News
18, Feb 2024
AUK Begins Spring Semester with Orientation and Welcome Week Activities
AUK began the spring semester by welcoming new students with a comprehensive orientation to introduce them to facilities and services available on campus and activities that acclimate them to university life.
University president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, greeted new students, providing insight into what distinguishes AUK as an institution, “So, what makes AUK the place to be? It's all about our belief that learning can totally change your personal trajectory. We are dedicated to providing you with a well-nurtured education that keeps up with the fast changes happening out there. We're all about thinking green and making choices good for the future, for yourself, your families, your country, and the world. We’re setting you up to be the leaders, thinkers, and game changers, because the world needs it.”
The Office of Student Life at AUK introduced students to the campus, various academic programs, and different support services designed to enrich their university experience. They also organized a range of activities, including a movie night and a sports game between students and staff/faculty. Students also familiarized themselves with all the clubs and organizations that they could join on campus through the involvement fair.
Commenting on the orientation and activities taking place on campus, the vice president for student affairs, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Farhan, stated, “As we begin a new semester, I extend a warm welcome to all students. Our campus is a crucible of transformation where each experience shapes us. Embrace challenges, cherish discovery, and dare to dream beyond convention. Together, let’s weave a tapestry of knowledge, compassion, and resilience. Welcome, and may this semester be a testament to your boundless potential.”
Through initiating these orientations and activities, AUK continues to foster a community of students who are tight-knit and united in their scholastic and professional goals.
University president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, greeted new students, providing insight into what distinguishes AUK as an institution, “So, what makes AUK the place to be? It's all about our belief that learning can totally change your personal trajectory. We are dedicated to providing you with a well-nurtured education that keeps up with the fast changes happening out there. We're all about thinking green and making choices good for the future, for yourself, your families, your country, and the world. We’re setting you up to be the leaders, thinkers, and game changers, because the world needs it.”
The Office of Student Life at AUK introduced students to the campus, various academic programs, and different support services designed to enrich their university experience. They also organized a range of activities, including a movie night and a sports game between students and staff/faculty. Students also familiarized themselves with all the clubs and organizations that they could join on campus through the involvement fair.
Commenting on the orientation and activities taking place on campus, the vice president for student affairs, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Farhan, stated, “As we begin a new semester, I extend a warm welcome to all students. Our campus is a crucible of transformation where each experience shapes us. Embrace challenges, cherish discovery, and dare to dream beyond convention. Together, let’s weave a tapestry of knowledge, compassion, and resilience. Welcome, and may this semester be a testament to your boundless potential.”
Through initiating these orientations and activities, AUK continues to foster a community of students who are tight-knit and united in their scholastic and professional goals.
AUK president Dr. Rawda Awwad
General photos from the orientation
General photos from the orientation
12, Feb 2024
Art & Design Students and Faculty Excel in Creative Printmaking Conference
AUK students and faculty from the Art & Graphic Design Department participated in the Creative Printing Conference 2024, which took place in Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre.
Fahad Dhawi, assistant professor of graphic design, designed the logo, kinetic typography, and set the color scheme for the conference. He also designed a reveal poster for next year’s conference theme and identity, enhancing the color palette and incorporating geometric shapes. Clark Stoeckley, associate professor of art & graphic design, designed and submitted a winning poster according to the conference’s theme, “Harmony Beyond Borders: Experienced Layers.”
The conference included a section under the category “External Artworks Beyond Borders” where the chair of the Graphic Design Department, William Andersen and most of Professor Dhawi’s Arab Design History students (ARTH303) participated.
AUK's exceptional students and faculty actively engage in conferences, effectively highlighting the University's commitment to delivering high-quality education and maintaining rigorous standards.
Fahad Dhawi, assistant professor of graphic design, designed the logo, kinetic typography, and set the color scheme for the conference. He also designed a reveal poster for next year’s conference theme and identity, enhancing the color palette and incorporating geometric shapes. Clark Stoeckley, associate professor of art & graphic design, designed and submitted a winning poster according to the conference’s theme, “Harmony Beyond Borders: Experienced Layers.”
