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

News

19, Jul 2022
The Dartmouth-AUK Partnership: Transcending Borders Since 2003
A 19-year partnership is no small feat. The question is, how do the American University of Kuwait (AUK) and Dartmouth College transcend borders to bridge a multinational, cross-cultural population to form a community of informed, worldly, lifelong learners?  
 
This year’s activities are a great example of how this relationship has been sustained throughout the years and still remains solid.  
 
One key event that took place was Dartmouth’s visit to the AUK campus, which happens frequently, where members from both institutions visit each other to catch up on various academic improvements and maintain relations, thus venturing into new collaborative initiatives.   
For this year’s week-long visit, AUK warmly welcomed the Dartmouth-AUK Program executive director/relationship coordinator, Professor Dale Eickelman, and Dartmouth-AUK Program deputy director, Ms. Kerry Laufer. A range of meetings with the AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad; executive vice president, Ms. Amal Al-Binali; deans, directors, faculty, administrators, and interns took place.  

Ideas were exchanged and discussions took place that fostered an environment of growth among the two institutions. Representatives from either side of this cross-cultural bridge met halfway and shared objectives and discussed initiatives to further expand the scope of their partnership.  

The Dartmouth party visited classes that showcased AUK’s pedagogy. AUK brings the world into its classroom and vice versa—this can be reflected in Professor Eickelman and Ms. Laufer’s interaction with the students where both parties engaged in open discussions, affirming AUK’s liberal arts values and high educational standards.  
 
The concluding proceedings of the week included a presentation by Professor Eickelman and Ms. Laufer, titled, “Dartmouth-AUK Connection: What it Means to AUK Students and Faculty”. The presentation expanded on student exchanges, the faculty fellowship program, and collaborative projects between the two universities.  

It is also worth noting that as an extension of the Dartmouth-AUK partnership, a total of six students were sent to Dartmouth this summer—four as interns and two as exchange students. This experience is designed to assist with personal growth, expanding students’ horizons academically and professionally, and it is also a means to connect the AUK and Dartmouth communities. 
  
Of equal importance is the Dartmouth-AUK Fellowship. Granted to an AUK faculty member on an annual basis, this fellowship allows professors to grow and expand their research by using the latest equipment in laboratories, collaborating with highly regarded professionals, and utilizing resources needed to publish their research in top journals and international conferences. 
 
The Dartmouth-AUK partnership is a medium of educational, cultural, and professional connection that joins its communities to provide them with a rich, holistic, and unparalleled experience that cannot be sought elsewhere.
 
 

A picture of AUK’s campus and Dartmouth College
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The Dartmouth-AUK Partnership: Transcending Borders Since 2003
18, Jul 2022
From Robotics & Coding To Digital Imaging & Typography: AUK Senior Students Shine In Capstone Exhibitions
“How can I benefit Kuwait’s community with my project? How can I make it modern, resourceful, and relevant?”

These are the kinds of questions that senior students at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) ask themselves when brainstorming ideas for their senior capstone projects. This year, upon polishing up their ideas, AUK’s engineering, applied sciences, and graphic design seniors successfully exhibited their capstone projects.

A number of powerful proposals were submitted to faculty for the possibility of applying these ideas in Kuwait.

AUGMENTED REALITY FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES

Supervised by Dr. Seyed Esmaeili, Almuntaser AbdulSalam, Ahmad Aldulaie, and Amer Alazemi developed a unique system that aims to develop education and improve its outcomes through increasing interaction between teachers and students, ensuring higher levels of participation and a better understanding of course materials.

"The lack of communication and interaction between teachers and students can be found in the existing traditional educational system. This hinders the process of transferring information. Online education has worsened the situation, so we decided to propose a solution that would motivate students to participate through simplifying complex concepts. This means the student won’t have to spend a long time trying to understand complicated terminologies,” stated Alazemi.

Alazemi also explained the benefits of using augmented reality, "We designed and implemented an integrated educational system that employs augmented reality techniques to fill the gaps in the educational system in which there is little to no interaction. Augmented reality is a modern concept that integrates reality with the virtual world. Some mobile applications that use cameras to show three-dimensional models in real life have recently become widespread. We chose augmented reality because studies have shown that 3D models, like other visual stimuli, make it easier for students to understand complex concepts.”

