DOHA: The University of Calgary-Qatar (UCQ) is now gearing toward being a leading educational institution for nurses that would produce a world-class sustainable nursing workforce in Qatar.

This was the resolve the Joint Oversight Board (JOB) of UCQ has discussed during a meeting early this week.

The board, which meets twice a year, oversees the governance and activities of the University of Calgary’s first ever branch campus.

The purpose of the meeting is to provide direction and guidance on programme implementation and expansion, management, student enrolment, fiscal targets and future directions for the institution

Already, the UCQ and the Main Campus have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing to begin candidacy processes moving towards accreditation of the UCQ programme.

UCQ officials said receipt of accreditation will mean that UCQ has achieved a level of excellence equivalent to other accredited Canadian university nursing programmes.

Pride for Qatar

and canada

JOB members anticipate that future outcome will be a lasting source of pride for both Qatar and Canada. The University of Calgary – Qatar offers a Bachelor of Nursing Degree programme, and provides a Post Diploma Programme for experienced nurses to attain a Bachelor degree.

At the meeting, Dr Sheila J Evans, Interim dean and CEO of UCQ, and Dr Alan Harrison, reported the highlights and achievements made over the past year and on the challenges that lie ahead.

The UCQ administration and faculty are making every effort to customise the nurse programme to fit the cultural, religious and social characteristics that are unique to the Arab world

The JOB representatives from UCQ include: Chairman, Dr Mohamed Fathy A Saoud, President of the Qatar Foundation, Dr Latifa Al Houty, Project Director of the College of Nursing Project and Ibrahim Abdullah Al Mahmoud, of the Amiri Diwan.

The University of Calgary appointees are Dr Alan Harrison, Provost and Vice-President (Academic), Charlene Anderson, General Counsel and Dr Dianne Tapp, Dean, Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary.