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

News

20, Apr 2022
AUK Sponsors Iftar Event for American Business Council
AUK sponsored an Iftar event hosted by the American Business Council in Crowne Plaza hotel. AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad; director of the human resources department, Mr. Paul Bassil; embassy officials, and ABCK board members were in attendance.

Dr. Rawda warmly welcomed everyone in the event through her opening statement, “I’m delighted to be here today on the breaking of fast in observance of Ramadan, one of the holiest months in the Muslim faith. The American University of Kuwait is honored to have been given this opportunity, especially considering its long-standing association with the American Business Council of Kuwait.”

The chairman of ABCK also gave a welcoming speech and shed light on ABCK’s role as an association. Activities such as raffle draws also took place during this event. Through this sponsorship, AUK continues to sustain and develop its relationship with ABCK.
 
 

AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, giving her opening statement
 

AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, receiving a token of appreciation
  

Director of the human resources department, Mr. Paul Bassil, receiving a raffle draw prize
  

Group photo of AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, with embassy officials and ABCK board members
View More
AUK Sponsors Iftar Event for American Business Council
11, Apr 2022
AUK Director of Library Joins International Advisory Board for Princeton University Press
The director of the library at AUK, Asma Al-Kanan, joins the inaugural International Advisory Board for Princeton University Press (PUP). Library advisory boards are widespread for publishers to get advice and insight from librarians on new products, strategies, access modules, and licensing.
  
Sharing expertise and insights through such forums will inform PUB’s publishing philosophies and priorities. The focus of the board will be on academic resources and collections; the board will discuss a variety of strategic and operational topics of PUP. The role of the board involves active participation in the discussion and responding to questions that would help PUP shape up or improve certain services/collections.
  
Commenting on her new role in the Board, Asma stated, “Libraries are always referred to as the heart of academic institutions. So being at the heart of the academic conversation here at AUK for so many years has been a learning experience, which would definitely enable effective engagement with the outer communities—whether publishers or other strategic partners.”
 
Princeton University Press was founded in 1905 as a non-profit publisher that is associated with Princeton University. It commits to equitable, inclusive, and sustainable publishing. Publishers usually look for librarians that are active in the profession in various parts of the world, those who engage actively in different communication channels or with other publishers too along with members that represent a broad spectrum of library types.
  
  

Asma Al-Kanan, director of library
View More
AUK Director of Library Joins International Advisory Board for Princeton University Press
Showing 10 Articles of 1461
11, Apr 2022
AUK Library Hosts Sheikha Intisar Salem Al-Ali for Book Discussion on ‘400 Years of Kuwait’
As part of the University’s weeklong commemoration of Kuwait’s National and Liberation Days, The American University of Kuwait (AUK) hosted philanthropist, entrepreneur, and author Sheikha Intisar Salem Al-Ali and Ms. Rokaya Ali Hussain, for a discussion of their book, 400 Years of Kuwait. Organized by the AUK library and moderated by Dr. Hesham Al-Awadi, AUK professor of political science, the authors delved into their experiences in preparing the book and the importance of documenting history in a way that resonates with younger generations.

400 Years of Kuwait, which was published in 2019, comprises hundreds of pictures, documents, and visual sources spanning the reigns of Kuwaiti rulers from HH Sabah I in the 1700s to the late Amir HH Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Sheikha Intisar affirmed Dr. Al-Awadi's observation that the book focused on popular and social history instead of an exclusive look at official political or military history, highlighting how this focus makes the book a unique entry in the ever-growing collection of national history publications. Brief chronological snippets fill the book, marking items like the first general budget as well as early cinema tickets—capturing the wide spectrum of significant national events and cultural milestones that collectively make up a history of the people and a nation.

This particular focus grew out of Sheikha Intisar’s desire to engage young people, including her own daughters, with their history in a more dynamic way than traditional approaches. With 5 years of research in various archives and private collections around the country, and with a preference for the power of stories over dates, the authors stressed how national pride is bolstered by an improved knowledge of history. In the case of Kuwait’s past, the authors found their research revealed an enduring perseverance over adversity and a recurring commitment to progress, which they hoped would inspire future readers.

