By Alanna Alexander
Photo by Urooj Kamran Azmi
Unlike many events at Northwestern University in Qatar, which often lack student participation, 48 students turned up last weekend for the Wildcat Welcome dhow trip.
“It’s not the norm here at NUQ that we have a good representation of all four classes at our events,” said Lakisha Tillman, coordinator of student activities and residential life. There were less than 5 seniors who attended the dhow trip.
Many NU-Q clubs and organizations have faced problems getting students to attend social events in the past. Despite university attempts to integrate the student body, many events tend to attract distinct groups, like expat students, who show up for such events, Tillman said.
“We try to make our events as inclusive as possible. We’re very intentional in our programming to make sure that everyone can be involved.” Tillman added. This means that events are planned with consideration to cultural sensitivities. Not everyone, for example, wants to go to a dance class or is comfortable with taking a trip to the desert to dune surf.
The minority population of male students, the Qatari female population and the international student body are key groups that are considered in the event planning process.
Because of this, more recent events, like the karaoke event that’s taking place next week, are planned to include everyone, after considering gender, cultural restrictions and familiarity with the city, said Hend Darwish, secretary of Northwestern University in Qatar’s Student Union (NU-Q SU).
“Some of the men have said that they want to go paintballing together and the Qatari women have asked for more cultural activities,” Tillman said about the ideas that students have considered.
Even so, events like the dhow trip have clearly been a popular choice with many as a result of heavy advertising. The event was publicized on social media via class Facebook pages and on posters that were plastered in hallways and in the student lounge. Class representatives, peer advisers, and club presidents were also asked to encourage the student body to attend. In fact, the idea for the activity was selected by the students and voted on at a recent open meeting of NU-Q SU, a move that Tillman said made all the difference.
