QF hosts major international conference

A groundbreaking international student affairs conference will take place for the first time in Doha this week. The NASPA – ACPA Gulf Conference 2012 will be hosted by Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) on 1-2 February at its Student Center. This year’s conference will discuss “Sustainable Strategies for Student Success.” 

As part of the event, participants will have the opportunity to tour QF universities and visit residence halls, constructed using the latest environmentally-friendly technologies. The living areas have been granted a ‘Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)’ certificate by the U.S. Green Building Council, and are intended to provide an ideal environment for studying. 

However, the academic environment is just one element of the conference’s remit. Other subjects on the agenda relate to health education, strategies to reduce student drop-out rates, career services, and productive work experience programs. 

The event is jointly organized by the Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA) and the College Student Educators International (ACPA), two leading student affairs associations. It will commence with a keynote address from Dr. Susan R. Komives, Professor and Program Director of Student Affairs at the University of Maryland. 

Additionally, a symposium entitled “Enhancing Student Learning around the Globe” will feature a distinguished panel of educational leaders, both from Qatar and the United States, whose work and achievements have developed educational initiatives worldwide. 

“We are excited to host the 2012 NASPA – ACPA Gulf Conference in Qatar after five consecutive years in the United Arab Emirates,” said Jamil Karam, NASPA-ACPA Gulf Conference 2012 Planning Committee Chair and Director of Student Life at QF. “The conference is a forum for professionals working in student affairs in the GCC region to meet, share expertise, and respond to common challenges. Through this inspirational professional development opportunity, we also hope to promote a student affairs career among nationals.” 

The conference is dedicated to building human capital through active dialogue and interactive workshops, and will help achieve QF’s mission of furthering Qatar towards a knowledge economy. 

“Qatar Foundation is supporting the emergence of professional student affairs work by hosting this conference, providing expertise to Qatar and other Gulf region colleagues,” said Dr. Dennis Roberts, Assistant Vice President for Faculty and Student Services at QF. 

QF Education Division’s Office of Faculty and Student Services has already confirmed the attendance of 125 education practitioners for the event.