The Faculty of Information Technology at Zarqa University held its first Advisory Council meeting on Thursday, November 5, 2026, chaired by Dr. Hayel Khafajeh, Dean of the Faculty, and attended by Advisory Council members, representatives of relevant institutions and sectors, and faculty members.

The meeting was attended by Eng. Hussam Asaad Haddad, General Manager of Defense Industries (DI); Ms. Lubna Abdulhadi, Director of the Studies Directorate at the Land Transport Regulatory Commission; Dr. Jaafar Al-Shahabat, TechForward Project Manager at the Information and Communications Technology Association of Jordan (int@j); and Mr. Ahmad Al-Hawari, representing UX Mosaic, alongside several specialists and experts from the information technology and industrial sectors.

The meeting explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration between the Faculty of Information Technology and public- and private-sector institutions, as well as ways to develop academic curricula and programs in line with rapid technological advancements, digital transformation, and the evolving demands of the labor market.

Participants also discussed mechanisms for enhancing the practical aspects of education, expanding internship and field training opportunities for students, and benefiting from the expertise of specialized companies and institutions. These efforts include engaging industry experts and practitioners in teaching selected topics and practical components of academic courses, under the coordination and academic supervision of faculty members, thereby bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

As part of efforts to develop students' professional competencies, participants emphasized the importance of strengthening essential soft skills, particularly communication skills, presentation skills, creative thinking, and decision-making. These competencies were identified as fundamental to graduates' success and professional excellence in today's workplace.

The meeting also introduced several initiatives aimed at strengthening the Faculty's engagement with industry. Among the key proposals was the organization of open forums and scientific and academic events bringing together representatives of companies and industrial institutions, students, and faculty members. These events would provide opportunities for industry representatives to share their experiences, needs, and future aspirations while engaging in interactive discussions with students and academics, promoting knowledge exchange and building stronger relationships between the University and industry.

Discussions further addressed the possibility of incorporating emerging and specialized technological topics into selected courses, such as the Special Topics course. Proposed subjects included drone technology and its applications, with relevant industry specialists contributing practical expertise and hands-on instruction.

Another notable proposal involved establishing an online portal on the University's website, enabling companies and institutions to submit technical and operational challenges they encounter. These challenges could then be presented to students as potential graduation projects, allowing them to develop innovative, practical solutions under academic supervision. The initiative aims to align student projects with real-world challenges facing industry and society, transforming graduation projects into meaningful opportunities for innovation and applied problem-solving.

Dr. Hayel Khafajeh, Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology, emphasized the Advisory Council's vital role in strengthening partnerships between the Faculty and community institutions, while drawing on the expertise of professionals and representatives from various sectors to enhance academic programs and improve educational outcomes in response to technological developments and labor market needs.

He reaffirmed the Faculty's commitment to establishing effective and sustainable partnerships with professionals in the industrial and information technology sectors and organizing regular meetings with industry representatives. Such collaboration would provide students with valuable opportunities to gain insights into real-world working environments and modern technological applications, enhance their technical and professional competencies, strengthen their competitiveness, and prepare them to enter the labor market and contribute to ongoing digital transformation.

The meeting concluded by emphasizing the importance of maintaining communication and coordination with public- and private-sector institutions, following up on the ideas and proposals presented, and translating feasible recommendations into practical, implementable initiatives and programs. These efforts aim to enhance the quality of education and training while reinforcing the Faculty of Information Technology's role in preparing qualified graduates capable of keeping pace with technological advancements and meeting the evolving needs of the labor market.