Doha • Northwestern University will begin classes in Qatar on August 17, 2008. Nearly 130 prospective students have submitted applications for admission to the first class of Northwestern University in Qatar.

"Our first applicants have shown an amazing appreciation of the value that journalism and media can bring to public dialogue throughout the Gulf region," Dr Tim J Fournier (pictured), Senior Associate Dean for Finance and Administration and Chief Operating Officer, told The Peninsula.

"We expect to enroll approximately 40 students in our programmes of journalism and communication in August. Our students will be among the first trained here in the Gulf to take an active role as professionals who will advance respectful public discourse about meaningful issues, while maintaining the unique character of Qatar and the other Gulf countries," Dr Fournier added.

For the first time this year in Qatar, this private university will offer an undergraduate course ranked among the top 15 of all universities in the United States. The university is bringing its world-class programmes in journalism and communication to Qatar. The benefit of this type of curriculum, as Dr Fournier said, is that, "Our students learn to gather, analyze, and report important world events while cultivating their interests and knowledge in literature, the sciences, history, economics, and religion."

While the first year will focus on implementing academic programmes in communication and journalism that best meet the needs and expectations of people in Qatar and the region, future plans include the development of programmes that will work closely with high schools in the region, in order to prepare the students for university study. "We also hope to initiate a summer programme such as we have on our main campus to help transition high schools students into university-level study," Dr Fournier added.

Additionally, faculty from Northwestern's School of Communication will prepare students for careers in a wide range of fields such as films and television, advertising and public relations, entertainment and further academic study in mass communication and social influence.

"The goal of the programme is to equip our graduates to think critically about events in the world around them so that they can make appropriate, effective decisions in the workplace," Dr Fournier explained.

The university's tuition fee for the 2008-2009 academic year is $1,200 plus another $1,200 for books and student fees. The university is going to provide each student with a laptop computer, software, and peripherals such as video cameras necessary for the student to complete the required work for the programme.

When asked what sets Northwestern University apart from other schools, Dr Fournier said, "Our academic programmes are quite different from the programmes offered by other universities in Education City and throughout the region. A hallmark of Northwestern's education is our focus on both intellectual and personal growth of our students in a diverse academic community."

Dr Fournier also said, "During my visits to Doha and now as a resident here, I have developed a deep respect and appreciation for the Foundation's goals and the impact its programme will have throughout the world. I hope that together, the Qatar Foundation, parents, and NU-Q will help tomorrow's students realize their full potential as leaders and role models for those who seek education throughout the world. I am sure I speak for all our faculty and staff when I say that we are very excited about working with all of you to educate tomorrow's generations."