The iconic main building of AUK, showcasing its elegant modern architecture and welcoming entryway.

News

01, Mar 2023
AUK Commemorates Kuwait’s National and Liberation Days with Activities
AUK held a weeklong celebration of Kuwait’s National and Liberation Days with various activities on campus. Organized by the Office of Student Life, Division of Student Affairs, the celebrations reinforced Kuwait’s national identity and promoted an appreciation of the country’s cultural and historical heritage.  
 
Student clubs and organizations prepared a series of events and functions that showcased Kuwait’s cultural diversity. AUKMUN used resemblances of traditional Kuwaiti motifs and architecture to create an immersive experience that represented Kuwait’s extensive history; and the International Relations Club (IRC) set up a booth detailing Kuwaiti Women’s role in the invasion.  
 
IRC also invited Mr. Ayman Al-Ali, an activist and former prisoner of war, to discuss the events that preluded the Iraqi invasion. Mr. Al-Ali spoke about the repercussions of Iraq and Iran's agreement to stop the war between them, and the effect that had on Iraq's relations with its neighboring countries, especially Kuwait. He detailed how the situation in Iraq after the war led to the invasion of Kuwait in 1990, and he also talked about his experience during the first day of the invasion until he was captured two days before the ground attack, which led to the liberation of Kuwait on February 26, 1991. 
 
Commenting on the celebrations that have been taking place on campus, Omar Mehdi, director of Student Life, said, “As Kuwait's National and Liberation Day is a significant milestone in Kuwaiti history, it is crucial that our student body is able to commemorate this special day in a meaningful and appropriate way. With this in mind, there are many student-led initiatives taking place which seek to promote a sense of community and solidarity among our students. These initiatives are essential to help our student body learn about and appreciate the importance of Kuwait's National and Liberation Day, as well as promote a greater appreciation of our country and its culture.”  
 
The campus community also enjoyed old Kuwaiti souk themed stalls and live traditional music. Students competed in tournaments and played traditional Kuwaiti games organized by Charitable. In addition, Kuwaiti themed snacks were given out by the Student Council, and the Anthropology Club set up a photobooth with a Kuwait-themed backdrop, creating a fun atmosphere on campus.  
 
AUK ensures students deepen their understanding of Kuwait’s culture and traditions whilst also celebrating the achievements of Kuwait and its people. With the campus-wide celebrations and decorations in place, AUK continues to foster a sense of national pride and identity among students, faculty and staff.  
 
  
 
General photos from the celebrations
 

Mr. Ayman Al-Ali during his talk
View More
AUK Commemorates Kuwait’s National and Liberation Days with Activities
23, Feb 2023
AUK Department of Art and Graphic Design Hosts Talk by Illustrator Zahra Marwan
AUK Department of Art and Graphic Design hosted a talk by Zahra Marwan, an artist and illustrator who discussed her career in Kuwait and New Mexico. Moderated by associate professor of art and graphic design, Clark Stoeckley, the talk gave students the opportunity to get an insider’s perspective through being exposed to a leading designer’s artwork.  
 
Zahra began by discussing her career path. Working as a traditional artist with watercolor and ink, she creates work that reflects her cultural roots in Kuwait and her life now in New Mexico. Zahra showed her entire process of illustrating and authoring children’s books, including reference photography, concept sketches, drafts sent to her editors, and the final layout.  
 
During the presentation, she read her debut picture book, Where Butterflies Fill the Sky, published by Bloomsbury Books in 2022 and named one of the New York Times / New York Public Library Best Illustrated books.  
 
Commenting on the event, professor Stoeckley highlighted the significance of such talks and why they are important to host, “Through these guest lectures, AUK Design majors are exposed to real-world successful artists, designers, and entrepreneurs to hear their stories and advice and to build awareness of the expectations of the field. Our students can interact with leading authors, designers, and illustrators, learn about their career path, research, writing, and work, and hear of the best practices to develop a unique identity.”  
 
The event concluded with a Q&A session in which the audience asked thought-provoking questions, instigating engaging dialogue and discussion. Events as such provide students with invaluable insights into the design industry and the opportunity to learn from experts to apply key theoretical concepts to real-life experiences.  
 
Zahra Marwan holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Mexico in Languages and Literature, with a minor in Flamenco Dance and History and a minor in Philosophy. She studied the visual arts in France works with museums, non-profits, theater companies, and cultural centers. She is honored with the UN Human Rights Commission award for creating art that brings visibility to indigenous groups and minority rights. She maintains her studio at the Harwood Art Center, where she incorporates Kuwaiti tendencies into her daily life. 
 
