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Kuwait, 10th November, 2012:The Center for Gulf Studies, in collaboration with the Arabana Project, hosted the third and final lecture series on the planned development of Subbiya. The lecture, which was held at the Kuwait National Library, was titled "Subbiya: Building Kuwait's Second City - Part III: Strategic Considerations" and was presented by Dr. Sami Alfaraj, President of the Kuwait Center for Strategic Studies.

During his talk, Dr. Alfaraj outlined the various strategic priorities Kuwait will need to address in order for the Subbiya project to be a success. These included, considerations on both the local and the regional level. Referencing his studies, 'Bridge 21: Crossing to a New Century' and 'The Strategic Vision For the State of Kuwait' (published between 1998 and 2000), Alfaraj articulated the direct link between the successful development of Subbiya, or the 'Silk City' as it is also known, and maintaining the strategic security of Kuwait as a whole.

Locally, the strategic priorities for Kuwait, according to Alfaraj, start with developing and improving the education sector. This includes modernizing the sector to promote specialization in strategically significant fields that will allow Kuwait to diversify its economy and become a producerof original ideas and technology. Another priority mentioned by Alfaraj is the promotion of a unified and inclusive society that brings together all of Kuwait's various groupings including women, Shiites, Hadthar (urbanites), Badu (Bedouins), tribes, etc... Reestablishing a common Kuwaiti identity that supersedes these factions will allow the country to move forward effectively on a common vision and purpose. Other priorities include addressing issues of accountability, entitlement, corruption, and bureaucratic reform.

On the regional level, Dr. Alfaraj pointed out that Kuwait was a small country surrounded by three regional powers: Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Iran. The overarching interest of all parties, particularly Kuwait, is to maintain peace between all neighbors. In the case of Iran, maintaining stable relationships necessitates including Iran in regional projects such as pipelines, and opposing Iran's international isolation. In the case of Iraq, improving communication and trust in order to reach common goals is essential. One case in point is that of the Mubarak Al Kabeer Port that is being constructed in the north of Kuwait. Improved communication on the mutual gains of this project will go a long way in improving ties between the two nations.

Answering a question about the return on investment for the expensive construction of Subbiya, a city that will not be based on the production of oil, Dr. Alfaraj explained that the goal of Subbiya will be to spearhead Kuwait's economic diversification, serving as a financial, trade, touristic, and technological center for the country and region. Achieving this, he reiterated, will depend on Kuwait rediscovering a common, united vision for the future.

The Center for Gulf Studies (CGS) at the American University of Kuwait aims to promote greater cultural understanding of and increased intellectual interest in the Gulf, by facilitating free and open academic discourse on a range of issues that both shape and challenge this critical region of the world. The goal of CGS is to enable scholars as well as political and civil society actors both within and outside the region to contribute and add value to the burgeoning field of Gulf Studies, while at the same time informing and engaging the general public. To this end, the CGS encourages, supports, and cultivates interesting and original research on the Gulf, while regularly organizing a variety of public academic events such as lectures, roundtable discussions, and conferences.

Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 13th November 2012

The Office of Student Life at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) organized its 7th Annual Awareness Week. Each day of the Awareness Week concentrated on a specific topic, including Self Awareness, Community Outreach Awareness and Political Awareness.

The first day included an interactive Self-Awareness Workshop, coordinated by the Office of Student Life, Center for Career Services and Wellness and the Psychology Department at AUK. The workshop aimed at getting students together from different backgrounds, as well as helping them define 'Who They Are'. "It's entertaining and beneficial at the same time. It makes me want to attend more workshops in the future," said Dana Maan, an AUK freshman. AUK students also had the chance to sign the 'I AM' banner placed in the central hallway in an effort to help students gain self-awareness.

The second day saw the AUK Volunteers Program, organize 'Refuse to be Ordinary.' The program is an attempt to provide students with the information and the opportunity they need to be significant contributors to the Kuwaiti community through service. Participating organizations included KACCH, K's Path, EQUAIT, Kuwait Society for the Handicapped, Operation Hope, Sout Al-Kuwait, En.v and the Voice for Success Program.

The second day also featured Community Outreach Presentations by En.V and Sout Al-Kuwait. Elisa Franceschinis, Program Coordinator at En.V, introduced the students to the Voice for Success program was initiated by En.V to give greater visibility to social activists who are trying to make a positive impact on their society and community. The program seeks to strengthen civil society in Kuwait through the promotion of innovative initiatives by Kuwaiti youth in the fields of social responsibility, empowerment, and development amongst others. She introduced the students to the various initiatives that the program had covered over the year.

