News
15, Apr 2009
AUK stages 5th Annual Career Fair
AUK will stage their 5th Annual Career Fair on Tuesday April 28th, one of the largest private university career events in Kuwait. Students will meet representatives from banks, accounting firms, media/journalism, investment companies, hotels, recruitment firms and many more from 10 am until 3 pm at AUK's Liberal Arts Auditorium. Approximately 25 companies are expected to participate in this event.
AUK students will have the opportunity to meet recruiters and learn about the employment opportunities available to them in the local and international market. Cutting of the ribbon by the Platinum Sponsor and words from the AUK President will commence at 10 am.
AUK students will have the opportunity to meet recruiters and learn about the employment opportunities available to them in the local and international market. Cutting of the ribbon by the Platinum Sponsor and words from the AUK President will commence at 10 am.
09, Apr 2009
AUK students travel to Iceland
A group of twenty-five students from the American University of Kuwait will be spending their spring vacation studying the impact of the world financial crisis on Iceland. As most readers will know all of Iceland's banks failed last fall. The Icelandic Government moved to support the depositors by nationalizing the banks and guaranteeing deposits. The Government however did not have enough resources to both guarantee deposits and maintain the value of the Icelandic Krona. The currency devalued with considerable hardship for many Icelanders.
In keeping with AUK's mission of providing liberal arts education for well-rounded, effective graduates, the students on this field trip will be taking responsibility for their own learning. Students are required to develop their own topics and make contacts in Iceland with business people who can provide them with first-hand information they will require to address their questions about the effects of the collapse of Iceland's banks. They will be exposed to many new experiences, such new life experiences will broaden their understanding and enhance their confidence in facing new challenges. This kind of learning lies at the heart of liberal education. What these students learn in Iceland could be crucial should Kuwait face a banking crisis in the future.
Departure: Friday April 10, 2009
Return: Sunday April 19, 2009
In keeping with AUK's mission of providing liberal arts education for well-rounded, effective graduates, the students on this field trip will be taking responsibility for their own learning. Students are required to develop their own topics and make contacts in Iceland with business people who can provide them with first-hand information they will require to address their questions about the effects of the collapse of Iceland's banks. They will be exposed to many new experiences, such new life experiences will broaden their understanding and enhance their confidence in facing new challenges. This kind of learning lies at the heart of liberal education. What these students learn in Iceland could be crucial should Kuwait face a banking crisis in the future.
Departure: Friday April 10, 2009
Return: Sunday April 19, 2009
Some of AUK students who will be participating in the trip with Dr. John Rutland and Dr. Patricia Read-Hunter (back raw in the middle)
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05, Apr 2009
AUK improves wireless on Campus
In March 2009, the Information Technology Department at AUK has completed a project that provides full wireless coverage across campus. The project consisted of redeploying the existing 26 access points and adding 42 access points to ensure that all parts of campus, indoors and outdoors are covered.
The coverage allows users to access the internet via the sponsored 'Zajil' internet connection from the list of available WI-FI networks. Once the network is selected, the internet browser will open to 'Zajil's' welcome page, where a click on 'connect' will establish an internet connection for one hour at a time.
The coverage allows users to access the internet via the sponsored 'Zajil' internet connection from the list of available WI-FI networks. Once the network is selected, the internet browser will open to 'Zajil's' welcome page, where a click on 'connect' will establish an internet connection for one hour at a time.
05, Apr 2009
AUK participates in Technology Exhibition
The American University of Kuwait took part in the 'Tech and more' exhibition held by DIGITS which commenced on April 1st and will last two weeks at Marina Mall Bridge. The exhibition is under the patronage of Her Excellency Deborah K. Jones, the US Ambassador in Kuwait and Kamal Al-Sultan, DIGITS Chairman.
Fifteen companies participated in the event which was sponsored by AUK and Zain. This is the first time AUK takes part in the exhibition, promoting technology driven majors such as Information Systems, Computer Science and Computer Engineering.
