combines lessons from global experience with Qatar’s cultural values, urging active student participation in shaping their educational journeys.
Dr. al-Derham outlined four commitments for the consortium: building a lasting professional community, exchanging best practices and aligning frameworks, investing in the wellbeing and professional growth of staff, and developing a shared evidence base concerning student experiences in Qatar. These steps aim to enhance the quality and relevance of student support services throughout the nation’s higher education sector.