Aligning Progress with UOD’s Strategic Vision

On February 16, 2025, the University of Duhok (UOD) held its 19th Strategic Planning Steering Committee (SPSC) meeting at the Cultural and Social Center. The session brought together key academic and administrative leaders to evaluate UOD’s progress toward achieving its strategic goals, institutional accreditation, and policy framework enhancements.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, President of UOD, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to systematic growth and quality assurance, emphasizing:

"Our progress may be slow, but we are on the right track, fully aligned with our strategic plan and objectives. Accreditation is not our ultimate goal; rather, it is the path we take to achieve our long-term aspirations. I extend my gratitude to our university staff for their continuous dedication in strengthening this institution at all levels."

Key Policy Discussions and Institutional Enhancements

The meeting featured presentations on critical policies that reinforce UOD’s commitment to academic excellence, leadership accountability, and international engagement.

1. Delegation Policy: Ensuring Strategic Representation

Presented by: Dr. Nazar Ameen Mohammed, Director of the Directorate of International Relations (DOIR)

Dr. Nazar Ameen Mohammed introduced the Delegation Policy, a structured framework that defines the selection, responsibilities, and accountability of UOD representatives participating in both domestic and international engagements. The policy’s core objectives include:

• Aligning delegation activities with UOD’s strategic priorities.
• Strengthening institutional reputation and engagement in academic, research, and professional settings.
• Enhancing transparency in selection criteria and post-event reporting to promote knowledge sharing across UOD faculties.

The policy applies to faculty, administrative staff, and students attending conferences, workshops, training programs, and strategic partnership meetings, reinforcing UOD’s global presence and collaboration efforts.

2. Leadership Evaluation Policy: Advancing Institutional Governance and Accreditation

Presented by: Dr. Faek S. Diko, Director of Institutional Research, Planning, and Effectiveness (DIRP)

As part of UOD’s roadmap to achieving accreditation under the Kurdistan Accrediting Association for Education (KAAE), Dr. Faek S. Diko introduced the Leadership Evaluation Policy, designed to:

• Establish a systematic approach to assessing leadership performance across UOD’s academic and administrative units.
• Address key gaps in governance and accountability during the eligibility stage of accreditation.
• Ensure that UOD leadership aligns with strategic goals and contributes effectively to institutional growth.

The policy’s evaluation criteria and implementation mechanisms were extensively discussed, emphasizing how this framework will:

• Improve decision-making processes.
• Strengthen institutional oversight.
• Reinforce UOD’s position as a leader in higher education governance.

The Steering Committee’s engagement in reviewing this policy marks a significant step in UOD’s ongoing accreditation journey, demonstrating its commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in leadership evaluation.

3. Policy on Abbreviations: Standardizing Institutional Terminology

Drafted by: Dr. Dilan M Rostam | Presented by: Mr. Shavger A Ali

A discussion was held on the Policy on Abbreviations, which aims to:

• Standardize institutional terminology across official documents, publications, and digital platforms.
• Ensure consistency in university communications.
• Facilitate efficient documentation and referencing within UOD’s academic and administrative framework.

The committee provided feedback on refining the policy for its effective integration into university operations.

Collaborative Discussions and Strategic Refinements

The meeting concluded with an open discussion, allowing committee members to exchange insights and propose refinements to the presented policies. Key focus areas included:

• Enhancing strategic alignment between policy frameworks and institutional development goals.
• Integrating digital solutions for effective policy implementation and monitoring.
• Expanding stakeholder engagement to ensure policies address the needs of faculty, staff, and students effectively.

Through these discussions, UOD reaffirms its commitment to institutional excellence, transparency, and innovation-driven governance, ensuring that its policies remain dynamic and impactful.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening UOD’s Strategic Pillars

As UOD advances toward institutional accreditation and governance excellence, the Strategic Planning Steering Committee (SPAC) will continue to drive policy enhancements and strategic initiatives that align with:

• UOD’s Vision 2038 for academic and research excellence.
• Global accreditation standards under KAAE and international benchmarks.
• Sustainable policy development that fosters leadership effectiveness and institutional growth.

Stay updated on UOD’s strategic initiatives, policy advancements, and accreditation milestones by following our official channels.

📍 UOD Media | February 16, 2025
📝 Reported by: Ismat M Mohammed
📸 Photography by: 

Meta Keywords:

• University of Duhok Strategic Planning
• Institutional Accreditation in Kurdistan
• Higher Education Leadership Evaluation
• UOD Governance and Policy Development
• KAAE Accreditation Process

📸 CHECK THE PHOTO COVERAGE OF THIS MEETING