 
 

Zahraa Marwan during her presentation
View More
AUK Department of Art and Graphic Design Hosts Talk by Illustrator Zahra Marwan
Showing 10 Articles of 1528
22, Feb 2023
AUK Hosts Talk by Palestinian Culture Center
AUK hosted a talk by the Palestinian Culture Center. The talk was presented by IT engineer and researcher, Tarek Bakri, who is most famous for his project “We Were and Still Are...Here” that documents Palestine through visual storytelling.  
 
During the talk, Bakri detailed his main mission of creating bridges that connect Palestinians of all ages from around the world with their homeland through collecting and authenticating their stories. He uses his platform to take comparative pictures and videos of prominent sites, houses, and villages.  
 
Commenting on the successful outcome of the event, Bakri said, “Visual storytelling is a new technique and strategy that we are constantly using to convey messages about the Palestinian cause. This event really highlighted the role of youth as initiators, and I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to AUK for hosting our talk.”  
 
Emphasizing the importance of preserving Palestinian identity and raising awareness, Bakri discussed how film and photography have a unique and powerful ability to capture emotions and convey messages in a way that can transcend language, culture, and time; making them essential tools for both artistic expression and social commentary.  
 
The event concluded with a Q&A session in which the audience asked thought-provoking questions, instigating engaging dialogue and discussion. Through hosting events and spokespeople of this caliber, AUK continues to promote positive social change and foster community engagement around shared values and goals.  
 
Bakri is the recipient of the 2018 Jerusalem Award for Culture and Creativity and has held several exhibitions and seminars in Palestine, the Arab World, and Europe. To learn more about Bakri’s initiative, visit his website: https://tarekbakri.com  
 
 
 

Tarek Bakri during his presentation
 
  

General photo of the audience
AUK Hosts Talk by Palestinian Culture Center
21, Feb 2023
AUK Hosts 8th KALD International Annual Conference
AUK hosted the 8th Kuwait Association for Learning Differences (KALD) International Annual Conference. The conference, titled “Practical Solutions for Dyslexia,” is accredited by the British Dyslexia Association (BDA).  
 
Through this conference, educators and specialists gained a better understanding of the problems that dyslexic learners face, including the appropriate methods and resources to help support them within the context of their learning environment.  
 
The conference was the first of three sessions that will lead to achieving and receiving a qualification from BDA. Presenting at the conference were Lynn Lovell, BDA Head of Professional Practice; Kayleigh Chang, BDA Professional Level Tutor; and Dr. Huda Shabaan, assistant director at the AUK Counseling Center, and KALD Conference General Coordinator Development and Schools Evaluation Consultant.  
 
The KALD conference gave all attendees the opportunity to complete the level 2 BDA accredited program, comprising of 3 days of training. Candidates can later apply for the level 5 BDA accredited program, after which they can upgrade to the BDA level 7 Diploma in Dyslexia Assessment and Intervention that will enable them to formally diagnose dyslexia, gaining an Assessment Practicing Certificate (APC).  
 
In attendance were education professionals, specialists, and those with an interest in dyslexia and looking to attend training or build towards an accredited outcome.  
 
   
  

AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, with conference members
 
 

AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, with conference members
AUK Hosts 8th KALD International Annual Conference
20, Feb 2023
AUK Hosts TEFL Kuwait Interdisciplinary Multidisciplinary Conference 2023
AUK hosted the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) interdisciplinary multidisciplinary conference that explored innovation, integration, and digital transformation through education.  
 
The TEFL Kuwait International Conference brought together experts in language, education, business, and technology to discuss recent innovations, trends, challenges, and solutions to matters in language, education, business, and technology.  
 
AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary education in her welcome speech, “Today we have come together to explore the intersections of educational frameworks and learning and teaching strategies knowing that we can work together to create a more comprehensive and effective learning experience for our students.  We understand that education fails when it adopts a one-size-fits all approach. I believe that we can all agree that by considering multiple perspectives, we can provide a more well-rounded education to our students that is sufficiently agile when we are required to pivot at a moment’s notice and that is also adaptable with the changing times.”    
 
Some of the keynote speakers that presented during the conference included Dr. William Cope, professor in the Department of Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership; Dr. Thanassis Rikakis, dean of USC Lovine and Young Academy for Arts, Technology, and the Business of Innovation; Dr. Abdullatif AlShamsi, professor of engineering and education in the Higher Colleges of Technology; Ms. Sara Hussain Akbar, Kuwaiti chemical petroleum engineer; Dr. Ebtehal AlKhateeb, assistant professor at Kuwait University in the Department of English Language and Literature; and Dr. Christine Coombe, former TESOL International president.  
 
