AUK Academic Advising Learning Support Services (AALSS), A Further Step Towards Academic Excellence

The Academic Advising Learning Support Services (AALSS) is a newly formed unit at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) comprised of three centers; the Academic Advising Center, the Tutoring Center, and the Writing Center. AALSS was created to combine the academic support services at AUK. The Tutoring and Writing Centers work together to help students improve their study skills, comprehension of the courses' content, further develop their literacy and writing skills, enhance self-confidence, and encourage positive attitudes towards learning, while the Academic Advising Center supports existing students who have not yet declared their majors.

The AALSS team helps the students select and pursue majors that adhere to each student's specific interests and competencies. The unit also maximizes student retention by addressing key factors that contribute to their academic performances, thus ensuring student success.

AALSS held their first event last November at AUK to inaugurate the unit. The event was held to create awareness among the students around the academic administrative unit and its student support services.

During the event, the Writing Center's Diwaniya Club held the annual Book and Bake Sale. Entertainment for the day was provided by Hashtags, a musical band made up of members from the AUK student body, while participating vendors supplied the catering for the event.

Dr. Mary Queen has been working at AUK since 2005, where she began as Assistant Professor in the English Department. In the past, Dr. Queen served as the English Writing Program Coordinator and the Director of the Writing Center. As the new Director of AALSS and the Interim Director for the Registrar, Dr. Queen brings significant experience to all three Centers. Dr. Queen and the AALSS team are dedicated to delivering the highest standards of services to students at the American University of Kuwait.

Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 15th December 2013

Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2013