Business Administration Department Organizes Mental Health Training Course

On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, the second day of the training, Ms. Fatima Ali Ayada, a psychology instructor at the Directorate of Education in Naynawa, and Assistant Professor Dr. Qusay Hamid Al-Salami, a lecturer at Cihan University–Erbil, presented several topics related to mental health. Ms. Fatima highlighted the importance of mental health in academic success, explaining that it directly affects students’ ability to focus, learn, and manage stress. She also emphasized that good mental health helps students develop a balanced personality and enhances their ability to interact positively with society, which contributes to social stability and peace.

Dr. Qusay then discussed the development of digital technology and explained how artificial intelligence tools can support the mental health of university students through applications and intelligent systems. He noted that these tools can help monitor students’ emotional conditions, provide personalized guidance and support, and enable early recognition of mental stress. He also emphasized their role in increasing mental health awareness in line with the digital era.

On the third day of the course, Thursday, January 22, 2026, Ms. Batool Abbas Fadhl, a psychology instructor at the Directorate of Education in Naynawa, spoke about the importance of maintaining mental health among university students. She explained that this can be achieved through effective time management and building strong social relationships. Following this, Assistant Professor Dr. Younis Salahaddin Mohammed, a lecturer at Cihan University–Erbil, clarified the ethical and legal aspects of artificial intelligence. He explained how AI can be used responsibly and correctly in scientific research.

The training course focused on the foundations of mental health, coping with mental stress, and understanding emotional challenges. It also addressed practical ways students can protect and maintain their mental well-being. The topics were presented in a scientific and practical manner through discussions, real-life examples, and practical exercises. The main aim of the course was to raise students’ awareness and enhance their ability to care for their mental health.

At the end of the course, Assistant Professor Dr. Hawkar Qasim Pirdawod, Head of the Business Administration Department, awarded certificates of participation to the students and participants.

Through organizing and completing this course, the Head of the Business Administration Department at Cihan University–Erbil emphasized that such scientific and social activities are a key part of the university’s strategy to create a healthy, peaceful, and supportive environment for students.

Volunteers

# Image Name Duration Credits
1 Qusay Hameed Al-Salami Qusay Hameed Al-Salami 2 85
2 Cihan University – Erbil Cihan University – Erbil 2 85
3 Hawkar Qasim Pirdawod Hawkar Qasim Pirdawod 2 85

First-stage students and teachers of Rwandz Technical Private Institute (Zakho branch) paid a visit to Cihan University–Duhok on Wednesday, 28th of January. In collaboration with Cihan Academy and the English Department at Cihan University, a scientific visit was organized for 30 students from the institute. During the visit, students were introduced to Cihan University, its colleges, and departments, and were given a tour of the university library. A seminar was then presented by Munawar Subhi Ibrahim, Head of Rwandz Technical Private Institute, and Ms. Chiyan Muatasim Jamil Al-Ibrahim, a teacher in the English Department at Cihan University–Duhok, focusing on scholarships and students’ future. The visit concluded with a tour of the Kurdish House at Cihan
University–Duhok.

On Monday, December 28, 2025, Rizgar Salih, a third-stage student in the Media Department at Cihan University-Erbil, discussed the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by university students during a television program on Speda Satellite Channel.

The program, Amroy Speda, dedicated one of its segments to ‘The Use of Artificial Intelligence by University Students’. For this segment, the channel invited Rizgar Salih to share his insights. At the beginning of his talk, he stated: Artificial Intelligence is not entirely new, but it has now become widespread, especially among students, as it is a highly supportive tool that can provide significant benefits in education.

He added, Artificial Intelligence complements human work and advances society, but we must not forget that it cannot completely replace human jobs and professions.

Later, Rizgar Salih noted: University students should make the most of AI’s features, but they must not let it replace their own critical thinking. At university, we have various tasks and responsibilities; it is normal to use AI as an assistant to gather information or manage time. However, we must not rely entirely on it to complete all our tasks, as this could ultimately harm our academic and scientific development.

Regarding lecturers’ perspectives on students’ use of Artificial Intelligence he pointed out that many allow it, provided it is used correctly and within certain limits, so that students benefit rather than suffer harm. He also mentioned that many lecturers guide students on how to use AI effectively and responsibly.

In his concluding remarks, Rizgar emphasized that students must stay updated and aware of contemporary technological changes. Since the current era is known as the age of Artificial Intelligence, he stressed that it is essential not to remain ignorant of these advancements.

On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, on the occasion of Flag Day, the Department of Media at Cihan University–Erbil organized a field activity at Milli Market in the Newroz neighbourhood, under the supervision of Assistant Lecturer Ahmed Jamal Hama Karim.

The activity was participated by students from both the first and second stages of the Department of Media. During the activity, the students distributed Kurdistan flags and informational brochures to citizens at Milli Market in the Newroz neighbourhood of Erbil city. The brochure content included information about the Kurdistan flag and its components, as well as the history of raising the Kurdistan flag for the first time by Peshawa Qazi Muhammad. In addition, the brochure referred to the 2009 decision of the Kurdistan Parliament, which designated December 17 of each year as Flag Day.

The purpose of the activity was to commemorate Flag Day, raise public awareness about the history and symbolism of the Kurdistan flag, and foster loyalty and national identity among citizens. These aims reflect one of the main objectives of the Department of Media in organizing this meaningful activity.