TAMUQ Transition Update: HBKU
29 March 2024
Dear TAMUQ Faculty and Staff,
Thank you for your continued patience and commitment to Texas A&M at Qatar as Texas A&M and Qatar Foundation, together, navigate the process of winding down our university’s operations by 2028. We had the opportunity Wednesday to engage with many of you and provide updates on the transition planning efforts. Your participation and insightful questions were invaluable, and we appreciate your active involvement in this important process.
As discussed during that meeting, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) is launching a series of new undergraduate engineering programs through its College of Science and Engineering (CSE) starting in the 2024–2025 academic year. These programs are welcoming students who originally applied to Texas A&M at Qatar. Texas A&M will be notifying applicants they will not be admitted to Texas A&M at Qatar, and HBKU will begin handling the admissions and matriculation process with support from TAMUQ as needed.
To support their new offerings, HBKU will be opening positions for which Texas A&M University faculty and staff will be given priority and preference. We plan for faculty members who transition to roles at HBKU while still fulfilling teaching obligations at TAMUQ to operate under an adjunct-appointment model with TAMUQ until their teach-out responsibilities end. This arrangement between TAMUQ and HBKU ensures continuity in educational standards while offering stability to faculty and staff during this transition period.
At the same time, Texas A&M will facilitate opportunities for faculty and staff to apply for positions at main campus. Also, we are diligently developing a comprehensive staffing plan to support our students’ academic needs and to ensure clarity regarding the timelines for the completion of your respective position’s responsibilities. This plan will involve issuing new appointment letters over the next several months for TAMUQ faculty, clearly outlining expectations throughout the teach-out period. Staff will also receive guidance on the needs of their position during the transition.
You are part of an important legacy here in Doha. Our goal is to help each of you remain part of TAMUQ as long as your position is needed to support our current students and then transition seamlessly to your next opportunity, whether it is with HBKU, TAMU or another entity. To support you in this process, we are offering resources, including HR consultations, to address any concerns or questions you may have. Information and resources will be made available through the Transition webpage as we establish the necessary processes for pursuing opportunities at both HBKU and TAMU.
Additionally, we made the decision for TAMUQ to admit a final class of graduate students to the chemical engineering master’s degree program in the fall, reaffirming our commitment to maintaining a vibrant academic environment for our current Texas A&M students.
Regarding research initiatives, we understand the importance of a robust research program in supporting our academic environment. As discussed at the meeting, TAMUQ will continue to process and approve research proposals that will be completed before December 2027.
Together, Texas A&M and Qatar Foundation are working closely to ensure our remaining four years as TAMUQ are marked by strength, preserving the legacy we have collectively built in Qatar. We are committed to providing compassionate support and understanding to each of you as we move through this process.
We recognize there are still unanswered questions. We encourage you to stay engaged with your advocacy committees — and to reach out to us directly. Please know that we are working each day to find the best solutions to a challenging situation that impacts each of you.
We will continue this transition in a way that ensures an enriching academic experience for our students, while respecting you, your talents and your contributions.
Respectfully,
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N. K. Anand, Ph.D. Chair, TAMUQ Transition Team Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs Texas A&M University Regents Professor James J. Cain ’51 Professor III J. Mike Walker ’66 Department of Mechanical Engineering |
Ahmad M. Hasnah, Ph.D. Chair, Qatar Foundation Transition Team د. أحمد مجاهد عمر حسنه |
29 March 2024
TAMUQ Faculty and Staff,
As a follow up to this note, we wanted to share a little more information and clarify a few points.
With regard to research, we understand this is a top priority, as we know it is of the utmost important to you. QF and TAMUQ transition teams are working together to get clarity on QRDI/QNRF funding as well as funding related to TAMUQ faculty research. We will keep you informed as these discussions continue.
For faculty and staff who are interested in or have questions about HBKU opportunities, you may reach out to hbkuhr@hbku.edu.qa for information.
We value your hard work and patience through this process.
Thank you,
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N. K. Anand, Ph.D. Chair, TAMUQ Transition Team Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs Texas A&M University Regents Professor James J. Cain ’51 Professor III J. Mike Walker ’66 Department of Mechanical Engineering |
Ahmad M. Hasnah, Ph.D. Chair, Qatar Foundation Transition Team د. أحمد مجاهد عمر حسنه |