On Thursday, the 16th February, 2023, the Rector of the University, Prof. Dr. Edrees Muhamad Tahir Harki received Asst. Prof. Dr. Raad Azam, a lecturer at the University of Texas at Arlington (Civil Engineering–Construction Specialist).
His visit aim to the Kurdistan Region and Erbil was to participate as the first speaker in the joint conference between the Erbil Polytechnic University and the TISHK International University (9th Engineering Scientific Conference in the fields of Civil Engineering and Computer Engineering).
In a meeting where the Vice Rector for Scientific Affairs and Higher Education was present, they discussed the establishment of a channel between the Erbil Polytechnic University and the University of Texas at Arlington for scientific and cultural cooperation and collaboration.
In the meeting they also decided to prepare for the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two universities for cooperation and collaboration in the field of higher education, scientific research and scientific development, especially in the nursing and business administration fields, as well as academic and cultural exchange.
On Wednesday, the 15th of February, 2023, in the presence of the Rector of the University, Prof. Dr. Edrees Muhamad Tahir Harki, the Vice Rectors, a number of the University Council members, and the Directors of the University Presidency, the Quality Assurance Directorate conducted a workshop for the heads of scientific departments of all colleges and institutes under the title (Development of Academic and Administrative Skills) which included these subjects: (Body Language, Leadership, Assessment of Academic Writing, Implementation of the guidelines of the Ministry of Higher Education in the Bologna system, and guidelines for the promotion of academic titles) that continued for two days.
At the beginning of the workshop, the University Rector delivered a speech in which he welcomed the heads of departments. In his speech, Prof. Dr. Edrees Muhamad Tahir Harki described the activity as an important step to enhance the capacity of the heads of departments in terms of administration, science and technology, to make the education process reach a higher level.
In another part of his speech, the Rector said: The position of the department head is a sacred and important duty, and it is the connection point between students and teachers. The progress of the educational process depends on the skills and talents of the teacher Managing this duty. This is why, I hope you consider this workshop as an opportunity to get more benefits to accomplish your mission better.
Then, the first chapter entitled (Body Language) was presented by Dr. Fazil Jaff who scientifically explained body language, contact and physical and communication such as eye movements and gestures, facial lines in general, and hand movements during speech and conversation.
After a short break, the second chapter entitled (A Kind of Leadership) have been presented by Dr. Mahdi Khalid Qadir. He in detail spoke about the art of leadership and the characteristics of a successful leader.
Finally, the door of discussion was opened and the participants asked questions that were responded by Dr. Fazel and Dr. Mahdi.
On the second day of the workshop, three topics were presented in a scientific and detailed manner, each of these topics (Evaluation of Academic Writing) by (Prof. Dr. Himdad Abdulqahar Mohammed) and the second topic entitled (Implementation of the Ministry of Higher Education instructions in Bologna System (ECTS) by (Asst. Prof. Dr. Botan Majid Asngar).
After the break, another topic entitled (Guidelines for Promoting Scientific Degrees) was delivered by (Asst. Prof. Dr. Afan Osman Hussein). Later the workshop presenters opened the gate of the discussion and questions in front of the attendees and answered them properly.
At the end of the workshop, the presenters were awarded by certificates of appreciation and were thanked for their efforts.
The Erbil Polytechnic University Rector Prof. Dr. Edrees Muhamad Tahir Harki accompanied by the Vice Rector for Scientific Affairs and Higher Education, the Directors of Research Center, the Language Center, and the Pedagogy Center of our university participated in a seminar entitled (Global Campaign for an Equal and Fair Education).
The seminar which was held on Monday, the 6th February, 2023 at the headquarters of the Kurdistan Teachers Union, was part of the Global Campaign for Learning launched by the International Organization for Education.
In the seminar the attendees discussed the aspects that need to be addressed in the campaign, especially those related to how to prepare teachers and how to strengthen the relationship between the two Ministries of Education and the Higher Education and Scientific Research. They also discussed the problems facing education in the Kurdistan Region.
Discussing how the private sector can cooperate in the education process, as well as teachers’ livelihoods in schools and teaching materials were the other topics of the seminar.
In general, the seminar shed light on all the factors related to the education and teaching process.
On Wednesday, the 1st of February, 2023, Dr. Aram Mohammed Qadir, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq received the Erbil Polytechnic University partners in the Camplus project which consisted of seven international institutions from France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy and Greece.
In a meeting where the Consultants and General Directors of the ministry, the Vice Rector of Erbil Polytechnic University for Scientific Affairs and Higher Education, the Director of International Relations Office, and the officials and trainers of the project were present the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research welcomed the delegation of the European partners in the Camplus Project and expressed his pleasure for the joint work between the Erbil Polytechnic University and thanked them for choosing this university for implementing the Camplus project. He assured his ministry’s support for any joint work to further serve the youth, students and refugees in the camps.
It is worth mentioning that last year, six teachers of the Erbil Polytechnic University participated in a special course in Italy to become qualified trainers.
This project is funded by the European Union and aims to help refugees and the Erbil Polytechnic University alumni to develop their projects and create job opportunities for them.
