News
Continuing the series of lectures about Subbiya development, the Center for Gulf Studies (CGS) at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) and the Arabana Project co-organized the second panel discussion entitled "Subbiya: Part II: Environmental Impacts and Opportunities". The lecture hosted a number of experts in environmental research and ecology including, Dr. Ali Khuraibet, Founder and General Manager of ECO Environmental Consultants, Dr. Khaled Al-Banaa, and Dr. James Bishop, researchers for the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR). The panel discussion, which was moderated by Mr. Abdullatif Al-Mishari of the Arabana Project, focused on the various risks and considerations of Subbiya's development from an environmental perspective.
During his talk, Dr. Khuraibet mentioned that part of the significance of Subbiya is that it is the site of the earliest inhabitants of Kuwait, dating back to 1620. The importance of the area and its preservation, therefore, has a political and social dimension, and is a significant component of reinforcing the Kuwaiti identity and spirit.
Dr. Bishop highlighted the importance of Subbiya from an ecological point of view. He mentioned that Subbiya is home to more intertidal mudflats than anywhere else in the Gulf region. Subbiya is also rich in biodiversity, rare species of animals, and is a critical feeding area for migratory birds heading south. It is therefore especially important that considerations are taken to preserve, as much as possible, this "virgin area" that to date has been virtually unaffected by human interaction.
The speakers pointed to several major environmental risks involved with the extensive development of Subbiya. Dr. Al Banaa drew attention to Subbiya's major power plant and its proximity to the location of the future city. He noted that the extra power and desalination capacity required to power this new city would have to be accommodated, and that using water to cool the plants would increase the salinity of Kuwait's Bay, creating major environmental risksDr.
The speakers spoke at length about the potential impact of the construction of the 20 km bridge that would link Kuwait City with Subbiya. Construction of both the bridge and the port would require extremely high volumes of dredging, which will need to be done on a continuous basis. This is both expensive and potentially environmentally damaging, if not done carefully. Recycling the dredge, according to Dr. Khuraibet, would minimize the harm, rather than dumping it in landfills. However, avoiding the environmental damage resulting from the port's use, and the subsequent shipping lanes along Kuwait will be much more difficult. According to Dr. Bishop, this will surely have an adverse effect on the quality of Kuwait's fisheries, biodiversity, and intertidal habitat.
With regards to the construction of the city itself, the panelists discussed key aspects that required specific consideration. There is the need to avoid repeating the mistake of Kuwait City by building exclusively along the coast. Furthermore, careful zoning plans are needed to avoid repeating the mistake of zoning the residential area of Sabah Al Salem close to various industrial zones, or of the proximity of landfills with the residential area of Al Qurain.
The subbiya project is part of a comprehensive national plan to develop the northern sub-region of Kuwait. The site consists of the planned "Silk City", the causeway that will link with Kuwait City, and the new deep-water port on Bubiyan Island. The region will also include employment and residential areas, as well as possible cultural and resort facilities. The projection is for the northern sub-region to initially accommodate approximately 200,000-300,000 people by 2030, and will have the capacity to accommodate up to 1 million people in the long term.
The 2nd panel discussion on Subbiya came as part of the collaborative efforts of CGS and the Arabana Project to educate the public about the different aspects of the project. The aim of the panel series is to cultivate public discussion and interaction in the planning process of Subbiya's development. It was noted that only through the involvement of all the stakeholders (including the government, the public, NGOs and other civil society actors) could the planning process truly reflect the needs and desires of the public. The 3rd Subbiya panel discussion is expected to take place in May 2012, and will address key economic and strategic considerations.
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. For more information about CGS, visit www.auk.edu.kw/cgs/project_lectures_kuwait.jsp
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 1st April 2012
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2012
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) participated in its second Beirut Unisports Festival hosted by The Université Saint-Joseph from March 15-19. A total of 32 student-athletes represented AUK while competing against 26 different universities from 10 different countries in several different sports.
The 4-day tournament gave AUK student-athletes the opportunity to play against a more diverse group of competitors. They showed an overwhelming amount of AUK and Kuwaiti pride at each game, as the gymnasium was filled with energy from student's cheering, drumming, and singing in support of all the AUK teams that participated. AUK was awarded the Best Team Spirit at the end of the tournament.