Their project would practically be implemented by providing glasses to the teacher and student to wear. The teacher would then explain the three-dimensional models displayed. Tests would also take place using these models that can provide students with different answers they can choose from; this would ultimately result in more participation and interaction within the classroom setting.

Alazemi concluded by expressing his gratitude, "We thank all faculty members, as they were always readily available and responded to all of our inquiries, especially the dean of CEAS, Dr. Amir Zeid, who also supported us throughout this process. We would like to thank our colleagues for encouraging us too.”

THE TYPING EYE

Abdullah Al-Dihani, Hamad Al-Mutawa, Talal Al-Shammari and Abdulhadi Al-Ajmi also developed an imaginative project: The Typing Eye. Supervised by Dr. Jibran Yousafzai, the project aims to help people suffering from disabilities or paralysis. By using their eyes, patients can select letters and words from a tablet so that these glances are transformed into audible words that their caretaker can understand.

Hamad Al-Mutawa explained that the tablet contains brief commands that include the basic vital needs the patient may require, such as food. The project includes a bracelet that measures the pressure and temperature of the patient and sends a message to caretakers in case of an emergency.

Al-Mutawa discussed what makes his team’s project unique,"Although this idea already exists, what distinguishes our project is that it is set at the lowest possible price, which is only 107 dinars. Since all that is required is a camera, tablet, and sensor, our project is affordable to the general public.”

ARTISITC DESIGNS

On the other side of the spectrum, we have Tariq Al-Qallaf, a graphic designer who created a futuristic model of a motorcycle, “I decided to design a motorcycle and worked on a number of blueprints. My goal was to design a state-of-the-art three-dimensional model of a conceptualized motorcycle. I also wanted to create a brand that can be sold to individuals.”

Al-Qallaf emphasized that his design relied on the basic concepts of fluidity and dynamism and was inspired by contemporary models. He also heavily praised Professor Rita Merheb for being a constant support and always encouraging students to embrace their creativity.

Al-Qallaf is one of the many creative designs that were presented. An array of vibrant colors, ideas and products were put on display. There were designs of eco-friendly candles, classic pop art pillows, exquisite toys and card games, fashionable t-shirts, originally designed books, mugs, and stationery.

Be it coding software or branding products, these exhibitions are a golden opportunity for AUK senior students to apply the theoretical information they learned in class in unconventionally creative ways. It’s also inspirational for visitors to witness 4 years’ worth of knowledge transform into tangible products that reflect AUK’s high educational standards.

AUK’s engineers and graphic designers have a perspective that is not limited to AUK, but rather the community at large, reflecting the principles of practicality and resourcefulness that the University engrains in its students.
    
  

 
Click on the image to view the GEAS capstone photo gallery
 
  

 
Click on the image to view the GDES capstone photo gallery
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From Robotics & Coding To Digital Imaging & Typography: AUK Senior Students Shine In Capstone Exhibitions
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17, Jul 2022
The American University of Kuwait Presents Lecture at KidZania
AUK presented a lecture at KidZania as part of the “Construction World - 2022 Edition” program. The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS) instructional assistant, Fatima Badreddine, and engineering student, Ali Abouzeid, conducted the lecture to children to inform them more about AUK and engineering.

The lecture centered around the steps to become an electrical, computer, system, or civil engineer. Simplifying terminologies to better suit their audience, Fatima and Ali also discussed what makes AUK unique, specifically highlighting AUK’s liberal arts model, its partnership with Dartmouth, and its vibrant location.

Upon completing the lecture, the children collected a CEAS-AUK KidZania certificate and badge, applying the information they received to KidZania’s “Construction World II.”

AUK’s proactivity in approaching youth and school children is reflective of its high educational standards. The AUK establishment within KidZania Kuwait plays an integral part in the child-sized world, providing children with an interactive setting through role-play as university students.
 