TEFL Kuwait promotes English language learning and teaching methodologies in Kuwait, the Gulf and the globe. With upwards of 900 members from 73 countries, the TEFL Kuwait community includes educators from Kuwait and the MENA region as well as a diverse range of global participants from a host of nations and continents from the USA to the UK, Canada, Europe, South America, Asia and Africa. Through TEFL Kuwait, educators of the English language as well as educators who teach their subjects in the English language stay abreast of the latest trends impacting education.  
 
First Year Experience (FYE) senior instructor, and TEFL membership chair and co-founder, Ms. Sandra Stein, organized the event that exhibited a very thought-provoking and engaging atmosphere. Attendees included representatives of universities, teachers from public and private sectors, and other related organizations, such as language schools.  
  
 
 

Group photo of TEFL attendees
AUK Hosts TEFL Kuwait Interdisciplinary Multidisciplinary Conference 2023
16, Feb 2023
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, welcomed students during the orientation and detailed the ways in which students will benefit from their time at AUK, “You are now paving your own path and creating your own story. While you’re here at AUK you will have the opportunity to learn new things, acquire new knowledge, and develop new skills. You will meet new people, some of which will even become your lifelong friends. You will also have the opportunity to hone in on your own personal attributes in really, truly profound ways that will prepare you for life after university.” 

Presentations by the Office of Scholarship & Financial Aid, Division of Student Affairs, and the Student Council took place. Students were then able to communicate with one another through ice breaker activities, and a commemorative group picture was taken to end the day.   

During the first week of the spring semester, an array of activities were organized by the Office of Student Life, Division of Student Affairs that included sports games such as bubble football and VR games. Students also got the chance to familiarize themselves with all the clubs and organizations that they could join on campus through the involvement fair. 

AUK student Lynn Pais is serving as the president of the Anthropology Club; she explained how her club advocates for diversity, “The anthropology club really encourages diversity. We want to provide a global understanding of culture and tradition through inclusive and interactive ways. We would love students to join us in having an open discussion about culture and participate in our events.” 

Commenting on the orientation and activities taking place on campus, the dean of student affairs, Ms. Hala Al-Abdulrazzaq, said, “We are happy to welcome the Class of 2026 to our campus, and we are truly pleased to see our returning students during the social activities of Welcome to the Pack Week this semester. We wish the AUK Community a great semester.”  

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, giving her speech
  

Dean of student affairs, Ms. Hala Al Abdulrazzaq, giving her speech
  

Group photo of newly admitted students
  

AUK students during the tour
   

Students during the involvement fair
  

Students during the involvement fair
AUK Begins Spring Semester with Orientation and Welcome Week Activities
09, Feb 2023
AUK Students Showcase Artwork in History of Arab Design Exhibition
Graphic design students at AUK showcased their work in an exhibition that centered on the history of Arab design. The exhibition was organized by assistant professor of graphic design, Dr. Fahad Dhawi, for his Special Topics course.  
 
The event showcased how Arabic graphic design is influenced by history, regional trends, and cultural phenomena, and to develop critical thinking and effective communication as it pertains to Arabic graphic design. 
 
The exhibited projects encompassed Arabic calligraphy, typography, lettering, sculpture, mix media, painting, illustration and manuscript. Mashrabiya, poster, product, and furniture designs were also incorporated into the students’ work.  
 
Commenting on the significance of this exhibition and its distinctiveness, Dr. Dhawi stated, “The course and final projects featured in the exhibition highlight the importance of visual identity and culture. There is no design course in the Gulf region that covers the work of more than 200 Arab designers, or detailed information (timelines) on the establishment and evolution of Arab art and design colleges, editorial design, poster design, cinema, typewriter, language learning, printing press, and calligraphy in pre-colonial and post-colonial eras in one semester. Therefore, this course would be one of the first in Kuwait—if not in the region—that exposes students to this content through written reflection papers, engaging lectures, collaborative class activities, and discussions.”  
 
An engaging platform was offered for students through this exhibition to celebrate creativity, strength of communication design, power of voice and artistic expression as well as the power of art, culture, and collaboration. 
                                                                           
 
Students’ projects
 

AUK Students Showcase Artwork in History of Arab Design Exhibition
05, Feb 2023
AUK To Host TEFL Kuwait Interdisciplinary Multidisciplinary Conference 2023
AUK will host the Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) interdisciplinary multidisciplinary conference that will explore innovation, integration, and digital transformation through education. The international conference will be held on the 10th and 11th of February 2023. 

This event brings together experts in language, education, business, and technology to exchange and share their ideas and research results in all interdisciplinary streams. Expected to attend are representatives of universities, teachers from public and private sectors, and other related organizations, such as language schools.

The TEFL Kuwait International Conference provides a premier interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners, and educators to discuss recent innovations, trends, challenges, and solutions to problems in language, education, business, and technology. 

