A record-breaking class of new engineering students at Texas A&M University at Qatar pushed enrollment figures above 300 and freshman class size above 100 for the first time since the University opened its Qatar campus in 2003. The incoming class comprises 101 freshmen.

“We have a stellar incoming class,” said Dr. Mark H. Weichold, dean and CEO of the University’s Qatar campus. “Competition for admission this year was the toughest it has ever been, and I’m excited to welcome such a remarkable freshman class — remarkable in size and quality.”

The fall semester began Sunday.

University officials anticipate total enrollment of about 340 for the fall semester when final numbers are tallied later this month. This puts Texas A&M at Qatar in the top slot for undergraduate program size among the six universities in Education City.

Students spent the latter half of last week participating in new-student orientation, which was students’ official welcome to life as university students. Seven students from the Texas A&M campus in College Station, Texas, USA, who are studying in Doha this semester helped lead orientation for new students who were anxious to learn about University history and traditions. Five students from Doha are studying in College Station this semester.

Weichold said he anticipates a successful and productive year and that he looks forward to seeing the new engineering students become immersed in their studies. “Their courses will be rigorous and challenging,” he said, “but I believe the students will also find their classes to be fun, too.”

The University’s academic convocation is scheduled for 25 Aug.