Some of the companies participating include: DIGITS, the American University of Kuwait, Zain, AAB International Photographic Company, Fun Watch, Gulfnet Communications Company, and Boubyan Bank.
Fifteen companies participated in the event which was sponsored by AUK and Zain. This is the first time AUK takes part in the exhibition, promoting technology driven majors such as Information Systems, Computer Science and Computer Engineering.
Some of the companies participating include: DIGITS, the American University of Kuwait, Zain, AAB International Photographic Company, Fun Watch, Gulfnet Communications Company, and Boubyan Bank.
Her Excellency Deborah K. Jones, the US Ambassador in Kuwait and Kamal Al-Sultan, DIGITS Chairman
The AUK Booth
02, Apr 2009
Al-Kout Festival at AUK
AUK hosted the Al-Kout Festival on March 31 and April 1 as part of the Arabian Heritage Project, a research, archival, and outreach center dedicated to promoting and fostering the heritage of the Peninsula and related cultures.
Under the Patronage of His Excellency Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, who was represented by the Minister of Information, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah the festivities commenced at 5 pm and the Hamid bin Hussein Sea Band followed with a performance that attracted many members from the AUK community as well as from the public. Other special guests that attended the festival included Patron and Founder of the Sadu House, Sheikha Altaf Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah and US Ambassador Deborah K. Jones.
In addition to seven hours of stage performances, the festival featured a bazaar, with several booths from local businesses and vendors, set up along the main corridor of the University, as well as art exhibitions by the National Museum, Sawt musicians, Bedouin poetry, distinguished live craftsmen, student art exhibits, and many other examples of authentic Kuwaiti traditions and culture.
Dr. Lisa Urkevich, Director of the Arabian Heritage Project, said that she was very pleased with the public turnout at the festival and looks forward to future events put on by the Arabian Heritage Project including a lecture series by the Sadu House.
Under the Patronage of His Excellency Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, who was represented by the Minister of Information, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah the festivities commenced at 5 pm and the Hamid bin Hussein Sea Band followed with a performance that attracted many members from the AUK community as well as from the public. Other special guests that attended the festival included Patron and Founder of the Sadu House, Sheikha Altaf Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah and US Ambassador Deborah K. Jones.
In addition to seven hours of stage performances, the festival featured a bazaar, with several booths from local businesses and vendors, set up along the main corridor of the University, as well as art exhibitions by the National Museum, Sawt musicians, Bedouin poetry, distinguished live craftsmen, student art exhibits, and many other examples of authentic Kuwaiti traditions and culture.
Dr. Lisa Urkevich, Director of the Arabian Heritage Project, said that she was very pleased with the public turnout at the festival and looks forward to future events put on by the Arabian Heritage Project including a lecture series by the Sadu House.
The official cutting of the Ribbon. From left to right Dr. Lisa Urkevich, Sheikha Altaf Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Dr. Nizar Hamzeh
Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah gives a speech at the grand opening of the Arabian Heritage Project
Sheikha Altaf Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah gives a speech at the grand opening of the Arabian Heritage Project
Dr. Nizar Hamzeh gives a speech at the grand opening of the Arabian Heritage Project
US Ambassador Deborah K. Jones attended the grand opening
Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah dances with members of the Hamid Bin Hussein Sea Band
The Hamid Bin Hussein Sea Band performs on the Center Stage
Students observe the process of making different kinds of Kuwaiti & Arabic sweets
Distinguished live craftsmen where present at the Liberal Arts Building's auditorium
Distinguished live craftsmen where present at the Liberal Arts Building's auditorium
Several booths displayed various art work from AUK students & local Kuwaiti artists
Visitors got to watch the traditional Sadu weaving process
Classical piano music by Kuwaiti composers & student musicians
Classical piano music by Kuwaiti composers & student musicians
Salman Al Amari and Kuwaiti "Sawt" music with Ahmed Al Saleh
Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah talks to AUK artists about their art work on display
An exhibition of old cars from Kuwait's past
A candid discussion about henna among AUK guests
19, Mar 2009
AUK Concludes International Conference on University Development
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) in collaboration with Dartmouth College organized its first international conference March 10-12, 2009, titled "University Development and Critical Thinking: Education in the Arabian Peninsula for a Global Future." The conference brought together international scholars and educators to discuss how institutions are incorporating and adapting various higher education models in the region. Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the conference's events were held in the Salwa Al-Sabah Hall and the Arab Organizations Headquarters Building.