The conference included a section under the category “External Artworks Beyond Borders” where the chair of the Graphic Design Department, William Andersen and most of Professor Dhawi’s Arab Design History students (ARTH303) participated.
AUK's exceptional students and faculty actively engage in conferences, effectively highlighting the University's commitment to delivering high-quality education and maintaining rigorous standards.
Dr. Fahad Dhawi with conference members
General photos from the exhibition
General photos from the exhibition
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30, Jan 2024
Italian Ambassador Visits AUK
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, welcomed the Italian Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Lorenzo Morini, to the University’s campus. They discussed potential outreach initiatives and addressed the varied educational requirements of students on a local and international level.
AUK has a longstanding commitment to collaborating with various embassies, maintaining a dedicated effort to uphold regular meetings that strengthen relationships and foster mutual support for scholastic opportunities.
AUK has a longstanding commitment to collaborating with various embassies, maintaining a dedicated effort to uphold regular meetings that strengthen relationships and foster mutual support for scholastic opportunities.
AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad and the Italian Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Lorenzo Morini
29, Jan 2024
AUK Art & Graphic Design Department Launches 17th Biannual Capstone Exhibition
The Art & Graphic Design Department at AUK launched its Fall 2023 Capstone Design Exhibition which took place at the AUK Exhibition Center. The exhibition offered senior students an opportunity to display their creative work, which covered a range of themes, including social and cultural awareness, corporate identity, and entrepreneurship.
The exhibition ran for one week and participating students were evaluated by industry experts based on their creativity and presentation, their ability to conduct and use graphic design research strategy effectively, and their ability to plan and implement a compelling graphic design display.
The Chair of the Art & Graphic Design Department, Professor William Andersen, talked about the exhibition and what it represents, “We are proud to showcase the final projects of our graduating graphic design majors. Their capstone projects bring together all the knowledge and skills they have acquired at AUK and highlights their talent and creativity.”
Held on a biannual basis, the Capstone Design Exhibition brings together visitors from the field of graphic design, including experts from graphic design studios, publishing houses, film and video production companies, advertising, and multimedia firms.
Associate professor of graphic design and professor of the capstone course, Maryam Hosseinnia, stated, "The diversity of projects influenced from personal stories and life circumstances is what makes this exhibition unique and special. Each student’s journey, their values, passion, and motivation are expressed in their work, a unique combination of what it takes to be a graphic designer.”
AUK’s Graphic Design Capstone Exhibition presents an opportunity for senior students to fully incorporate their design strengths and learning into a focused and extended process of research and visual expression.
The exhibition ran for one week and participating students were evaluated by industry experts based on their creativity and presentation, their ability to conduct and use graphic design research strategy effectively, and their ability to plan and implement a compelling graphic design display.
The Chair of the Art & Graphic Design Department, Professor William Andersen, talked about the exhibition and what it represents, “We are proud to showcase the final projects of our graduating graphic design majors. Their capstone projects bring together all the knowledge and skills they have acquired at AUK and highlights their talent and creativity.”
Held on a biannual basis, the Capstone Design Exhibition brings together visitors from the field of graphic design, including experts from graphic design studios, publishing houses, film and video production companies, advertising, and multimedia firms.
Associate professor of graphic design and professor of the capstone course, Maryam Hosseinnia, stated, "The diversity of projects influenced from personal stories and life circumstances is what makes this exhibition unique and special. Each student’s journey, their values, passion, and motivation are expressed in their work, a unique combination of what it takes to be a graphic designer.”
AUK’s Graphic Design Capstone Exhibition presents an opportunity for senior students to fully incorporate their design strengths and learning into a focused and extended process of research and visual expression.
Click on the Image to view the Photo Gallery
29, Jan 2024
AUK Basketball Teams Secure First Place in UAAK Tournament
AUK men’s and women’s basketball teams claimed the championship in the 2023-2024 UAAK Tournament. The teams' remarkable achievement was marked by an impressive streak of consecutive victories, underscoring their dominance and proficiency on the basketball court throughout the tournament.