This was followed by a presentation on Sout Al-Kuwait. Ahmad Al Gharabally from Sout Al-Kuwait, spoke to students about the work they do and the importance of being engaged in civic and political life. He also stressed the importance of political participation, and shared the 2012 Awareness Campaign for Parliament Elections, Tafreq.

The Awareness Week extended to include two main events: K'S PATH volunteer trip and KAACH Orientation and Training; both took place on Saturday, October 20th. Over 80 students visited the K'S PATH shelter, located in Al-Wafra, during an open day organized by the shelter. Students had the chance to see the premises and interact with K'S PATH staff, volunteers and animals. Students learnt about the different animals housed at the shelter, how they were rescued, how they are being taken care of, as well as adoption and sponsoring procedures. Many students also took the opportunity to take many of the dogs for a walk around the premises. A lot of students also made donations in kind to the shelter, promoted by the Refuse to Be Ordinary volunteering event held earlier the week.

In addition, there were more than 60 students who attended the KAACH orientation and training following the 34 students who have filled an application form to volunteer at KACCH at the volunteer fair, held earlier on Monday. The orientation provided volunteers with information about KACCH's activities, expectations of volunteers and volunteer duties.

The mission of the Office of Student Life is to create a campus environment that engages students with lifelong learning opportunities outside the classroom which provide personal, professional, ethical, and intellectual growth. Along with AUK's mission of providing students with knowledge, self-awareness and personal growth experiences that can enhance critical thinking, effective communication and respective for diversity, it is our hope that through this week we will be able to fulfill our mission.

Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 6th November 2012

Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2012

The intramural program at the Office of Student Life held its 3rd Annual Wii Tournament the week of October 7th, 2012 in the Sciences (A) building lobby. The event took place throughout the week offering the community a chance to compete in a different Wii sport each day including: archery, basketball, bowling and jet-ski. The first day was allocated for practice, to allow the AUK community the chance to familiarize themselves with the variety of sports. The rest of the week carried out a specific tournament each day, giving students a chance to compete for the high score. The Wii tournament ensured the entire AUK Community the opportunity to be involved, no matter their physical fitness level or physical limitations.

Congratulations to this year's winners!

Below are the names of the winners of this year's Wii tournament:

Archery

Basket Ball

Bowling

Jet-ski

Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 6th November 2012

The Office of Public Affairs at AUK hosted an informative lecture about the Kuwait National Guard (KNG) titled "Contemporary Concepts of Human Resources and their Applications in the Military Sector". The lecture was presented by Colonel/ Faisal Abdullah Al-Jurrayed, Director of Human Resources at KNG, where he addressed the history of KNG, examples of their missions, and the development of their HR practices.

The lecture started with an introductory video overviewing KNG as a government military organization and its role among other public security bodies in Kuwait. Colonel Al-Jurrayed pointed out that "the National Guard plays a back-up role supporting the police and the armed forces whenever there is a necessity". This includes safeguarding vital establishments that require security standards beyond what the Ministry of Interior can provide

Another aspect of their work, according to Colonel Al-Jurrayed, deals with training the KNG officers on the vital professions in Kuwait, especially in the sectors dominated by foreign labor. This is done regularly to compensate for any labor deficit in emergency situations. In addition, Colonel Al-Jurrayed pointed out some of the areas they focus on as an HR department to raise the level of competency of their officers. These include, training workshops, exhibitions, conferences and scientific research activities.

Most of the questions AUK students directed to Colonel Al-Jurrayed at the end of his presentation were centered on the employment criteria at KNG. According to Colonel Al-Jurrayed, joining KNG is done on a voluntary basis. Ranks of the officers are determined based on their degrees and academic qualifications, with priority given to IT, engineering, medicine, and management graduates.

Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 4th November 2012

The Cooperation Club at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) hosted an event titled 'Syria of Hope' to raise awareness on the humanitarian situation in Syria. The event took place at the AUK Auditorium, where many members of the AUK community attended to show support and raise hope. The event featured several renowned guests, who contributed to the event with poems, songs, and talks.

The Cooperative Club Vice President, Shahad Al-Enazi, started the event by speaking about the suffering of Syria, and how the 'Syria of Hope' event is intended to highlight the plight of the Syrian people.

Al-Enazi then introduced Leen Khammash, an AUK student of Syrian nationality, who recited a poem titled "Humanity...Where Did You Go?" of her own words and thoughts about her beloved country. Khammash's emotional rendition moved the audience to tears.

Following this segment, the microphone was passed on to the singer Bara' Al-Ouaid, who expressed how grateful he was for being part of the expressive event in support of Syria. Al-Ouaid performed one of his inspirational songs, "O'Sham...My Country".

