The University Council of Al-Mustaqbal University held its first meeting for the 2026–2027 academic year on Saturday, September 19, 2026, chaired by Prof. Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi, President of the University, with the attendance of the Council members, including assistant presidents, deans, and heads of departments, as well as Prof. Dr. Azhar Mohsen Abdul, Dean of the College of Engineering Technologies. The meeting discussed the academic and organizational preparations for the launch of the new academic year and approved a set of decisions and directives aimed at enhancing the quality of the educational process and institutional performance. The University President opened the meeting by welcoming the Council members and extending his congratulations to the teaching staff and students on the beginning of the new academic year. He also commended the university’s achievement in obtaining first place among private universities and colleges in Iraq in student activities, emphasizing the importance of building on these achievements as a driving force for further academic and student excellence. The Council discussed the academic calendar and preparations for the 2026–2027 academic year, approving the academic calendar and weekly schedules and emphasizing the need for their prompt announcement. Classes are scheduled to begin on Sunday, September 20, 2026, alongside the importance of maintaining regular attendance and activities from the first day, activating student programs, and supporting talents and creative abilities. The Council also discussed the second-round examination results and mechanisms for their announcement, in addition to emphasizing the implementation of the SIS system and electronic governance approved by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The Council called for urgent workshops to familiarize students with the system and confirmed registration through the system as one of the requirements for regular student attendance. The meeting addressed the organization of tuition fees into four installments, with the first installment amounting to 25% of the annual tuition fee, payable from September 15 to September 30, 2026, along with the applicable administrative procedures for students who fail to meet the payment requirements. The Council also discussed admission rates and regulations in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and approved the tuition fees for the 2026–2027 academic year. Regarding internationalization and postgraduate studies, the Council reviewed the student training experience at the University of the West of England (UWE) and followed up on postgraduate studies and recent international visits, emphasizing the importance of expanding international academic and research partnerships to enhance scientific expertise and create new opportunities for students and researchers. The Council further emphasized placing students at the center of the educational process, preparing them for labor market requirements, promoting awareness and a sense of belonging, and strengthening the university’s role in serving the community. It also highlighted the importance of supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence, while utilizing modern technologies to develop education. The Council also reviewed the minutes of the college councils and followed up on ministerial correspondence, instructions, and legal affairs. These directions are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. At the conclusion of the meeting, the University President called on the colleges’ deanships and teaching and administrative staff to continue working as one team and to intensify their efforts, building on the achievements of the previous academic year to create a new stage of development and excellence. He affirmed the university’s continued commitment to strengthening its academic standing, serving the community, and providing it with highly qualified scientific and professional graduates. Al-Mustaqbal University continues to rank first among private universities in Iraq, reflecting its achievements across various academic, student, and community fields. Al-Mustaqbal University is ranked first among private universities in Iraq.