General photos of the event
 

The American University of Kuwait Presents Lecture at KidZania
15, Jul 2022
AUK Hosts Annual Dinner
AUK hosted its Annual Dinner at the Palms Beach Hotel and Spa to celebrate the University’s administrative achievements and accomplishments. The event—organized by the University’s Human Resources Department—was attended by staff, faculty, and members of the president’s cabinet. During the event, 5, 10, and 15 years of service awards were presented to employees who completed the respective service years at AUK.   

AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, conveyed her gratitude towards AUK’s employees in her opening statement, “We have created a synergy that is hard to beat, built on the shoulders of you and all. That degree of energy can only be seen as authentic and personally motivated. And for that, I thank each and everyone of you for every single extra mile that you walk every day of the week, month after month, and year after year. Again, thank you for caring and for doing. For those who will be recognized this evening for the number of years of service 15, 10, and 5 respectively: I offer you my most heartfelt congratulations. That level of commitment and service, that constancy, that loyalty, is simply invaluable; and will make what is already a solid institution, stronger and better.”

This year’s theme was titled Canvas, whereby AUK staff contributed their artwork for display at the venue and were offered tokens of appreciation. 

HR director, Paul Bassil, acknowledged the attendee’s service and effort, “Dear Colleagues, the AUK Canvas is already 17 Years old. Your brushes, pencils and pens helped in drawing what we are today. We are a mix of colors, we are not asking you to change your colors, we appreciate our differences, we ask you to place your colors on the right spot, in the right moment with the right density, place your fingerprints without hesitation.”

Throughout the evening, attendees enjoyed musical performances, live art, magic shows, and a raffle draw to close the event. 

AUK’s strong culture of employee recognition is regularly expressed through events such as the annual dinner that highlight the contribution of faculty and staff. 
 
 

 
Click on the image to view the photo gallery
AUK Hosts Annual Dinner
07, Jul 2022
AUK Signs Memorandum Of Understanding With LAPA
AUK signed a memorandum of understanding with LOYAC Academy of Performing Arts (LAPA) which permits AUK communication and media students to enroll in LAPA’s Al Jawhar program and earn up to 9 credit hours towards their degree. 

The Al Jawhar program is divided into 3 levels—level 1 consists of 5 media workshops; level 2 consists of practical training such as vocal coaching and the development of Arabic skills in which the student will be supervised by a well-known media figure for evaluation; and level 3 is a special topics course for selected students who passed the preceding levels, consisting of a field training program in CNN Arabic headquarters in Dubai for 30 days, a 2-month podcast workshop in LOYAC/LAPA, and reporter trainee work in LOYAC/LAPA for a minimum of 3 months. It is through completing the third level that students earn an official certificate from LAPA stating the completion of a total of 9 credit hours. 

The signing ceremony took place with AUK executive vice president, Ms. Amal Al-Binali; the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Ali Charara; the managing director and chairperson of LOYAC and LAPA, Ms. Fareah AlSaqqaf; and TV producer and presenter, Ms. Rania Barghout, who serves as one of the industry experts supervising the students. 

Dr. Ali Charara highlighted the importance of this collaboration for students’ experience at AUK, “Communication and media students can now expand their knowledge beyond the parameters of their course material. Through this memorandum, students will have the invaluable opportunity of learning from industry professionals and exploring different branches within their field. Not only will this enhance their media literacy proficiency, it will also contribute to increasing their level of expertise and experience—making them assets within Kuwait’s job market.” 

Commenting on the agreement, Mrs. AlSaqqaf stated, "Our relationship with the American University of Kuwait is old and solid, based on cooperation and mutual respect since its foundation. With this agreement, the Al Jawhar program becomes a practical project for the communications and media department at AUK, providing young people with more than 400 hours of practical training, which can be completed within one year or 18 months, thus turning students into qualified media personnel capable of managing their own program.” 

This agreement is a testament to AUK’s distinguished integration of liberal arts principles that allow its students to engage with their chosen fields both in theory and practice.  
 

Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Ali Charara with the managing director and chairperson of LOYAC and LAPA, Ms. Fareah AlSaqqaf
 
 

(From left to right) Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Ali Charara; managing director and chairperson of LOYAC and LAPA, Ms. Fareah AlSaqqaf; TV producer and presenter, Ms. Rania Barghout; AUK executive vice president, Ms. Amal Al-Binali
 
 

(From left to right) Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Ali Charara; AUK executive vice president, Ms. Amal Al-Binali; chairperson of LOYAC and LAPA, Ms. Fareah AlSaqqaf; TV producer and presenter, Ms. Rania Barghout
AUK Signs Memorandum Of Understanding With LAPA
06, Jul 2022
AUK Participates in the 2022 PCU University Games in Belgium
AUK athletes participated in the 23rd Panathlon Clubs of Universities (PCU) University Games in Belgium. The AUK delegation represented the only athletes from the Arab world and included 32 members of students, staff, and coaches. The four AUK sports teams that took part in the games were men’s soccer, men’s futsal, women’s volleyball, and men’s volleyball.

The three-day tournament commenced with an opening ceremony followed by a special welcome for AUK’s delegation by the PCU committee president, Mr. Peter Verboven. A series of games and meetings with PCU members and delegation heads rounded an eventful experience. 

Head of the AUK delegation and senior sports coordinator at the University’s Office of Student Life, Mr. Mohammed Al-Saleh, expressed his gratitude towards AUK for providing athletes with the chance to compete abroad, “The sports trip was a great success on many levels. We thank AUK for the opportunity to compete at an international level and for exposing our athletes to new experiences. We appreciate the positive outcomes we have witnessed from this trip and look forward to many more sports events in the future.”

Ms. Hala Al Abdulrazzaq, dean of student affairs at AUK, also conveyed her pride for the athletes, “We are extremely proud of AUK sports and will continue to support our athletes and to make sure they make the best of their time at AUK. We wish them the best of luck always.”

Panathlon International was established in 1951, associates 300 Panathlon Clubs worldwide and is recognized by the International Olympic Committee. Participants of the PCU Games are automatically granted Panathlon International membership as a PCU Club.
 

AUK athletes in Belgium
 
 

AUK Participates in the 2022 PCU University Games in Belgium
04, Jul 2022
AUK College Of Business And Economics Arranges Field Trip To Boursa Kuwait
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) College of Business and Economics (CBE) arranged a field trip to the stock market, Boursa Kuwait, to enrich students’ learning experience through practical means. Dr. Wafaa Sbeiti, associate professor of finance, arranged the trip for students enrolled in the Financial Markets and Institutions and Portfolio Management courses. 

Boursa Kuwait representatives spoke to the students about the company’s origins and establishment, Kuwait’s stock market history, the best operational practices used in stock markets, as well as additional information on trade practices.

Boursa Kuwait’s most recent financial developments were also discussed, including how it maintains its high international ranking. The presentation was followed by a tour where students saw clearance offices, digital screens, and brokerage firms. Students also got a tour of the new Nasser Al-Kharafi and Jassim Al-Bahr trading hall. 

“Our trip to Boursa Kuwait was very beneficial since we got to learn more about the stock market and how we can open an account to buy stocks and invest. It was a pleasant experience to walk around Boursa and discover the history behind it and how the Kuwaiti stock market has evolved through time,” said one of the students. 

Field trips as such give students the opportunity to expand their knowledge outside the classroom and gain experiences that will aid them in implementing their coursework material.    
 

AUK students at Boursa
  

Boursa representative giving a tour for the AUK group
  

Group photo of AUK students at Boursa
AUK College Of Business And Economics Arranges Field Trip To Boursa Kuwait
04, Jul 2022
AUK Sends Students To Dartmouth College And George Washington University
AUK sent 6 students to intern at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, USA and 2 students to study abroad at George Washington University in Washington D.C., USA. 

Interning at Dartmouth College are students Ali Darwiche, Farida Mohamed, Farah Saad, Omar Hedeya, Abeer Kablaoui, and Taibah Al-Eissa. Dartmouth and AUK have formed a partnership and worked closely together since 2003 when the two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The internship program is a part of the advisory, consultative, and cooperative projects that have been facilitated as a result of this memorandum. 

