On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the Department of Business Administration at Cihan University–Erbil held a three-day training course for its students titled ‘Creating a University Environment that Supports Mental Health.” The course took place in the university’s academic hall and aimed to enhance students’ scientific and academic development.

The course was supervised by Assistant Professor Dr. Hawkar Qasim Pirdawood, Head of the Department of Business Administration.

At the beginning of the course, Assistant Professor Dr. Ebtisam Muhammad Saeed from the Department of Psychology at the Nineveh Education Administration presented several key topics. She emphasized the importance of mental health and explained its impact on students’ ability to study effectively, work productively, and maintain balance in their lives. She also discussed methods of providing mental support, such as active listening, guidance, and mindfulness programs, which help students cope with psychological pressure and strengthen their social relationships.

During the course, Assistant Professor Dr. Mahmoud Muhammad Amin Al-Bashkali, a lecturer in the Department of Business Administration at Cihan University–Erbil, addressed the effects of mental pressure on students’ decision-making and future leadership roles. He explained how stress negatively influences academic performance, concentration, and logical thinking, which in turn affects the quality of decision-making. He also discussed strategies for managing mental pressure and highlighted the role of support and guidance in preparing students to face future challenges.