Department of Islamic Studies in English Holds Its Regular Meeting
In a professional and collaborative academic atmosphere, the Department of Islamic Studies in English, part of the College of Islamic Studies at the Islamic University of Minnesota, held its regular meeting on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 5:30 PM Mecca time. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Manal Mustafa, with the presence of Ms. Anisa Ahmed Othman Al-Zakri, the Dean of the College, along with several faculty members and newly joined faculty members, including Dr. Houriya Abdulraheem, Dr. Iman Al-Zaini, Dr. Doo Sunmo Adam, and Dr. Abdulwase'a Mohammed.
Dr. Manal Mustafa opened the meeting with a welcoming speech, expressing her appreciation for the generous support provided by the administration, and her hopes for a fruitful academic year filled with achievement.
The meeting addressed the need to develop lecture presentation methods, emphasizing the use of modern tools and practical models. It also stressed the importance of strict adherence to lecture timings as a right for students, and avoiding any side discussions that stray from the scientific material. During the meeting, the department approved a project to prepare a unified university textbook and invited specialists to contribute to the content preparation in coordination with the preparation committee, ensuring the provision of comprehensive and unified scientific material for all students.
Attendees recommended the importance of building a positive interactive relationship between faculty and students, based on respect and trust, alongside the adoption of engaging presentation methods and scientific summaries that support understanding. It was also emphasized that the curriculum could be organized by adding or omitting content, provided that educational objectives are maintained. The department chair urged faculty to prepare lectures in written and separate files, rather than relying solely on printed books, reflecting the seriousness of the faculty and contributing to enhancing interaction within classrooms.
It was agreed that students would be assigned two academic tasks during the semester, representing 20 points of the overall assessment, with the first task due two weeks after the start of classes and the second after the midterm exam. The meeting stressed the necessity of adhering to lecture schedules, prohibiting postponements except for emergencies with prior notification to the department head. Any changes to the class schedules were not allowed except with official permission.
The meeting concluded with a series of recommendations aimed at enhancing the educational process, including clarifying the adopted teaching methodology for new colleagues, supporting student attendance and participation, linking courses to the job market and real-world applications, focusing on research methodology as an introduction to preparing robust research, adopting modern references, and encouraging scientific publication and participation in university activities.
At the end of the meeting, attendees expressed their wishes for a successful and fruitful academic year, affirming that advancing the educational process is a collective responsibility and that the student remains the focal point of all efforts made.