Dean of Islamic Studies College Emphasizes Importance of Effective Supervision in Doctoral Stage

Doctor Abdulrazek Al-Bakri, Dean of the College of Islamic Studies at the Islamic University of Minnesota, affirmed that the doctoral stage represents the beginning of the journey in the field of scientific research, not its end as is commonly believed. He explained that awarding a student a doctoral degree does not mean they have become a fully independent researcher; rather, it indicates that the department has approved the student as a researcher taking their first steps in a long research journey.

These statements were made during a meeting with faculty members on Sunday, April 6, 2025, where academic arrangements for the summer semester were discussed. Dr. Al-Bakri emphasized the necessity of assisting students at this stage, noting that the academic supervisor should have a real impact on the student's work, warning against mere nominal supervision.

He highlighted the importance of integrity in supervision, stressing that supervisors must leave a clear mark on the student’s work, whether they are compensated for it or not. He cited the example of a student he supervised in the field of "readings and methods from the Maghreb and Mashriq," illustrating how his careful guidance led to significant improvements in her performance.

Additionally, the dean addressed the issue of integrity in scientific discussions, pointing out that some supervisors receive payment for their participation without making a genuine scientific contribution, which contradicts academic integrity. He emphasized the importance of recording observations during discussions to enhance academic knowledge.

In conclusion, Dr. Al-Bakri called for a commitment to their scholarly responsibilities, stating he spoke from a place of advice. He allowed for a discussion among faculty members before concluding with important recommendations, which included emphasizing the importance of diligent follow-up with students, enhancing academic integrity, and improving the quality of scientific supervision.

The recommendations included:

1. Affirming that the doctoral stage is the beginning of scientific research.
2. The necessity for academic supervisors to fully assume their responsibilities toward students.
3. Requiring supervisors to leave a clear mark on the student's work.
4. Regular and serious follow-up with students, especially in their early stages.
5. Enhancing academic integrity in supervision and discussions.
6. Encouraging faculty to take notes and benefit from academic meetings.
7. Holding regular meetings to discuss the development of scientific supervision.
8. Committing to lecture schedules and presenting lectures in an outstanding manner.
9. Promptly assigning tasks to students from the first week and monitoring them.
10. Quickly recording assignment grades continuously.