Eight universities participated in the league. The men's basketball team maintained an impeccable record, remaining undefeated throughout the league. Meanwhile, the women's basketball team secured victories in all but one game during this competitive season.
Commenting on this impressive achievement, Mohammed Al-Saleh, senior sports coordinator, stated, “AUK athletics have become an attraction for prospective students, and I am very happy about this. When team players win, they feel that they are recognized as athletes, however at AUK just being part of an AUK sports team makes our players immediately feel like athletes. I am very proud of both the men’s and women's basketball teams and congratulate them for all their efforts and for winning in the UAAK Basketball League.”
Omar Mehdi, director of the Office of Student Life, also shared the same sentiment, “The Office of Student Life is very proud of our champions who dominated both the men's and women's UAAK basketball league. Our student-athletes' character and passion led them to this well-deserved victory.”
This victory not only underscores AUK's athletic excellence but also reflects their unwavering dedication. The values of discipline, hard work, and teamwork exemplified by the athletes are ingrained in the ethos of the University, fostering a culture of excellence that extends beyond the sports field.
Eight universities participated in the league. The men's basketball team maintained an impeccable record, remaining undefeated throughout the league. Meanwhile, the women's basketball team secured victories in all but one game during this competitive season.
Commenting on this impressive achievement, Mohammed Al-Saleh, senior sports coordinator, stated, “AUK athletics have become an attraction for prospective students, and I am very happy about this. When team players win, they feel that they are recognized as athletes, however at AUK just being part of an AUK sports team makes our players immediately feel like athletes. I am very proud of both the men’s and women's basketball teams and congratulate them for all their efforts and for winning in the UAAK Basketball League.”
Omar Mehdi, director of the Office of Student Life, also shared the same sentiment, “The Office of Student Life is very proud of our champions who dominated both the men's and women's UAAK basketball league. Our student-athletes' character and passion led them to this well-deserved victory.”
This victory not only underscores AUK's athletic excellence but also reflects their unwavering dedication. The values of discipline, hard work, and teamwork exemplified by the athletes are ingrained in the ethos of the University, fostering a culture of excellence that extends beyond the sports field.
AUK’s winning Men’s Basketball Team
AUK’s winning Men’s Basketball Team
AUK’s winning Women’s Basketball team
General photos from the UAAK tournament
General photos from the UAAK tournament
28, Jan 2024
AUK CCE and GATES Forge Partnership for Development in Kuwait
The Center for Continuing Education (CCE) at AUK and GATES Group collaborated on a joint initiative, aimed at providing comprehensive consulting, training, executive coaching, and fostering business transformation in Kuwait.
The newly unveiled initiative, SuCCEed, is positioned to cater to the Kuwaiti market, offering specialized consulting services in human resources, training management, strategy, finance, accounting, and healthcare accreditation readiness. SuCCEed will actively facilitate leaders and professionals in accessing continuous development solutions through collaborations with both local and international partners.
Functioning as an integral part of CCE, SuCCEed assumes a pivotal role in bolstering leaders' development. It provides executive coaching and consulting services tailored to meet diverse market demands in Kuwait, including the accreditation mandate by GIG, Kuwaitization of the workforce, and the objectives outlined in Kuwait Vision 2035.
This strategic partnership combines AUK's educational excellence and GATES Group's healthcare industry expertise to enhance healthcare management practices, cultivate leaders, and drive impactful business transformation.
The newly unveiled initiative, SuCCEed, is positioned to cater to the Kuwaiti market, offering specialized consulting services in human resources, training management, strategy, finance, accounting, and healthcare accreditation readiness. SuCCEed will actively facilitate leaders and professionals in accessing continuous development solutions through collaborations with both local and international partners.
Functioning as an integral part of CCE, SuCCEed assumes a pivotal role in bolstering leaders' development. It provides executive coaching and consulting services tailored to meet diverse market demands in Kuwait, including the accreditation mandate by GIG, Kuwaitization of the workforce, and the objectives outlined in Kuwait Vision 2035.
