Expanded Meeting Economics to Enhance Educational Quality and Academic Outcomes

As part of ongoing efforts to develop the educational process and enhance the quality of its outcomes, the Head of the Department of Islamic Economics and Banking at the College of Economics and Business Administration, Islamic University of Minnesota - Main Center, Dr. Zayed Nawaf Al-Duwairi, held an expanded meeting with faculty members and students of the department on Wednesday evening, April 15, 2026. The meeting was attended by the Dean of the College of Economics and Business Administration, Dr. Shireen Mamoun, the Vice Dean, Dr. Manal Mohammed, and the Administrative Affairs Officer, Ms. Banan Al-Maqrami.

The meeting began with a welcoming address by the Dean, who expressed her appreciation for the academic efforts exerted by faculty members and students, emphasizing the importance of strengthening effective communication channels among all stakeholders in the educational process to improve academic performance and outcomes. The Vice Dean echoed these remarks, while the Deputy Head of the Department, Dr. Ahmed Al-Mohammed, stressed the importance of teamwork in achieving the desired educational objectives.

For his part, the Head of the Department expressed his gratitude to the Dean for her presence, continuous support, and close follow-up of departmental affairs, noting that the meeting comes within the framework of enhancing institutional work and fostering an academic environment based on cooperation and integration.

Dr. Al-Duwairi addressed several key aspects related to the educational process, emphasizing the need to adhere to the required number of lectures in accordance with academic regulations and to enhance classroom interaction, particularly given the short duration of the summer semester. This, he noted, requires intensified efforts from both faculty members and students.

He also discussed assignments and examinations, stressing the importance of students adhering to submission deadlines and faculty members ensuring timely grading to avoid accumulation of work, in addition to complying with university guidelines regarding the preparation and submission of final exam papers within the specified timelines.

In terms of academic development, the Head of Department encouraged faculty members to author specialized academic textbooks in their respective fields, highlighting their value in enriching the learning process and strengthening the university’s academic contribution.

The meeting also reviewed the efforts of the Curriculum Development Committee, which is working on updating existing courses and introducing new modules that align with global technological and economic transformations, thereby enhancing graduates’ readiness for the labor market.

An open discussion followed, during which students were given the opportunity to raise inquiries regarding curricula, assignments, and examinations. These were addressed interactively, with the department leadership affirming that all observations would be followed up and addressed in a manner that serves academic interests.

The meeting concluded with an emphasis on the importance of sustaining communication between departmental administration, faculty members, and students, and encouraging initiatives and developmental proposals that contribute to fulfilling the university’s mission and strengthening its educational vision.