Zainab Basyouni Calls on Faculty Members to Consider Students' Coursework

Dr. Zainab Basyouni, Deputy Vice President of the Islamic University of Minnesota, has urged all faculty members across various departments to consider the number of assignments required from students as part of their coursework.

In a message published in the WhatsApp group for the Council of Department Heads, Dr. Basyouni pointed out that many students are struggling with the high volume of assignments, which can sometimes reach up to ten assignments per semester or even more.

The deputy assured that a student can be adequately assessed through no more than two assignments per semester and called on all faculty members to adhere to this limit in upcoming terms. She explained that the goal of this request is to ensure the maximum benefit for students, emphasizing the importance of studying in a psychologically comfortable environment without pressure.

Dr. Basyouni also noted that “our students represent a different fabric compared to students in traditional universities,” as some have turned to remote education for various reasons and circumstances preventing them from continuing in-person studies. She mentioned other possible factors such as age, work commitments, and the conditions in some countries experiencing various issues like wars.

In closing her message, Dr. Zainab Basyouni expressed her confidence that faculty members possess the wisdom and ability to manage such challenges professionally.