In her opening remarks, Sheikha Dana Nasser Al-Sabah, Chair of the AUK Board of Trustees and one of the university's founders, summarized the spirit of the conference, reminding an audience of more than 300 educators, policy leaders, scholars, and students that "Arab higher education institutes have existed for more than a millennium," Pointing to the break in that tradition, she noted that at the present time, "almost 60 percent of our universities are less than 15 years old." Sheikha Dana focused on the implications of and the challenges associated with, building complex and high-quality institutions of higher learning, "The successful development of [these institutions] is not a matter of choice for our region," she said, "but rather, an imperative that promises to break the status quo of the declining trend in education." She urged educators and leaders to take an active role in influencing public policy "to facilitate the formulation of higher education models that are indigenous, yet meet international standards."
His Royal Highness Prince El-Hassan Bin Talal, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, delivered the keynote address at the opening session. He spoke of the university as a center for human development; of its role through history and the challenges it confronts today. "Muslims have inherited from their first generation," he said, "the wisdom of 'Seek knowledge, even unto China'. Now we do not have to travel to China or to America: Dartmouth College and the American University have travelled to be with us here in Kuwait, to engage in what I have often referred to as the noble art of conversation."
His Highness sounded a cautionary note about university development at a time of financial instability. "In the current global economic crisis, will institutions dedicated to ensuring human dignity be last on the list for policymakers? They may well be, if history is a guide. But with crisis comes opportunity for change."
On the theme of "Critical Thinking," Prince El-Hassan observed, "Achieving human dignity on a global level requires more than just education. It requires a particular kind of education...we need 'lateral thinking,' he said, "the kind of thinking that students in liberal arts institutions are encouraged to learn." He used the AUK-Dartmouth collaboration as a model, saying
"At [AUK], East and West are getting together to find out more about each other. We should make it our aim to encourage our young Arab people to re-examine their views about those from the West, as well as those from the West to re-examine their views about the Arabs, Muslims and Islam. This would be an added bonus from our drive for critical, collective intelligence. This is our way to shape the future."
Conference co-organizers Dale F. Eickelman, the Ralph and Richard Lazarus Professor of Anthropology and Human Relations at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, and Clifford Chanin of New York closed the evening's event. "Everyone is committed to a knowledge-based society," they said. "The issue that we have to explore is how this aspiration translates into building institutions of higher education in this region." Eickelman also serves as the Relationship Coordinator for the Dartmouth College-American University of Kuwait Project.
The following two days saw participants tackling a number of issues including the global culture of critical thinking, exercising leadership in new universities, the impact of gender issues in higher education in the region, Islamic educational traditions in critical thinking, and university development and public awareness.
A partial list of institutions who sent representatives to the conference includes Kuwait University, the University of Bahrain, the Qatar Foundation, Zayed University (UAE), Jordan's Hashemite University , Princess Sumaya University, the University of Nizwa (Oman), the Lebanese American University, United Arab Emirates University, the Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilizations (London), the Council on Islamic Ideology (Pakistan), the University of Sharjah, and the Teagle Foundation (New York).
The American University of Kuwait is the first private liberal arts institution in Kuwait. It is dedicated to providing students with knowledge, self-awareness, and personal growth experiences that will enhance critical thinking, effective communication, and respect for diversity. It works closely with Dartmouth College to provide a wide-ranging liberal education to students from across the Gulf nations, grounded in the region's culture and based on the American model.
