The University Psychological Counseling Division, in cooperation with the Continuing Education Center (CEC) at the University of Information Technology and Communications (UoITC), held an online workshop titled “The Arts and Their Effective Role in Building Awareness and Combating Extremism.” It was presented by Assistant Lecturers Salwa Salah Abdul Amir, Dina Mustafa Mohammed, and Sara Fadhil.

The workshop aimed to highlight the role of art as an influential tool in promoting societal awareness and addressing the phenomenon of extremism, by offering scientific and practical insights that contribute to reinforcing the values of peaceful coexistence and building peace.

The workshop addressed several key topics, most notably the concept of extremism, its causes, and its characteristics. It also explained the role of art in developing critical thinking, reshaping values, and opening up avenues for cultural dialogue. Additionally, it emphasized the importance of using the arts as an effective human-centered means to counter extremist ideology, given their psychological and cognitive impact in promoting a culture of diversity and openness.

The workshop concluded with a set of recommendations, including the use of the arts in intellectual rehabilitation programs, organizing art exhibitions that promote societal awareness, and supporting youth-focused artistic initiatives—all of which contribute to reducing manifestations of extremism and building a more tolerant society.

The first group of newly appointed employees at the University of Information Technology and Communications has completed its participation in a training course held at Al-Nahrain University, as part of a preparatory program aimed at developing their skills and enhancing their readiness for work.

The course, titled “Job Behavior and Institutional Loyalty,” was organized in accordance with the directives of the Office of the Prime Minister and the instructions of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, which emphasized the importance of enrolling newly appointed staff in training courses conducted at accredited centers, including the Training Center at Al-Nahrain University. This initiative contributes to improving their efficiency and developing their professional capabilities.

The course featured rich discussions addressing key aspects of administrative and professional work. Among the most prominent topics were job loyalty and institutional belonging, highlighting how work can be transformed from a routine duty into a sense of responsibility and genuine partnership in success. Leadership versus management was also discussed by outlining the fundamental differences between a leader who inspires the team and shapes vision, and a manager who focuses on executing processes and maintaining systems.

Professional ethics were explored through an analysis of the sources of professional values, examining whether they are rooted in religious and moral principles, legal frameworks and regulations, or social norms and traditions. The course also reviewed various types of management and categorized employee styles according to their behaviors and productivity, along with effective administrative approaches to deal with them.

The program aimed to empower participants to understand their rights and ethical responsibilities, while equipping leaders with the necessary tools to create a motivating work environment based on mutual respect and institutional loyalty. This, in turn, positively reflects on the quality of outcomes and the sustainability of excellence.