This strategic partnership combines AUK's educational excellence and GATES Group's healthcare industry expertise to enhance healthcare management practices, cultivate leaders, and drive impactful business transformation.
CCE, AUK, and GATES logos
21, Jan 2024
AUK Professor Monitors Winter and Summer Solstices in Kuwait
Dr. Abrar Aljamaan, assistant professor of Mathematics at AUK, collaborated with photographer and Solarigraphy project creator, Diego Lopez Calvin, to monitor and document the highest and lowest points the Sun reaches over the seasons of the year.
This global project is a combination of art and science in which aesthetic images are produced by the apparent movement of the sun - photographed by pinhole cameras loaded with photosensitive material and subjected to very long exposures of time.
The camera is mounted on the rooftop of an AUK building and will remain there for the next six months, observing the Sun as it moves across the Kuwaiti sky from the winter to the summer solstices.
This global project is a combination of art and science in which aesthetic images are produced by the apparent movement of the sun - photographed by pinhole cameras loaded with photosensitive material and subjected to very long exposures of time.
The camera is mounted on the rooftop of an AUK building and will remain there for the next six months, observing the Sun as it moves across the Kuwaiti sky from the winter to the summer solstices.
Solarigraphic camera placed on AUK building
18, Jan 2024
Bridging Cultures: AUK Welcomes Global Leaders from Douglass College for Engaging Exchange
AUK English majors met students from the Global Leaders program at Douglass College, Rutgers University, for the second consecutive year. The program, managed by Dr. Hasnaa Mokhtar, director of Global at Douglass, focuses on the global status of women and advocacy projects oriented toward gender equity. Hosted by Dr. Hanan Muzaffar, associate professor of English literature at AUK, the visit provided students with a platform to discuss various literary concepts.
The visiting students participated in Dr. Muzaffar's ENGL 319 course, titled "Women and Literature." They joined AUK students in group discussions related to their class topics and final projects, enriching the learning experience for both groups and fostering a global exchange of perspectives.
One student, Nuha AlSahli, current editor of Voice of AUK, reflected on the visit, “Discussing women's issues in class is one thing, but engaging with women from diverse cultures takes it to another level. Exploring intersectionality was enlightening, and witnessing how these issues impact women of various races and ethnicities was truly eye-opening. This meeting provided a practical context for the theories we studied in class, making it an anticipated experience. Literature is a universal aspect of life, and witnessing an enhanced global participation was truly impressive.”
AUK students are recognized for their ability to establish connections with peers from various international universities, fostering valuable networks that contribute to their future career prospects and graduate studies.
The visiting students participated in Dr. Muzaffar's ENGL 319 course, titled "Women and Literature." They joined AUK students in group discussions related to their class topics and final projects, enriching the learning experience for both groups and fostering a global exchange of perspectives.
One student, Nuha AlSahli, current editor of Voice of AUK, reflected on the visit, “Discussing women's issues in class is one thing, but engaging with women from diverse cultures takes it to another level. Exploring intersectionality was enlightening, and witnessing how these issues impact women of various races and ethnicities was truly eye-opening. This meeting provided a practical context for the theories we studied in class, making it an anticipated experience. Literature is a universal aspect of life, and witnessing an enhanced global participation was truly impressive.”
AUK students are recognized for their ability to establish connections with peers from various international universities, fostering valuable networks that contribute to their future career prospects and graduate studies.
Group photo of AUK and Douglass College members
Students during group discussion
Students during group discussion
16, Jan 2024
Elevating Financial Literacy: AUK Finance Club Collaborates with CBK for Banking Awareness
The Finance Club at AUK recently hosted an event in collaboration with the Commercial Bank of Kuwait (CBK) as part of the Diraya Campaign. This initiative focused on underscoring consumer rights and promoting banking awareness.
Mr. Sadeq Al-Mousawi, assistant manager, fraud, risk monitoring and chargeback operations division, highlighted the pervasive issue of fraud. Mr. Al-Mousawi discussed various scams affecting different age groups, including work-from-home schemes with legal liabilities and deceptive tactics like extracting sensitive card details and one-time passwords (OTPs).
