AUK and ACK Sign Letter of Agreement

On July 4, 2007, the American University of Kuwait (AUK) and Australian College of Kuwait (ACK) signed a Letter of Agreement which states that AUK will accept credits earned by students who have attended ACK toward the attainment of a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from the American University of Kuwait. The agreement becomes effective in the Fall semester 2007, and will be reviewed every two years.

This agreement was made possible because the two institutions share a common goal in providing opportunities for students who complete a competency based Diploma with the option of transferring to the American University of Kuwait. They both strive to ensure the smooth transition of students transferring from ACK to AUK.

ACK students who transfer to AUK must have completed the ACK Diploma in Business Management, certified by the Council of Private Universities. Up to 60 credits of courses taken at ACK with a grade of C or above, will be transferable to AUK.

A short ceremony was held at AUK on Wednesday for both parties to sign the memorandum. Signatories from AUK included President of the university, Marina Tolmacheva, Dean of Admissions and Registrations, Mr. Sean Dollman, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, and the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Carol Ross.

ACK representation at the signing consisted of ACK's President Dr. Neil Otway, accompanied by Vice President of Academic Affairs, Mr. Paul Murphy, Vice President of Student Affairs, Ms. Kawthar Abu Ghazaleh, and Head of the Management Program, Mrs. Dora Andritsos.

"This agreement emerges as a result of consultation and mutual respect, and is a positive development because both institutions are building educational capacities for Kuwait," said AUK president Marina Tolmacheva "We want to help students ease into a four year degree program. ACK and AUK have had other productive contacts and we are proud to offer a business program that attracts ACK graduates."

President of ACK, Dr. Neil Otway, stated: "Private universities in Kuwait need to work together to provide the best educational opportunities for the younger generation in this country. This letter of Agreement, signed today, will ensure that ACK diploma graduates have options either to enroll in our Bachelor of Business Administration degree that is offered at ACK or have an additional avenue for obtaining a liberal arts degree at AUK, both options with only two additional years of study - a great outcome for AUK and ACK."

The American University of Kuwait is a liberal arts institution based on the American model of higher education. It is dedicated to providing students with knowledge, self-awareness, and personal growth experiences that can enhance critical thinking, effective communication, and respect for diversity. AUK seeks to create leaders and life-long learners who aspire to the highest standards of moral and ethical responsibility in their societies. The College of Arts and Sciences at the American University of Kuwait offers Degree programs in Social & Behavioral Sciences, International Studies, Media & Communication, Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management, Information Systems, Computer Science, Graphic Design, English Language and Economics.

The Australian College of Kuwait is a four year college offering Diplomas in the fields of Business Management and Engineering; as well as degrees in the fields of Business and Engineering Technology. ACK's vision "enabling human potential within a culture of care" is the driving force in its success.

ACK offers a unique learning product aiming to build capacity, transfer knowledge and empower youth in Kuwait to successfully join the local work force and achieve their full potential. ACK enables students to graduate with employment-ready skills that will provide lifelong opportunities and make a productive difference to any employer or business.
 

President of the AUK Dr. Marina Tolmacheva, ACK's President Dr. Neil Otway and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Mr. Paul Murphy

Front row Right to left - Dora andritsos, Kawthar Abu Ghazaleh, President of AUK Dr. Marina Tolmacheva, Dr. Carol Ross
Back row Right to left - Sean Dollman, Nizar Hamzeh, Paul Murphy, and President of ACK Niel Otway, Larry Dawson