College of Nursing Council Convenes Its First Regular Session for the Academic Year 2026–2027

The Council of the College of Nursing at the University of Kirkuk held its first regular session for the academic year 2026–2027 on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. The meeting was chaired by the Dean of the College, Prof. Dr. Hiwa Sattar Saleh, and attended by the Associate Deans for Scientific and Administrative Affairs, alongside the members of the College Council.

At the outset of the session, the Dean extended his congratulations to the faculty members and students on the launch of the new academic year. He also welcomed postgraduate students for the 2026–2027 academic year and congratulated the newly appointed heads of academic departments, wishing everyone a successful and productive academic year.

Subsequently, the Council deliberated on the items listed on the agenda, which encompassed several academic, administrative, and organizational tracks, key among which were:

1. Ministerial and University Directives: Reviewing guidelines issued by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Presidency of the University of Kirkuk regarding the commencement of the 2026–2027 academic year for both postgraduate and undergraduate studies.
2. Postgraduate Students: Monitoring the academic enrollment of postgraduate (Master's) students at the College of Nursing for the 2026–2027 academic year, alongside evaluating administrative procedures related to their academic progression.
3. Postgraduate Thesis Defense Committees: Discussing mechanisms for establishing thesis defense committees for postgraduate students, including the engagement of faculty members from various Iraqi universities and qualified College of Nursing faculty holding recognized academic titles, strictly pursuant to approved regulatory guidelines.
4. Outcomes of the Deans of Nursing Colleges Committee: Reviewing key outcomes and recommendations from the meeting of the Committee of Deans of Nursing Colleges in Iraq and formulating mechanisms for their implementation within the College.
5. Ministerial Assessment Examination: Discussing procedures for supervising the Ministerial Assessment Exam, highlighting the supervisory role played by the Examination Center at the College of Nursing (University of Kirkuk) during the first-round assessment exams at the College of Nursing, Al-Kitab University for the 2025–2026 academic year, while reaffirming full compliance with ministerial guidelines and committee directives.
6. Eduba Platform Integration: Reaffirming the requirement for all faculty members to join the Eduba platform using their credentials from the "IQ-Learn" Smart Education platform, and submitting updated reports regarding faculty participation in training courses to the Office of the Vice President for Scientific Affairs.
7. Bologna Process and Student Information System (SIS): Discussing the implementation of the Bologna Process and the Student Information System (SIS) to foster digital transformation and optimize student data management, including defining user permissions, student data collection, course registration, and grade documentation.
8. Academic Accreditation Standards: Reviewing national accreditation standards for nursing programs, emphasizing strict adherence to the National Accreditation Guide issued by the National Council for Accreditation of Nursing Programs, alongside fulfilling institutional accreditation requirements at the University of Kirkuk.
9. Occupational Safety and Security Protocols: Emphasizing campus safety measures, including the provision of fire extinguishers, turning off lights and electronics upon exiting offices, and prohibiting electrical overloading to safeguard public safety and state property, holding office occupants responsible for compliance.
10. Academic Year Preparedness: Reviewing administrative and educational preparations to ensure seamless academic operations in line with the Dean's directives.
11. Timetables and Clinical Training: Discussing class schedules and operational procedures for organizing clinical training in laboratories, hospitals, and healthcare centers to meet practical educational objectives.
12. Attendance Compliance: Reaffirming mandatory student attendance in theoretical lectures and practical training sessions to foster academic achievement and clinical skills.
13. Campus Cleanliness and Environment: Emphasizing the maintenance of college buildings and grounds while promoting environmental awareness and facility preservation.
14. Dress Code Policy: Reaffirming strict adherence to the unified student dress code in accordance with official university regulations.

In conclusion, the Dean, Prof. Dr. Hiwa Sattar Saleh, stressed the importance of concerted efforts, teamwork, and adherence to ministerial and university directives to elevate the academic and administrative standards of the College of Nursing and ensure an exemplary university environment for students and faculty alike.