Department of Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers Holds Its Second Meeting

As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance academic performance and further develop its educational programs, the Department of Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers and Teacher Preparation at the College of Arts and Humanities, Islamic University of Minnesota - Main Center, held its second meeting for the first semester of the 2026–2027 academic year. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Ali El-Shboul, Head of the Department, and attended by faculty members to discuss a number of academic and administrative matters and adopt decisions that support the Department's continued development.

At the outset of the meeting, Dr. Ali El-Shboul welcomed the faculty members and expressed his appreciation for their academic contributions. He emphasized the importance of strengthening teamwork and promoting integration between academic and administrative functions in order to achieve the Department's mission and continuously improve the quality of its educational programs in accordance with recognized academic standards.

The meeting included discussions on the instructional methods adopted within the Department's academic programs. The Council approved the continuation of the regular mode of study for the Bachelor's Program in Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers, while maintaining the self-paced learning mode for the Master's and Doctoral programs in accordance with student enrollment. Participants also reviewed the academic and administrative distinctions between the two systems in light of the University's policies and regulations.

Under faculty affairs, the Council discussed several faculty resignations and their potential academic and administrative implications, particularly with the approaching start of the semester. Members emphasized the importance of adhering to institutional procedures and professional academic ethics to ensure the continuity and stability of the educational process.

The meeting also reviewed the University's ongoing digital transformation initiatives, including a presentation on the services available through the University's electronic portal and their application in managing courses and examinations. Participants further discussed effective ways to integrate modern educational technologies to strengthen communication between faculty members and students and improve the overall quality of teaching and learning.

As part of the Department's academic development agenda, the Council examined several issues related to the Bachelor's Program in Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers, including admission requirements and enrollment criteria. It also reviewed the sequencing and integration of the four language skills within the curriculum to ensure more effective learning outcomes and higher educational quality.

On the organizational level, the Council approved the expansion of the Department Council to include Dr. Mohammed Jabal, Dr. Khalid Bahjat, and Dr. Saada Abu Sini.

The Council also approved the reconstitution of the Curriculum Committee, comprising Dr. Amal Al-Imam, Dr. Alaa Abdulrahman, and Dr. Majdoleen Mansour, as well as the formation of the Cultural Committee, consisting of Dr. Majdoleen Mansour, Ms. Shamsa Al-Hinai, and Ms. Fatima Abdulrahman.

To strengthen academic oversight, the Council emphasized the importance of submitting regular reports to the College Council on faculty attendance, participation in departmental meetings, and the progress of the educational process, including both regularly scheduled and makeup lectures. These measures aim to support continuous quality improvement and reinforce academic accountability.

The meeting concluded with an emphasis on strengthening institutional work, enhancing cooperation and coordination among faculty members, and continuing efforts to develop the Department's academic programs and fulfill its educational mission. Dr. Ali El-Shboul praised the dedication and commitment demonstrated by faculty members in advancing both academic and administrative performance. The meeting concluded after all agenda items had been discussed and the necessary decisions and recommendations had been approved.