AUK student-athletes will now shift their focus towards the second half of the University Championship Cup (UCC) beginning in April 2012. AUK will participate in soccer, volleyball, tennis, squash, and swimming. They will play against the Australian College of Kuwait (ACK) and the Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) to see who will be crowned UCC Champion.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 28th March 2012
The AUK Library has successfully migrated from the SirsiDynix integrated library system, Horizon, to the same company's newer system, Symphony. The new system "Symphony" replaces and updates the previous "Horizon" system which was used by the AUK Library since 2004.
The new version has many new features and advancements that will benefit users. It provides a rich patron interface, and a fully adaptable, expandable and customizable platform. The library online catalog will have a new interactive interface and additional search capabilities.
Features of the rich patron interface, e-Library, include:
- Easy-to-use search, with full-text and unlimited index search
- Online account solutions empower your patrons, allowing them to manage their library account, pay fines, place holds, order books for delivery, or submit interlibrary loan, purchase or other requests
- Enhanced content electrifies your collection, offering users everything from book cover images and reviews
- Flexible circulation and hold policies, with blanket hold capabilities for book clubs, and the ability to create and manage options for user groups such as families or universal borrowers, provide a convenient added perk for patrons
- Staff and users can expand the library's reach to other communities through permalinking and bookmarking. Convenient services such as favorites tracking and permanent lists let the library alert users when new materials of interest arrive and permit end users to keep bibliographies of materials that they wish to use in the future
- Multiple "gateways" for different libraries, users and environments
- Completely customizable and configurable platform
- Offer your patrons the power of discovery through bestseller and recommended reading lists, pre-defined searches (such as Kids' Library, Find it Fast, New Books, etc) and more. eLibrary also provides academic reserves functionality. For a more comprehensive solution, turn to ERes.
- Sophisticated patron outreach solutions bring the library to homebound users, nursing homes, bookmobiles or kiosks, including route and delivery schedules, outreach patron history records and offline circulation through PocketCirc.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 26th March 2012
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2012
For the 4th consecutive year, AUK makes its way to the prestigious Microsoft Imagine Cup contest, this time participating with four teams. Over the years, AUK has established its competence within the world's most prestigious technology competition that proposes solutions to serve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.
This year, 12 teams from different universities in Kuwait submitted their software design ideas to Microsoft. Only five teams qualified for Kuwait finals, four of which were AUK teams. The five winning teams will compete again in April to be whittled down to one winner who will advance to the world finals in Australia in July 2012.
Under the mentorship of Dr. Amir Zeid, Program Lead of Computer Science & Information Systems (CSIS), AUK teams have been gaining regional titles in the Annual Imagine Cup Competition since 2009, winning 1st Place Mobile Award in 2009; 1st Place Software Design Award in 2010, and 2nd Place Software Design Award in 2011. In addition, two AUK teams have qualified to the world Finals in Poland 2010 and New York 2011.
The number of AUK teams qualifying for the regional rounds has been increasing over the past years to reach four qualifying teams this year. Dr. Zeid expressed his delight at the progress the young teams are making "Having 4 teams from AUK competing for a spot in the world finals is a record and achievement by itself. The contest will be tough but I consider it a great learning experience. To me, it is very rewarding to see our students competing in such prestigious contest every year"
The four qualifying teams representing AUK this year are:
Team GG, composed of AUK Senior students Ali Taqi, Talal Alyaseen, Omar Elkhatib, and Thamer Al-Mayyan.
Team TriQ8, composed of AUK Senior students Barrak Al-Sarraf, Eman Karam, and Wadha Al-Dalama.
Team Code Breakers, composed of AUK Senior students Khaled W Al-Qahtani, Khaled A Al-Jassar, Abdulla Al-Shaya and Mohammed A Al-Shati
Team 1337 composed of AUK Senior students Khaled Al- Hazeem, Mubarak Al- Enezi, and Dalaa W. Al- Qahtani.
The Computer Science and Information Systems (CSIS) program at AUK encompasses the principles of computing that enables students to keep abreast of developments in a rapidly changing technology. CSIS students not only gain a solid foundation in the theory and design of modern computing systems, but are exposed to a variety of applied applications, both in lab assignments as well as in internships and in a semester based senior capstone project course. The students are also encouraged to explore cross-disciplinary connections by completing a Minor in a related field.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 25th March 2012
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2012
For the fourth consecutive year, the American University of Kuwait (AUK) receives the Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW) Award for Energy Conservation. AUK has been receiving MEW awards since 2008 on their collaborative efforts with the ministry on energy conservation.
The MEW relationship with AUK started when a team of ministry representatives visited the AUK campus in 2007 to inspect and provide advice on their energy conservation campaign. The visitors were impressed by how the Campus Services Department at AUK had already been applying energy conservation practices including, using light-emitting diodes, noise-absorbing windows, and smart power strips on all electronic equipment.
