Department of Marketing Holds Preparatory Meeting

In an academic atmosphere filled with enthusiasm and ambition, the Department of Marketing at the College of Economics and Business at the Islamic University of Minnesota held its preparatory meeting for the academic year 2025 – 2026 on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 9:00 PM, attended by undergraduate and graduate students.

The meeting opened with a welcoming speech by the department head, Dr. Khaled Basreeda, who expressed his happiness in meeting the students and wished them a year full of excellence and success. He emphasized that the new year represents a new opportunity for distinction and development, urging everyone to seize educational opportunities and make the most of the available academic resources.

The meeting covered the following topics:

1. Introduction to the University, College, and Department: The meeting began with a comprehensive introduction about the university, the College of Economics, and the Department of Marketing, covering the vision, mission, and strategic goals, while emphasizing the role of students as active partners in achieving these objectives through academic interaction and effective participation.
2. Overview of the Educational System: The educational systems adopted by the university were explained, including the differences between regular courses and self-directed learning, as well as clarifying attendance and absence regulations and the distribution of lectures and courses.
3. Academic Schedule and First Semester Arrangements: The department head presented details of the academic schedule for the first semester for both undergraduate and graduate levels, stressing the importance of ensuring that the schedule is available on the academic portal and that the courses match the students' levels, along with the importance of joining communication groups for each subject.
4. Academic Advising and Its Vital Role: The meeting highlighted the importance of academic advising, with Dr. Basreeda stating that advising is a fundamental pillar in supporting students academically and professionally, helping them build their schedules, clarify graduation paths, and provide guidance on research and graduate studies. Dr. Ishraq Zain Al-Abidin also spoke, emphasizing that academic advising is not just guidance, but a developmental partnership that helps define academic and professional goals.
5. Student Activities within the Department: The meeting encouraged students to participate in extracurricular activities, which will be announced soon, as they play a crucial role in honing leadership and communication skills and building professional networks.
6. "Journey of Excellence"... The Academic Year’s Motto: Under the motto "Learning is a Journey... Lead it with Excellence," the department head issued a heartfelt invitation to students to take charge of their educational journey with determination and creativity, stressing the importance of smart planning, prior preparation, and active engagement in lectures.
7. Discussions and Questions: The meeting featured rich interaction from students, who raised their inquiries and comments, which received significant attention from the department's administration. Responses were provided transparently and clearly.

The meeting concluded with a thank-you speech from the department head to all attendees, reaffirming the academic and administrative staff's commitment to supporting students throughout the year. He also emphasized the importance of continuous communication with the department leadership and academic advising to ensure a stimulating educational environment that fosters creativity, embraces ambition, and contributes to graduating marketing professionals capable of competing and excelling in the job market.