Studying abroad at George Washington University are AUK students Lynn Pais and Mariam Shehadeh. The students will get the invaluable opportunity of expanding their academic and career frameworks across international borders. AUK established a Study Abroad Summer Programs Scholarship in 2016 with George Washington University (GW) that enables AUK students to take summer classes at GW. 

The American University of Kuwait has several agreements with international institutions to award its students with study-abroad opportunities which foster cross-cultural and academic experiences to further expand their knowledge beyond the classroom. 
   
  

AUK interns at Dartmouth College
   

AUK interns at Dartmouth College
  

AUK students at George Washington University
AUK Sends Students To Dartmouth College And George Washington University
04, Jul 2022
The American University of Kuwait Hosts Return of the Wolf Pack
AUK hosted its first large-scale athletic event, Return of the Wolf Pack (ROW), after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions. The full-day event was organized by the Office of Alumni Affairs & Career Development (AACD) whereby alumni and student athletes competed against each other in the following sports: volleyball, basketball, futsal, and padel—all of which were won by the alumni teams. 

This year’s ROW saw the greatest number of athletes and spectators including 120 athletes and over 200 spectators. The equipment and vouchers were sponsored by Decathlon Kuwait, and Taw9eel sponsored the prizes for the padel matches which consisted of a training bench with a rowing and cycling machine. 

Many of the alumni that were in attendance contributed more than just their athletic skills; alumnus Ameen Al-Ahmad ’07 participated as an athlete and entrepreneur, providing cold refreshments as part of his business, Frullato. Alumnus Shokry Garada ’20 joined as ROW’s official host whereby he motivated both athletes and spectators to create a lively atmosphere. 

The event presented alumni with the opportunity to reconnect with AUK’s community and re-establish bonds. Uros Lukic ’12 shared, “It was amazing to be back here with my fellow colleagues and to witness the changes on campus throughout these years. Several alumni even asked if the event could be done twice a year.”

Many of the participating alumni brought their family and friends for support and attendees expressed their excitement and anticipation for future events that will further enhance AUK’s Wolf Pack spirit. 
 
Images from the event
 
 

The American University of Kuwait Hosts Return of the Wolf Pack
28, Jun 2022
The American University of Kuwait Hosts its 18th Annual Awards Night Ceremony
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) hosted its 18th Annual Awards Night ceremony to celebrate the achievements of student employees, student clubs and organizations, LEAD at AUK program attendees, athletes, in addition to conferring the Wolf Pack Award and the President’s Award.

Held in the University’s auditorium, the event was attended by the president’s cabinet, college deans, and staff members from the Division of Student Affairs. Attendees were welcomed to the ceremony with a violin performance by AUK student Abdullah Khuraibet who was followed by a welcome speech from the dean of student affairs, Ms. Hala Al Abdulrazzaq. Reflecting upon the winners’ achievements, Dean Hala stated, “Awards Night brings together exceptional students to be recognized and awarded for their outstanding accomplishments and achievements. It is a night to celebrate and recognize our outstanding members of the community and to appreciate all their efforts. Congratulations to all winners!” 

The 2022 awards comprised a total of 115 student employee awards, 23 club awards, five LEAD at AUK awards, former and current VOICE podcast and magazine team awards, male athlete of the year, which was awarded to Hassan Qali, female athlete of the year, which was awarded to Manarah Mohammad, and male and female outstanding coach assistants to Hamad Al-Hammadi and Tala Al-Hasibi respectively. 

The event concluded with Dean Hala presenting the Wolf Pack Award to Sarah Al Awadhi, and the President’s Award was presented by the dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, Dr. Ali Charara on behalf of the AUK President to David Liang. 

Events such as Awards Night shed light on student achievements and provide a platform for an environment of growth and support. 
  
  

President’s Award- Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Ali Charara; Dean of Student Affairs, Ms. Hala Al Abdulrazzaq; and President’s Award winner, David Liang
 

Group photo of student employees and staff
The American University of Kuwait Hosts its 18th Annual Awards Night Ceremony
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