Department of Economics Holds Preparatory Meeting

As part of its early preparations for the launch of the First Semester of the 2026-2027 Academic Year, the Department of Economics and Islamic Banking at the College of Economics and Business Administration, Islamic University of Minnesota - Main Center, held an extensive preparatory meeting on Monday evening, June 9, 2026. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Zayed Nawaf Al-Duwairi, Head of the Department, and attended by faculty members, in the presence of Dr. Manal Mohammed, Vice Dean of the College, and Ms. Banan Al-Maqrami, Administrative Affairs Officer. The meeting reflected the department's commitment to ensuring full academic and administrative readiness ahead of the new academic year.

The meeting commenced with welcoming remarks by Dr. Manal Mohammed, who praised the department and its faculty members for their outstanding academic and scholarly contributions. She emphasized that such preparatory meetings serve as an essential platform for strengthening communication, coordination, and collaboration among faculty members, ultimately contributing to the continuous development of the educational process and the enhancement of learning outcomes in accordance with recognized academic quality standards.

For his part, Dr. Ahmed Al-Mohammad, Deputy Head of the Department, stressed the importance of early preparation for the upcoming semester, noting that effective cooperation and coordination among faculty members are fundamental to achieving the department's academic objectives and enhancing both academic and administrative performance throughout the academic year.

In his remarks, Dr. Zayed Nawaf Al-Duwairi, Head of the Department, expressed his sincere appreciation to the Vice Dean for her attendance and continuous support of the department. He noted that the College leadership's ongoing guidance and encouragement reflect its strong commitment to advancing academic performance and reinforcing a culture of quality and excellence across all academic programs.

The meeting featured a comprehensive review of the department's preparations for the first semester. Dr. Al-Duwairi outlined the procedures for implementing the academic plan, the approved number of class sessions, and the University's academic regulations governing teaching and learning. He emphasized the importance of strict adherence to institutional policies while fostering an interactive learning environment that encourages student engagement and contributes to achieving distinguished learning outcomes.

Participants also discussed matters related to coursework, examinations, assessment procedures, grading mechanisms, and the timely submission of academic assignments in accordance with the University's approved academic regulations. Faculty members emphasized the importance of prompt grading and the timely release of results to ensure the smooth operation of the academic process and maintain high standards of efficiency.

The meeting further reviewed the department's study plans and academic courses, while exploring opportunities to enhance curricula in line with contemporary academic developments and labor market needs. Participants also discussed recent updates to course specifications and implementation mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of aligning academic programs with approved quality standards to strengthen educational effectiveness and improve student learning outcomes.

In addition, attendees addressed several administrative and organizational matters concerning faculty members. They reaffirmed the importance of adhering to University regulations governing the educational process, closely monitoring students' academic needs, and providing continuous academic advising and support. The meeting also highlighted the need to follow approved administrative procedures when exceptional circumstances require the postponement of lectures, ensuring the continuity and stability of the academic schedule.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for faculty members to present a number of proposals and development initiatives aimed at enhancing the department's performance during the upcoming academic year. Participants emphasized the importance of providing continuous technical support to faculty members in utilizing the University's electronic portal and approved learning management systems, thereby improving operational efficiency and facilitating the effective delivery of academic responsibilities.

The meeting concluded with a renewed emphasis on the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and institutional integration among faculty members in serving students and achieving academic excellence. Participants expressed their aspirations for a successful academic year characterized by excellence, innovation, and meaningful achievements that further strengthen the department's academic standing and contribute to the College's strategic objectives.