On November 18, 2024, the Directorate of Quality Assurance and Curriculum Development at the University of Sulaimani convened a seminar for instructors teaching the subject “University Work Environment and Professional Skills” across the university’s colleges.
The seminar featured presentations by Dr. Paywast Jamal, Dr. Harem Usman, and Mr. Yassin Omar, who underscored the significance of the course and outlined best practices for its delivery to first-year students.
Dr. Paywast Jamal, Head of the Department of Biology at the College of Science and Chair of the Lecture Committee, stated in an interview with the university’s website:
“This seminar provides an opportunity to revisit the curriculum for the ‘University Work Environment’ course, taught to first-year students. Our objective is to emphasize the importance of this subject while incorporating contemporary advancements to enhance its relevance and impact,” she explained.
Dr. Jamal also humorously noted that while the course is colloquially referred to as the “planting class,” its broader purpose is profound: “This course is a vital and honorable endeavor. Its outcomes are evident, as the University of Sulaimani is now recognized as the greenest university in the Kurdistan Region.”
She further elaborated that the course aims to acquaint students with university policies and regulations, foster environmental consciousness, promote ethical use of artificial intelligence, and prepare them to respond effectively to health emergencies. Collectively, these skills enable students to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
“This academic year, we are prioritizing awareness in four critical domains: personal, legal, technological, and environmental,” she concluded.