The session encouraged an open discussion with participants sharing their experiences. Mr. Al-Mousawi provided insightful analysis and recommendations based on these encounters. The discussion also covered the evolving landscape of fraud, emphasizing the role of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in enabling more sophisticated methods.
The event not only raised awareness of vulnerabilities but also offered practical solutions. Precautionary measures were presented to help attendees safeguard their financial details and protect themselves from the increasing wave of fraud attacks.
As technology progresses, AUK remains at the forefront of initiatives like these, acting as a cornerstone in providing individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to safeguard their financial well-being.
Mr. Sadeq Al-Mousawi, assistant manager, fraud, risk monitoring and chargeback operations division, highlighted the pervasive issue of fraud. Mr. Al-Mousawi discussed various scams affecting different age groups, including work-from-home schemes with legal liabilities and deceptive tactics like extracting sensitive card details and one-time passwords (OTPs).
The session encouraged an open discussion with participants sharing their experiences. Mr. Al-Mousawi provided insightful analysis and recommendations based on these encounters. The discussion also covered the evolving landscape of fraud, emphasizing the role of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in enabling more sophisticated methods.
The event not only raised awareness of vulnerabilities but also offered practical solutions. Precautionary measures were presented to help attendees safeguard their financial details and protect themselves from the increasing wave of fraud attacks.
As technology progresses, AUK remains at the forefront of initiatives like these, acting as a cornerstone in providing individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to safeguard their financial well-being.
AUK representatives with Mr. Sadeq Al-Mousawi
15, Jan 2024
Diving into the Heart of Journalism: AUK Students Visit Kuwait Times for Career Insights
Students from AUK recently undertook an enlightening expedition into the professional realm, facilitated by the Alumni Affairs and Career Development (AACD) office. In continuation of their innovative series, Career Exploration Trips, the department organized a captivating visit to Kuwait's first and oldest English news agency, Kuwait Times.
Learning from AUK alumna Dhoha Al Issa '23, a notable figure in the field, students from various majors had a unique opportunity to explore journalism firsthand. Alongside her experienced colleagues, Dhoha shared invaluable insights that gave attendees a comprehensive view of journalism.
AACD director, Abir Tannir, commented on the significance of these career field trips, “Career field trips offer our students in-depth understanding and career exploration in the real world. During the students’ trip to Kuwait Times, I saw them immerse themselves in the dynamic realm of journalism. The experience sparked a profound appreciation and inspired our young professionals to explore different career paths within the vibrant field of media.”
Students also witnessed the inner workings of a modern newspaper agency. They were given a rare glimpse into the operations of a printing press, enriching their understanding of the journalistic process. This immersive experience expanded students' awareness of diverse career possibilities in journalism, sparking new interests.
The visit to Kuwait Times served as a bridge between academic learning and real-world applications, helping students understand how their skills could translate into the dynamic journalism landscape. This transformative experience broadened their understanding and set the stage for future careers in the field.
Learning from AUK alumna Dhoha Al Issa '23, a notable figure in the field, students from various majors had a unique opportunity to explore journalism firsthand. Alongside her experienced colleagues, Dhoha shared invaluable insights that gave attendees a comprehensive view of journalism.
AACD director, Abir Tannir, commented on the significance of these career field trips, “Career field trips offer our students in-depth understanding and career exploration in the real world. During the students’ trip to Kuwait Times, I saw them immerse themselves in the dynamic realm of journalism. The experience sparked a profound appreciation and inspired our young professionals to explore different career paths within the vibrant field of media.”
Students also witnessed the inner workings of a modern newspaper agency. They were given a rare glimpse into the operations of a printing press, enriching their understanding of the journalistic process. This immersive experience expanded students' awareness of diverse career possibilities in journalism, sparking new interests.
The visit to Kuwait Times served as a bridge between academic learning and real-world applications, helping students understand how their skills could translate into the dynamic journalism landscape. This transformative experience broadened their understanding and set the stage for future careers in the field.
Students meeting with Dhoha Al Issa and Ms. Jana Al Naqeeb
Printing press
A student exploring archived news clippings