Some of the keynote speakers that will be presenting during the conference include Dr. William Cope, professor in the Department of Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership; Dr. Thanassis Rikakis, dean of USC Lovine and Young Academy for Arts, Technology, and the Business of Innovation; Dr. Abdullatif AlShamsi, professor of engineering and education in the Higher Colleges of Technology; Ms. Sara Hussain Akbar, Kuwaiti chemical petroleum engineer; Dr. Ebtehal AlKhateeb, assistant professor at Kuwait University in the Department of English Language and Literature; and Dr. Christine Coombe, former TESOL International president. 

TEFL Kuwait promotes English language learning and teaching methodologies in Kuwait, the Gulf and the globe. With upwards of 900 members from 73 countries, the TEFL Kuwait community includes educators from Kuwait and the MENA region as well as a diverse range of global participants from a host of nations and continents from the USA to the UK, Canada, Europe, South America, Asia and Africa. Through TEFL Kuwait, educators of the English language as well as educators who teach their subjects in the English language stay abreast of the latest trends impacting education. 

The event will be hosted both online and on-site. 

In-person registration:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSerXXXaaxtfVUcSNvpLz9yTotCEy6uJHCbLWpQL5i3CShIdQw/viewform
 
Online registration:
https://algonquincollege.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcsdOGpqjwvH9yKABlCzyKaJAS3bsCL8Qjk

To become a member or volunteer for the conference, visit the following link:
www.teflkuwait.com
 
 
 

TEFL Kuwait International Conference poster
AUK To Host TEFL Kuwait Interdisciplinary Multidisciplinary Conference 2023
02, Feb 2023
AUK To Host 8th KALD International Annual Conference
AUK will host the 8th Kuwait Association for Learning Differences (KALD) International Annual Conference on the 10th, 11th and 12th of February, 2023. The conference, titled “Practical Solutions for Dyslexia,” is accredited by the British Dyslexia Association (BDA).   
  
Through this conference, educators and specialists will gain a better understanding of the problems that dyslexic learners face, including the appropriate methods and resources to help support them within the context of their learning environment.   
  
The conference is the first of three sessions that will lead to achieving and receiving a qualification from BDA. Presenting at the conference will be Lynn Lovell, BDA Head of Professional Practice; Kayleigh Chang, BDA Professional Level Tutor; and Dr. Huda Shabaan, KALD Conference General Coordinator Development and Schools Evaluation Consultant.   
 
This program is suitable for education professionals, specialists, or those with an interest in dyslexia who are looking to attend training or build towards an accredited outcome. This year, the KALD conference will give all attendees the opportunity to complete the level 2 BDA accredited program, comprising of 3 days of training. Candidates may then apply for the level 5 BDA accredited program, after which they can upgrade to the BDA level 7 Diploma in Dyslexia Assessment and Intervention that will enable them to formally diagnose dyslexia, gaining an Assessment Practicing Certificate (APC). 
 
The event will be hosted both online and on-site. To register, visit the following link: https://kaldkuwait.wufoo.com/forms/rdgbw1k0opook7/ 
 
 
 

Conference poster
AUK To Host 8th KALD International Annual Conference
30, Jan 2023
AUK CEAS Hosts Cybersecurity Lecture in Collaboration with US Embassy
AUK College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS) hosted a talk in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait entitled, Adapting to Future Cybersecurity Threats: Thoughts from the United States, presented by U.S cybersecurity expert, Mr. Guillermo Christensen. 

Mr. Christensen is a partner at K&L Gates, Washington, D.C. He is a member of the Antitrust, Competition, and Trade Regulation practice group. During the talk, Mr. Christensen discussed how cybercrime is a national security risk with cyber-attacks disrupting thousands of lives globally. He also highlighted the ways in which societies, governments, and private sectors can become more resilient in the face of cybercrime threats. Implementing multifactor authentication, preventing credential compromise, and resolving privacy and data transfer issues are some of the cybersecurity measures Mr. Christensen shared with the audience. 

The dean of CEAS, Dr. Amir Zeid, explained how such talks pave the way for a comprehensive understanding of the current issues facing society at large, “Mr. Christensen is a world-class cybersecurity expert and the real-life experiences he shared with us from the U.S were incredibly insightful. We hosted him before in 2019 and this year’s collaboration was just as successful and eye-opening.” 

In attendance were industry experts, the general public, and members of the AUK community to broaden their knowledge within the cybersecurity field.  

The event concluded with open discussion and a Q&A session with the speaker.  

 
   

Mr. Guillermo Christensen during the presentation
  
 

Group photo of dean of CEAS, Dr. Amir Zeid, and Mr. Guillermo Christensen with attendees
AUK CEAS Hosts Cybersecurity Lecture in Collaboration with US Embassy
© American University of Kuwait Terms of Service Privacy Statement