UOD, June , 2026 | University Press Office (UNPO)

The University of Duhok (UOD) took another significant step in its journey toward institutional accreditation and academic excellence by welcoming a high-level delegation from the Kurdistan Accrediting Association for Education (KAAE) on June 9, 2026. The delegation, led by Dr. Boushra Rahal Alameh, President of KAAE, and Dr. Dilan Majid Rostam, Director of the Commission for Higher Education, visited the university as part of the ongoing accreditation review process.

Strengthening UOD's Accreditation Journey

The delegation was received at the University Presidency by Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, President of the University of Duhok, alongside Dr. Shaheen Abdullah Abdulkareem, Director of Quality Assurance. The visit included a comprehensive stakeholder meeting at the UOD Convention Center attended by members of the University Council, university leadership, academic staff, and student representatives.

During the meeting, Dr. Dawood reaffirmed UOD’s commitment to continuous improvement, institutional effectiveness, and international standards in higher education. He emphasized that accreditation is not merely a certification process, but a strategic framework for enhancing teaching, research, governance, student success, and community engagement.

In her remarks, Dr. Boushra Rahal congratulated the University of Duhok on the substantial progress it has already achieved, highlighting the university’s strong leadership commitment, quality assurance efforts, and strategic planning initiatives. She noted that UOD has positioned itself among the universities actively pursuing institutional accreditation and building systems that support long-term excellence and accountability.

Recognized Strengths and Institutional Progress

A major focus of the visit was the review of UOD’s progress against the Foundational Criteria for Eligibility (FCE), the first stage of KAAE’s accreditation pathway. The KAAE review acknowledged several notable strengths at the university, including:

• A clearly defined institutional vision, mission, and values aligned with the university’s strategic direction.
• A comprehensive executive leadership and governance structure capable of supporting institutional growth.
• A dedicated Directorate of Quality Assurance with established mechanisms for academic development and evaluation.
• Strong stakeholder engagement policies involving students, faculty, alumni, and external partners.
• Established advisory board frameworks across colleges to strengthen academic relevance and external collaboration.
• Significant investment in research and innovation through the establishment of the Deanship of Scientific Research Center (DSRC).
• Ongoing efforts in digital transformation, transparency, and institutional policy development.

Strategic Planning Driving Continuous Improvement

The KAAE delegation also commended UOD’s commitment to strategic planning and quality enhancement. The university’s strategic framework demonstrates a structured approach to academic development, governance, sustainability, internationalization, and institutional performance monitoring. These efforts align closely with regional and international accreditation expectations and provide a strong foundation for future accreditation milestones.

Particular attention was given to UOD’s growing culture of evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement. Discussions highlighted the importance of documenting institutional outcomes, strengthening performance indicators, expanding alumni tracking systems, enhancing program assessment practices, and further integrating 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, professionalism, teamwork, and digital literacy across academic programs.

Building a Culture of Quality Across the University

During a dedicated session with faculty members and academic staff, Dr. Dilan Majid Rostam provided an in-depth overview of accreditation standards, assessment methodologies, and quality enhancement mechanisms. Faculty members engaged in productive discussions on curriculum review, learning outcomes, continuous assessment, and institutional effectiveness, reinforcing UOD’s commitment to a culture of quality at every level of the university.

Student Engagement in the Accreditation Process

The delegation also met with student representatives, whose active participation and strong understanding of the university’s strategic goals made a positive impression. The students demonstrated awareness of accreditation objectives and the role they play in strengthening institutional quality, reflecting the university’s efforts to cultivate a shared responsibility for excellence across its academic community.

Showcasing UOD’s Academic Environment

Following the meetings, the delegation toured key university facilities, including the College of Law, the Student Center, and the Central Library, gaining firsthand insight into the university’s academic infrastructure, student support services, and learning environment.

Looking Ahead: The Next Phase of Accreditation

The visit concluded with a shared commitment to continue advancing the accreditation process through collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement. As one of the universities selected to participate in KAAE’s accreditation pathway, the University of Duhok continues to strengthen its institutional capacity, align its practices with internationally recognized quality standards, and advance its vision of becoming a leading university recognized for excellence in education, research, innovation, and community engagement.

Strategic Highlights

• Strengthening institutional readiness for accreditation through the KAAE Foundational Criteria for Eligibility.
• Enhancing quality assurance systems and evidence-based decision-making.
• Advancing research and innovation through DSRC and university-wide research performance monitoring.
• Expanding stakeholder engagement, advisory boards, and alumni relations.
• Integrating 21st-century skills and graduate competencies across academic programs.
• Reinforcing UOD’s commitment to transparency, digital transformation, and continuous institutional improvement.

University Press Office, June, 2026
Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali
Photography: Mohammed A. Tahar