Department of Economics Meets with Students
The Department of Economics and Islamic Banking at the College of Economics and Business Administration, Islamic University of Minnesota – Main Center, held an interactive meeting on Friday evening, November 14, 2025, bringing together the Head of Department, Dr. Zayed Nawaf Al-Duwairi, students, and faculty members. The session aimed to strengthen communication with students and review academic affairs at the outset of the second semester.
In his opening address, Dr. Al-Duwairi welcomed faculty members and students, congratulating them on the start of the new semester and underscoring the importance of preparedness and commitment for the coming phase. He praised the efforts of the teaching staff and encouraged students to actively engage in their academic journey to achieve scientific and professional excellence.
The meeting covered a range of academic and organizational topics, including lecture scheduling, adherence to academic regulations, and the importance of fostering an interactive learning environment inside classrooms. Discussions also focused on assignments and examinations, including the implementation of coursework, grading mechanisms, and assessment procedures, alongside a review of the university’s student guide, reaffirming its value as an academic and organizational reference.
The session witnessed notable student engagement, as participants presented suggestions and inquiries. Among the most prominent proposals was the adoption of a unified academic assignment template that clarifies criteria and requirements for each study level, as well as a call for faculty to keep their cameras on during online lectures to enhance live interaction.
Students also presented recommendations concerning the examination system, including adopting monitored in-person or digital testing models, using anti-cheating tools such as Respondus and ProctorU, diversifying assessment strategies beyond a single exam, incorporating applied projects and short research assignments, and reviewing evaluation mechanisms in line with international academic quality standards.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. Al-Duwairi emphasized the importance of sustained, constructive communication between students, department leadership, and faculty members. He highlighted that such interaction contributes to addressing challenges promptly, responding to student concerns, and continuously receiving suggestions aimed at improving the learning process and enhancing academic outcomes within the department.
