Biannual Board of Trustees Meeting

The Board of Trustees of the American University of Kuwait met early on Saturday and Sunday the 7th and 8th of May 2011 on the AUK Campus in Salmiya. The meeting of the Board of Trustees on Sunday as well as the session of the Academic Affairs Committee on Saturday included wide-ranging discussions of challenges and opportunities facing AUK. The unifying theme of both meetings was the shared determination of the Board and the administration to focus upon the continuous improvement of the academic quality and reputation of AUK.

The full Board meeting commenced with the Chair of the Board Shaikha Dana N. Al-Sabah's report on the Executive Committee's activities followed by a budget discussion resulting in the Board's acceptance of the proposed budget and audit report. Furthermore, the Board discussed the President's report, the action point recommended by the Academic Affairs Committee, the report of the Dartmouth Relationship Coordinator, and an update on admissions for Fall 2010 and plans for recruitment for Fall 2011. The Board of Trustees adopted a set of resolutions as follows:

Ratified the actions of the Executive Committee approving the new administrative structure of the University while recognizing that some further changes may be required;

Discussed necessary updates in the Board of Trustees membership consistent with Kuwaiti administrative provisions and US accreditation expectations;

Accepted the audit report for fiscal year 2009-2010 provided by external auditors Ernst and Young. The audit report affirms that the financial reports of the University fairly and completely present financial information about the University's operations.

Approved the budget for fiscal year 2011-2012.

Formally authorized the administration to pursue candidacy and affiliation with Commission on Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Adopted a resolution expressing appreciation for the services and contributions of US Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, Deborah Jones.

Formally authorized the administration to start with the initial phase of strategic planning.

The Academic Affairs Committee of the Board also met to discuss the Academic Affairs Semester report, the Intensive English Program semester report, Student Affairs report, an update on the Search for Vice President for Academic Affairs and the NEASC Accreditation. In the meeting, President Thompson shared with the Trustees the accreditation of the Business & Economics Programs by ACBSP, an update on the Engineering program and a comparison of faculty salary and benefits. The Academic Affairs Committee concluded its meeting with a set of recommendations to the Board of Trustees.

In short, the meeting of the Board was a very constructive one which should move the University forward significantly toward its ambitious goals.

Biannual board of trustees meeting