Dartmouth College, renowned for its focus on undergraduate liberal arts education, was founded in 1769. Located in Hanover, New Hampshire, it is a member of the Ivy League. Its collaboration with AUK began in 2003 with a Memorandum of Understanding that allowed the two institutions to work together. The range of collaborative projects between AUK and Dartmouth continues to grow, to the benefit of both institutions.
In her opening remarks, Sheikha Dana Nasser Al-Sabah, Chair of the AUK Board of Trustees and one of the university's founders, summarized the spirit of the conference, reminding an audience of more than 300 educators, policy leaders, scholars, and students that "Arab higher education institutes have existed for more than a millennium," Pointing to the break in that tradition, she noted that at the present time, "almost 60 percent of our universities are less than 15 years old." Sheikha Dana focused on the implications of and the challenges associated with, building complex and high-quality institutions of higher learning, "The successful development of [these institutions] is not a matter of choice for our region," she said, "but rather, an imperative that promises to break the status quo of the declining trend in education." She urged educators and leaders to take an active role in influencing public policy "to facilitate the formulation of higher education models that are indigenous, yet meet international standards."
His Royal Highness Prince El-Hassan Bin Talal, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, delivered the keynote address at the opening session. He spoke of the university as a center for human development; of its role through history and the challenges it confronts today. "Muslims have inherited from their first generation," he said, "the wisdom of 'Seek knowledge, even unto China'. Now we do not have to travel to China or to America: Dartmouth College and the American University have travelled to be with us here in Kuwait, to engage in what I have often referred to as the noble art of conversation."
His Highness sounded a cautionary note about university development at a time of financial instability. "In the current global economic crisis, will institutions dedicated to ensuring human dignity be last on the list for policymakers? They may well be, if history is a guide. But with crisis comes opportunity for change."
On the theme of "Critical Thinking," Prince El-Hassan observed, "Achieving human dignity on a global level requires more than just education. It requires a particular kind of education...we need 'lateral thinking,' he said, "the kind of thinking that students in liberal arts institutions are encouraged to learn." He used the AUK-Dartmouth collaboration as a model, saying
"At [AUK], East and West are getting together to find out more about each other. We should make it our aim to encourage our young Arab people to re-examine their views about those from the West, as well as those from the West to re-examine their views about the Arabs, Muslims and Islam. This would be an added bonus from our drive for critical, collective intelligence. This is our way to shape the future."
Conference co-organizers Dale F. Eickelman, the Ralph and Richard Lazarus Professor of Anthropology and Human Relations at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, and Clifford Chanin of New York closed the evening's event. "Everyone is committed to a knowledge-based society," they said. "The issue that we have to explore is how this aspiration translates into building institutions of higher education in this region." Eickelman also serves as the Relationship Coordinator for the Dartmouth College-American University of Kuwait Project.
The following two days saw participants tackling a number of issues including the global culture of critical thinking, exercising leadership in new universities, the impact of gender issues in higher education in the region, Islamic educational traditions in critical thinking, and university development and public awareness.
A partial list of institutions who sent representatives to the conference includes Kuwait University, the University of Bahrain, the Qatar Foundation, Zayed University (UAE), Jordan's Hashemite University , Princess Sumaya University, the University of Nizwa (Oman), the Lebanese American University, United Arab Emirates University, the Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilizations (London), the Council on Islamic Ideology (Pakistan), the University of Sharjah, and the Teagle Foundation (New York).
The American University of Kuwait is the first private liberal arts institution in Kuwait. It is dedicated to providing students with knowledge, self-awareness, and personal growth experiences that will enhance critical thinking, effective communication, and respect for diversity. It works closely with Dartmouth College to provide a wide-ranging liberal education to students from across the Gulf nations, grounded in the region's culture and based on the American model.
Dartmouth College, renowned for its focus on undergraduate liberal arts education, was founded in 1769. Located in Hanover, New Hampshire, it is a member of the Ivy League. Its collaboration with AUK began in 2003 with a Memorandum of Understanding that allowed the two institutions to work together. The range of collaborative projects between AUK and Dartmouth continues to grow, to the benefit of both institutions.