In continuation of its energy conservation efforts, the campus services Department at AUK maintains collaboration with MEW by sharing experience, data, and information on energy conservation methods.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 21st March 2012
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2012
For the 8th consecutive year, the American University of Kuwait (AUK) is participating as a sponsor and exhibitor in EDUCARE 2012. The annual education and career development exhibition was held at the Mishref Kuwait International Fair (KIF) fairgrounds from March 12-15, 2012.
The AUK booth at EDUCARE was a point of attraction to a wide range of visitors including, recent school graduates, parents, young professionals, as well as local media. AUK President, Dr. Winfred Thompson, the Vice President for Administrative and Student Affairs, Dr. Carol Ross-Scott and Assistant to the President for Admissions and Public Affairs Amal Al-Binali were present at the event to welcome Dr. Khalid Al-Saad, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, who inaugurated the exhibition on behalf of the Minister of Education & Higher Education.
The AUK Admissions team was also present to meet with prospective students and visitors. The team exchanged conversations with visitors and responded to inquiries about the admissions process, campus life, and the different academic programs available at the University. In addition, representatives from the Center for Continuing Education (CCE) at AUK talked to visitors about the extensive catalog of courses and programs the Center offers.
The exhibition was a good opportunity to highlight AUKâs main achievements this year, including, the accreditation of its Business and Economics Division by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP); as well as, the accreditation of its Arts and Humanities Division, Social Sciences Division, and General Education Program by The American Academy for Liberal Education's (AALE).
Currently, the University offers the following degree programs:
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in: Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Economics, and Management.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in: Communication and Media, English, Graphic Design, International Studies, and Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Bachelor of Science (BS) in: Computer Science, Information Systems.
Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in: Computer Engineering.
In addition, the Intensive English Program (IEP) at AUK offers courses that are designed to prepare non-native English speakers for the academic tasks required of them in their first and successive years of university education.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 19th March 2012
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2012
The Center for Gulf Studies (CGS) at The American University of Kuwait (AUK) presented a screening of the documentary film "When the People Spoke - Part One" which was produced and directed by Mr. Amer Al Zuhair. The screening took place in the AUK Auditorium and attracted a number of visitors.
The film documents the evolution of women's rights in Kuwait and the role of women in society throughout Kuwait's history. It sheds light on the debate between elements of society that were striving for gender equality in the country, and the more conservative elements who argued that women's participation should be restricted. This culminated in a nation-wide movement in 2005 that ultimately resulted in Kuwaiti women attaining the right to vote and run for Parliament.
The event concluded with Mr. Al Zuhair being joined by women's rights activist Ms. Fatma Hayat and CGS Director Dr. Farah Al-Nakib in exchanging an open discussion with the audience. Recurring points raised during the discussion centered on the major challenges facing women's rights in Kuwait today, and the underlying causes and implications of having no women elected to Parliament in the 2012 elections.
The Center for Gulf Studies (CGS) at the American University of Kuwait is a research center that 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 19th March 2012
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2012
As part of her visit to the GCC, Dr. Gwendolyn J. Dungy, the Executive Director of NASPA (Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education), had the chance to visit and tour the AUK campus. The tour was conducted by AUK student Omar Mehdi, who participated in the NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program (NUFP) in 2010-11 and was the first fellow outside of North America.
During her visit, Dr. Dungy met with various administrators and staff and gave a presentation with a group discussion on Student Affairs Professionals: Serving Students, & Building the Profession. The session was followed by a lunch for attendees to further foster dialogue and exchange. Individuals from other institutions of higher learning in Kuwait were invited to attend. Commenting on her visit, Dr. Dungy said that "meeting the staff was truly enlightening" and that "during the open sessions, there were some good exchanges and much food for thought on all sides."
NASPA is a leading association for the advancement and sustainability of the student affairs profession. Dr. Dungy has served as the Executive Director of NASPA since 1995 and is a respected educator as well as an accomplished leader and speaker. Dr. Dungy was in the GCC attending the GULF regional NASPA-ACPA conference in Qatar where she served as a panelist and as part of her visit to the region she visited institutions in Qatar, UAE, and at AUK in Kuwait.
NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program (NUFP) includes yearlong mentoring and career exploration in partnership with an AUK Student Affairs professional, attendance at the annual NASPA conference, and participating in a summer internship program at another college or university. Current AUK student Raghda El-Deeb has also been accepted into the current NUFP program and had a unique opportunity to meet with Dr. Dungy during her visit to the AUK campus.
