The Mechatronics Engineering Department at the College of Engineering, University of Basra, held a developmental and awareness lecture for first-year students entitled "Your Strength Lies in Your Steadfastness... Start Strong... Stay Strong."

The lecture addressed four main themes to help university students adapt to university life and maintain academic excellence. These themes were:

- Why do high-achieving students decline in their first year of university? And how can you become a shining exception?

- The silent decline of high-achieving students... and how to protect yourself from it?

- First year of university... a beginning unlike any other
- Secrets to maintaining university excellence, from high school GPA to life skills

The workshop, presented by international trainer Professor Ali Al-Madhoush, aimed to help students understand the challenges they face in their first year of university, develop strategies to maintain academic excellence, and build the life skills necessary for success both inside and outside the university.