A view of the stage in Sheikha Salwa Al-Sabah Ballroom
The conference was attended by AUK students and Alumni
The conference was attended by AUK students and Alumni. Alumni Sulaiman Al-Atiqi in the forground
A view of the Arab organization headquarters' conference hall where the second and third day sessions took place
A collective photo of some of the participants and organizers
17, Mar 2009
AUK 4th Annual International Week
The Office of Student Life at The American University of Kuwait organized its 4th Annual International Week from March 8th through March 11th, 2009. The International Week was a collaborative undertaking which contained numerous and diverse events, such as cultural luncheons and informational booths represented by various countries' embassies. Cultural foods, traditional arts and clothing, and diverse films were components of the week. These events support the mission of the Office of Student Life by celebrating cultural diversity to reflect current issues in the world and by providing more personal development opportunities for students.
The program was executed in association with the Travel Committee of the Entrepreneurship and Business Club. In addition, other AUK clubs and organizations such as the Student Government Association and B.E.L.L.E. Club had collaborated and assisted the Office of Student Life on the diverse events that the week offered.
On the first day, Sunday, March 8th, 2009, designated as North and South America Day, US Ambassador to Kuwait Mrs. Deborah K. Jones was the guest of honor to the opening ceremony, and gave her opening remarks at the Global Issues Forum. The event not only involved fruitful discussions presented by the discussion panel, but also sought to highlight an important day - International Women's Day. Representatives from the US Embassy and Amideast Organization participated in the Country Resources Fair, in addition to having information from and about Brazil.
On the second day, Monday March 9th, 2009, which was designated as Europe day, representatives from a variety of European countries' embassies in Kuwait were present on campus. Countries that participated in the Country Resources Fair included France, Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, and Turkey. Other countries represented by AUK students included Holland and Greece.
On the third day, Tuesday March 10th, 2009, which was designated as Global Village Day, students were encouraged to celebrate and represent their individual cultural diversity. Students represented their culture through works of traditional products, food, music, and art. The Global Village Day activities also included a traditional dress competition. Three winners were awarded prizes for best traditional dress and also had prizes for the best cultural diversity table.
On the last day, Wednesday March 11th, which was designated as Asia and Africa day, representatives from a variety of countries' embassies in Kuwait participated in the Country Resources Fair. Countries included India, Iran, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Australia (IDP), Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Sudan, Tunisia, and the United Arab Emirates. Oman was represented by an AUK student.
During the Country Resources Fair, embassies and representatives from each country had the opportunity to provide information about their country and culture to the diverse body of the AUK Community. The students, faculty, and staff had the opportunity to ask the representatives questions about the country, including its people, history, tourism, and educational opportunities. Representatives also offered informational presentations.
The 4th Annual International Week provided opportunities for students to interact and engage in meaningful experiential learning activities. This allowed them to deepen their understanding and appreciation of cultural differences. The week highlighted the important role these differences play in the human experience. It also cultivated a sense of social responsibility to others, fostered cultural collaboration, and communication, as well as offered civic, personal, and organizational leadership.
The program was executed in association with the Travel Committee of the Entrepreneurship and Business Club. In addition, other AUK clubs and organizations such as the Student Government Association and B.E.L.L.E. Club had collaborated and assisted the Office of Student Life on the diverse events that the week offered.
On the first day, Sunday, March 8th, 2009, designated as North and South America Day, US Ambassador to Kuwait Mrs. Deborah K. Jones was the guest of honor to the opening ceremony, and gave her opening remarks at the Global Issues Forum. The event not only involved fruitful discussions presented by the discussion panel, but also sought to highlight an important day - International Women's Day. Representatives from the US Embassy and Amideast Organization participated in the Country Resources Fair, in addition to having information from and about Brazil.
