Hamad bin khalifa university launches new student orientation

Doha, August 21, 2012

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) will hold its annual new student orientation program from the 23^rd of August and concluding on the 27^th of August at Education City, for students, parents and families alike. The program is a series of events designed to help students adapt to their new surroundings, connect with professors and staff, and where needed, to integrate them into the residence halls, on-campus life and introduce them to Qatari culture and customs. This program while meant for all new HBKU students will also provide events for international students arriving during Eid to commence their studies at HBKU. HBKU is a university based on innovation and research services for Qatari society and the wider region, as this yearly orientation program acts as the first step on their new journey.

The first three days of the student orientation program, from the 23^rd to the 25^th of August, will begin with various events that have been organised by HBKU both within and outside the University's campus. The aim of this is for students to interact with one other and to get to know other fellow residents better in an atmosphere of camaraderie and mutual support. Highlights of the 2012 activities include a tour of Doha and Souq Waqif, a scavenger hunts around Education City and Doha, movie screenings on sustainability, Game Nights, a Qatari Majlis Night, t-shirt printing, various athletic activities and a special night where students will share their culture, traditions and food. Traditionally, some of the students' best memories have been created at the orientation program.

The main orientation ceremony will be held on the 26^th of August at the HBKU Student Center and will be led by Dr. Khalid Mohammed Al Khanji, Vice President of Student Affairs. The program for this day includes sessions for both students and parents where they can learn about Hamad Bin Khalifa University and how to successfully transition from school to college from experienced staff, students and parents. A tour of the HBKU campus and a resource fair are also planned for this day, presenting students with an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the various clubs and organizations present at the University. During the orientation week, students will also have the opportunity to meet with representatives from each of HBKU's university partners.

The finale of the annual orientation program is the Ya Hala event, which has become an HBKU tradition. Ya Hala or "welcome" when translated to Arabic, will be held on September the 1^st, and is a celebrative event to kick-off the academic year featuring speakers, skits, food, giveaways and music. Ya Hala's key message is to connect all students from respective campuses to the larger HBKU community.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University has established itself as a university that is committed to helping new students explore opportunities for involvement on campus and successfully connect with their new studies and community. Student orientation is more than just a single day or week of activities, as has been consistently reflected throughout HBKU's program. It is critical for one to transition into university academic and social life by attending this orientation, students invariably set themselves up for a successful first year and collegiate career.

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About Hamad Bin Khalifa University
Hamad Bin Khalifa University brings together a unique array of academic and research resources, under a pioneering innovative and collaborative model for 21st century higher education. Working with its university partners' branch campuses, notably Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts, Texas A&M University, Weill Cornell Medical College; Carnegie Mellon University, Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies, Northwestern University, HEC Paris and the University College of London, Hamad bin Khalifa University aims to provide cutting-edge opportunities for researchers, faculty and students, in terms of research projects, funding, degree programs and career prospects. HBKU's model breaks with tradition by establishing multi-disciplinary graduate colleges, offering custom-tailored degrees designed and delivered by world class international university partners. www.hbku.com

Contact
Jassim Al Muftah
Assistant Director for Operations
HBKU Student Center
Phone: +974 55836483
Email: jalmuftah@qf.org.qa

Diala Abdulmalek
Account Director
WEBER SHANDWICK
Phone: +974 55569498
Email: diala.abdulmalek@ws-mena.com