In an interactive segment, humanitarian activist Anan Al-Sabihy displayed photos of Syrian refugees, orphans and victims. Al-Sabihy shared stories of the brutal reality she witnessed working as a volunteer with Syrian Refuges in Jordan. Concluding her part, Al-Sabihy urged the audience to help in any possible way repeating the words of Martin Luther King that the problem exists "not so much for the evil deeds of the wicked people, but for the appalling silence of the good people".

Stepping onto the stage next was the poet Abduallah Al-Qnaai, who shared his pain with the audience about what he described as the "the flood of blood" in Syria. He recited his poem "My neighbor you are not going to care", which was followed by the finale of the event "All the Respect for you Syrians", performed by Al-Ouaid.

Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 24th October 2012

As part of AUK's Annual Orientation and Welcome Week festivities, the Office of Student Life at AUK coordinated the annual University Convocation Ceremony for the Class of 2016. Convocation serves as a ceremonial rite of passage for new undergraduate students entering the AUK Community.

The ceremony introduced new students to key components and symbols representative of AUK including the AUK Motto Learn...Think...Become..., Seal, Logo, Mascot and Colors. The AUK Seal, the most significant symbol of the University, was described in detail reviewing all four major components of the Circle of Life including the Book-which represents liberal arts and dedication to knowledge; Dhow-historical Kuwait's aspiration, exploration and tradition; Falcon-representing vision, courage and leadership; and the Torch of Wisdom that represents the freedom to purse the big questions of life. The ceremony concluded with the Torch of Wisdom being passed from one generation to the next as symbolized in the candle lighting ceremony.

The Convocation Ceremony is the pinnacle event for the Annual Orientation and Welcome Week Festivities mainly catering to First Year students. During this week, many events were organized to welcome all students to campus including the Welcome Back Barbeque and Get Involved Fair. In addition, specific events were held to help First Year students get familiar with their surroundings. The Convocation ceremony in particular, is designed to promote community unity and help students in their transition to University life at AUK.

AUK President Dr. Winfred Thompson was in attendance, welcoming everyone to the event. Also in attendance, the Acting Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Nizar Hamzeh and Vice President of Administrative and Student Affairs Dr. Carol Ross-Scott, Dr. Doug Munro, Dean of the College of Business and Economics as well as faculty, staff and students. AUK Alums Areej Ali-Bader, Noufa Al-Sabah, Fouz Al-Sabah and Omar Mehdi returned to participate in this year's convocation sharing their thought provoking views on the impact of the AUK motto Learn...Think...Become in their lives.

Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 24th October 2012

The Department of Music and Drama at the American University of Kuwait (AUK), under the auspices of the German Embassy in Kuwait, presented the Dejean Quartet on the AUK campus on Tuesday, Oct. 16. The ensemble of flute, violin, viola, and cello are all members of the prestigious Kassel State Orchestra in Germany.

Over 200 students and outside guests were in attendance as the group performed, discussed their instruments, and answered questions. One student had the opportunity to try his hand at conducting the ensemble, which resulted in quirky, fun filled performance, to the delight of the audience. Afterwards, each musician worked independently with small groups of specialized music students, helping them to hone their craft.

Dr. Lisa Urkevich, Chair of the Dept. of Music and Drama said, "The event was a great success. It provided a wonderful opportunity for our students to interact with musicians of the finest caliber, learn about other cultures, and expand their horizons. Our thanks goes to the German Embassy for their efforts in keeping these quality arts alive and sharing them with our community."

Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 21st October 2012

AUK Arabic Instructor Ghaidaa Mohamad along with AUK student Khaled Al-Abdulqader participated in the Redesign Expo on October 9-10, 2012 at Movenpick Freezone. They had a booth under the brand name "Brushfly: Artists Fundraising for the Environment", with the aim of collecting donated works of art and selling them to the public. All proceeds were donated to support marine life research, specifically, dolphin conservation.

During the exhibit, amateur fishermen in Kuwait were curious about the proper way to handle a speed boat upon seeing dolphins, and from the instructional material provided at the booth through the website ioniandolphinproject.org, they learned its best to put the engine in neutral, staying within 50 meters of the dolphin. Other patrons admired and bought collections of the art work and photography, for their children's rooms and offices.

"The exhibit ran for two days and was a rare and exceptional chance to disseminate both art and science to the high authorities and general public. We appreciate everyone who helped and encouraged us. Thank you all. Special thanks to student Athari Al-Farhoud for donating a monitor for our booth," said Ghaidaa Mohamad.

Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 18th October 2012