On the second day, Monday March 9th, 2009, which was designated as Europe day, representatives from a variety of European countries' embassies in Kuwait were present on campus. Countries that participated in the Country Resources Fair included France, Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, and Turkey. Other countries represented by AUK students included Holland and Greece.
On the third day, Tuesday March 10th, 2009, which was designated as Global Village Day, students were encouraged to celebrate and represent their individual cultural diversity. Students represented their culture through works of traditional products, food, music, and art. The Global Village Day activities also included a traditional dress competition. Three winners were awarded prizes for best traditional dress and also had prizes for the best cultural diversity table.
On the last day, Wednesday March 11th, which was designated as Asia and Africa day, representatives from a variety of countries' embassies in Kuwait participated in the Country Resources Fair. Countries included India, Iran, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Australia (IDP), Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Sudan, Tunisia, and the United Arab Emirates. Oman was represented by an AUK student.
During the Country Resources Fair, embassies and representatives from each country had the opportunity to provide information about their country and culture to the diverse body of the AUK Community. The students, faculty, and staff had the opportunity to ask the representatives questions about the country, including its people, history, tourism, and educational opportunities. Representatives also offered informational presentations.
The 4th Annual International Week provided opportunities for students to interact and engage in meaningful experiential learning activities. This allowed them to deepen their understanding and appreciation of cultural differences. The week highlighted the important role these differences play in the human experience. It also cultivated a sense of social responsibility to others, fostered cultural collaboration, and communication, as well as offered civic, personal, and organizational leadership.
(Right to left) Mr. Janusz Szwedo the polish ambassador to Kuwait with the Poland embassy team -Student: Mohammad E Al-Shuraij head of the Travel Committee of the Entrepreneurship and Business Club @Auk- Mr. Ayman Shouman Student Engagement Officer & the International Week organizer along with Mr. Damian Medina Director of Student Life
The Egyptian booth at the global village day represented by AUK Egyptian students
Ms. Deborah Jones, United States Ambassador with Mr. Ayman Shouman Student Engagement Officer & the International Week organizer
Dalal Al Sharhan participated in the panel discussion
The Discussion Panel
A view of the audience
(Right to left): Indian School Girls representing the Indian traditional custom at India booth during Asia and Africa day country recourses fair - Mr. Vijay Singh Second Secretary of the Indian Embassy in Kuwait - Mr. Mohammad Ali Kiani Cultural Attache' of the Embassy of The I. R. Iran in Kuwait Ms. Laveena lobo Student Life Coordinator - Mr. Damian Medina Director of Student Life - Dr. Amro Abdul-Aziz El-Baz Cultural Attache' of the Egyptian Embassy in Kuwait
10, Mar 2009
Images from the Conference. University Development And Critical Thinking: Education in the Arabian Peninsula for a Global Fututre
A view of the Stage before the beginning of the conference
Left to right: Dale F. Eickelman, Ralph And Richard Lazarus Professor of anthrobology and Human Relations, Dartmouth College and Sheikha Dana Nasser Al-Sabah, Chair of the Board of Trustees, American university of Kuwait
Left to right: H.R.H Prince El-Hassan Bin Talal, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Clifford Chanin, President, The Legacy Project (New York)
Left to right: Dale F. Eickelman, Ralph And Richard Lazarus Professor of anthrobology and Human Relations, Dartmouth College, Sheikha Dana Nasser Al-Sabah, Chair of the Board of Trustees, American university of Kuwait, H.R.H Prince El-Hassan Bin Talal, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Clifford Chanin, President, The Legacy Project (New York)
Sara Bodai, Marketing Development Officer and AUK Alumni
Qur'an Recitation - AUK Student Abdul Rahman Al-Farhan
Dale F. Eickelman, Ralph And Richard Lazarus Professor of anthrobology and Human Relations, Dartmouth College
Opening Remarks by Sheikha Dana Nasser Al-Sabah, Chair of the Board of Trustees, American university of Kuwait
Sheikha Dana Nasser Al-Sabah
Keynote Address by H.R.H Prince El-Hassan Bin Talal, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
H.R.H Prince El-Hassan Bin Talal, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