For more information about NASPA and to learn more about the student affairs profession please check out the following link www.naspa.org.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 13th March 2012
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2012
As a part of the national week celebrations that took place at AUK, the Transitional Student Government Association (TSGA) held a range of events on campus. The highlights of the week included a football tournament and an award ceremony for creative Kuwaiti minds.
The one-week football tournament, which took place at the AUK soccer filed, included teams resembling the most popular Kuwaiti football teams. The participating students played for their most favorite teams. The final was between Al Salmiya and Al Arabi, with Al Salmiya winning an emphatic 9-2 victory. The winners received trophies and medals.
On the 21st of February TSGA held an appreciation ceremony to shed light on special achievements and success stories from within the Kuwaiti society. The ceremony hosted shooters Sarah and Shahad Al-Hawal, Duelist Tarek Al-Qalaf, the Kuwait Aviation Team, and Pro Rider team, who gave short speeches and answered questions about their main achievements. The event ended with an award ceremony, followed by a traditional Kuwaiti lunch.
The AUK Student Government Association (SGA) is a student organization representing the AUK student body. Composed of elected representatives from the student population, SGA is responsible for representing the opinions, concerns, and recommended resolutions of the student body to other constituencies of the AUK community. In addition to serving as the student voice, SGA works with other student organizations to sponsor events that promote the academic and social lives of students at AUK. Students can get involved with SGA by running for an elected position in SGA, participation in a General Assembly, SGA committees or as an SGA volunteer.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 8th March 2012
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2012
The Arabic Literature Club at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) organized a lecture and open discussion on "The Novel and Story in Kuwait" on February 28th. The event hosted the renowned writer and novelist Layla Al-Othman, who talked about her long experience in the world of literature. The lecture was followed by an award ceremony for the writer.
Known for tackling controversial political and social issues, Al-Othman wrote a number of stories and novels that have been translated into other languages. Her novel "Waseema Comes Out of the Sea" was selected as one of the best hundred Arab novels in the 20th century. In 2004, Al-Othman launched her literary award "Layla Al-Othman Award for Youth Innovations in Story and Novel". The award goes every two years to creative literary works by Kuwaiti youth.
Al Othman's first encounter with literature started with her journalistic career in 1965. She became keen to develop her writing skills despite the educational barriers she faced after being deprived of university education. "Seeing all these young people interested in education compensates the joy I missed when I was deprived of university education." Al Othman said at the beginning of her talk, which attracted many students, professors, and external visitors. "It is my honor to be among you, lecturing for the third time at AUK", Al Othman addressed the audience.
Speaking about the art of story making, Al Othman described writing like "an engineering design process that involves interconnected grids and threads contributing to an artistically comprehensive plan". Connecting story characters to time and place, adding dramatic elements, and putting all this into an interesting context is the recipe of a good story. Al Othman thinks that many stories nowadays lack these essential elements that make a good literary work.
About the history of story writing, Al Othman said that the story started thousands of years ago in the Arab region. The Qur'an stories, the old arabian legends, the Thousand and One Nights, and a lot of other works have been translated by the west and developed into the well-known classics we read today.
According to Al Othman, stories can be classified into short stories ranging from 2-10 lines; traditional stories composed of 4-5 pages; or long stories that are slightly shorter than novels. Stories also vary in their content and style. There are fantasy stories, historical stories, true stories, philosophical stories, surrealistic stories, or poetic romantic stories. In all these types, Al Othman thinks that, meaningful content coupled with entertainment elements are very important to grab the interest of today's selective reader.
The event ended by an open discussion, where the writer shared her hopes, fears and worries with the audience. When asked why her stories always revolve around her life experiences, Al Othman answered that story ideas are normally triggered through feelings or situations that the writer lives. She believes that her life was full of difficult circumstances that make good learning lessons to the readers.
The Arabic Literature Club at the American University of Kuwait, currently lead by Maryam Fadhl, is a student organization interested in different aspects of the Arabic language and culture such as Arabic poetry and literature. The main purpose of the Club is to reveal the Arab identity and practice Arabic language at AUK. Most of the club events currently focus on Arabic literature and poetry. The Arabic Club aims to host more cultural events that would include Arabic music and hosting of famous experts in the Arabic language to share their experience and thoughts with the students. All events hosted by the Arabic Club are being done in association with the Arabic Department at AUK.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 4th March 2012
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2012