H.R.H Prince El-Hassan Bin Talal, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Clifford Chanin, President, The Legacy Project (New York)
A view of the Audience & Sheikha Salwa Al-Sabah Ballroom
AUK students attended the conference
Dr. Marina Tolmacheva, President, the American University of Kuwait presenting at the conference
Amal Al-Binali, Director, Public Relations and Marketing & Government Relations Officer speaks about university development and public awareness
Laurel Stavis, Executive Director, The Dartmouth College-American University of Kuwait Project, Dartmouth College, speaks about university development and public awareness
Dr. Imad Al-Atiqi, Secretary General, Council for Private Universities, Kuwait Ministry of Higher Education discusses gender issues and university development
A view of the Arab organization headquarters' conference hall where the second and third day sessions took place
A collective photo of some of the participants and organizers
07, Mar 2009
AUK Hosts International Conference On University Development In The Arabian Peninsula
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) in collaboration with Dartmouth College will convene a conference of international scholars and educators March 10-12 to discuss the rapidly evolving state of higher education in the Arabian Peninsula. With a focus on how institutions are incorporating and adapting various higher education models, the conference, "University Development and Critical Thinking: Education in the Arabian Peninsula for a Global Future," is the outgrowth of a 2007 workshop on liberal education, sponsored by AUK and held at the Rockefeller Foundation's Study and Conference Center at Bellagio, Italy.
Sheikha Dana Nasser Al-Sabah, Chair of the Board of Trustees at AUK will commence with opening remarks, followed by His Excellency and patron of the conference Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Kuwait Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs. His Royal Highness Prince El-Hassan Bin Talal, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, will give his keynote speech on the University as a center of human development.
Leaders and educators from the United States and across the GCC will participate in the conference, where they will address questions on what new universities need in order to thrive; what challenges they face; how trustees, presidents, and government officials exercise leadership in the complex realm of higher education; and how the U.S. liberal arts curriculum can be adapted to the cultural traditions and communities of the Arabian Peninsula.
American educators will, in turn, address what their universities can learn from these adaptations, and how they can be used in broadening the scope of U.S. colleges and universities.
A partial list of institutions sending representatives to the conference includes Kuwait University, the University of Bahrain, the Qatar Foundation, Zayed University (UAE), the University of Nizwa (Oman), the Lebanese American University, United Arab Emirates University, the Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilizations (London), the Council on Islamic Ideology (Pakistan), the University of Sharjah, and the Teagle Foundation (New York).
The conference is co-organized by Dale F. Eickelman, the Ralph and Richard Lazarus Professor of Anthropology and Human Relations at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, and Clifford Chanin of the Legacy Project in New York. Eickelman also serves as the Relationship Coordinator for the Dartmouth College-American University of Kuwait Project.
The American University of Kuwait is the first private liberal arts institution in Kuwait. It is dedicated to providing students with knowledge, self-awareness, and personal growth experiences that will enhance critical thinking, effective communication, and respect for diversity. It works closely with Dartmouth College to provide a wide-ranging liberal education to students from across the Gulf nations, grounded in the region's culture and based on the American model.
Dartmouth College, renowned for its focus on undergraduate liberal arts education, was founded in 1769. Located in Hanover, New Hampshire, it is a member of the Ivy League. Dartmouth works with AUK on a range of collaborative projects that benefit both institutions.
NOTE TO REPORTERS: Attendance at the opening session is by invitation only. Credentials are necessary for U.S. press and can be obtained by contacting Ms. Amal Binali (see contact information above). Please contact the AUK Public Relations office to cover subsequent sessions. Simultaneous translation (Arabic-English) will be available at all conference sessions.
CONTACT:
- Amal Binali, 965-6658-0123
AAlbinali@auk.edu.kw
(American University of Kuwait)
- Laurel Stavis, 603-646-9671
Laurel.Stavis@Dartmouth.edu
(Dartmouth College)