Sheikha Intisar also shared personal anecdotes on her own upbringing and perception of the changing social climate, drawing on her interest in positive psychology to share advice with university students, inviting them to pursue their passions and strengths as best as they can, no matter the circumstances. This emphasis on positive experiences, she suggested, could lead to lasting contributions to national heritage. Dr. Al-Awadi also pointed out that the AUK library is an ideal place for anyone looking to acquaint themselves with history or any other subjects, thanks to the excellent resources and repositories of knowledge available to students and scholars alike.
The speakers closed the discussion by fielding several questions from the engaged attendees. In addition, the authors related their pride in presenting the book to the late Amir Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the present Amir Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and other notable dignitaries. Members of the AUK community then gathered for a book signing and discussions of the event.
  
  
 Images from the event
 

AUK Library Hosts Sheikha Intisar Salem Al-Ali for Book Discussion on ‘400 Years of Kuwait’
31, Mar 2022
AUK Hosts Largest Alumni Reunion
AUK Office of Alumni Affairs and Career Development (AACD) hosted its largest on-campus alumni reunion which saw over 700 graduates from the classes of 2006 to 2021. The reunion emanated nostalgia; reconnecting the University community and serving as a link between AUK’s past and present in an annual celebration filled with entertainment, socializing, and networking. 

Attended by AUK faculty, staff, and president, Dr. Rawda Awwad, alumni had the opportunity to reconnect with the campus community and reminisce. AACD director, Abir Tannir gave a speech during the event where she expressed, “Let’s tread down memory lane to when you joined AUK and made amazing connections, relationships, and unforgettable memories. This was the place which helped shape your character and career. You can carry on with the memories and make new ones tonight.” 

The entertainment for the evening featured live music by Rita Malek and Mario Helmy along with various activities rounded out with a raffle draw for a wide array of gifts. Enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, alumnus Nawaf Najia (Class of ‘07) said, “Thank you for the amazing event. What a great setup and management, and such a good turnout. I was very happy to be back after several years. And hopefully I will be attending many more alumni events.”

The reunion was fully organized and catered by alumni-owned businesses—organized by Eslam Mousa (Class of ’15) and Aliaa Jamal (Class of ’17) through their event-planning business EMiNDS; Ameen Al-Ahmad (Class of ‘07) catered the event’s beverages with Frullato Juice; and Kareem Abu Ghareeb (Class of ’10) provided complimentary giveaways. 

The AACD organizes the alumni reunion on an annual basis and continuously recruits alumni-owned businesses to service the event—a testament to AUK’s ongoing support of its graduates and their endeavors. 
  
  

AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad
 
 
 General photos from the event

AUK Hosts Largest Alumni Reunion
28, Mar 2022
AUK Participates in PRME MENA Conference and Forum
AUK participated in the 2022 Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) MENA Conference and Forum which aimed to connect higher education PRME signatories with government agencies, businesses, and NGOs to create a connection for networking and ideas. This forum investigated the opportunities of leveraging change through academia, management, and leadership, with a particular focus on integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) within curricula, establishing best practices, and providing a roadmap for improved partnerships. It also sought to be a medium for the expansion of SDG projects and papers through formed partnerships to expand the PRME MENA network and collaboration with the UN Global Compact networks.
    
Dean of the College of Business and Economics (CBE), Dr. Ralph Palliam, and assistant dean, Dr. Shihanah Al-Mutairi attended several of the conference’s online sessions. Additionally, Dr. Shihanah serves as the secretary general of the PRME MENA chapter that worked and planned for the 9th Annual Forum and Conference. She currently serves as CBE’s PRME director and liaison for PRME initiatives and Sharing of Progress (SIP) report. 

AUK is a signatory of the PRME United Nations Program for Responsible Business Education which seeks to bring together the UN and business schools worldwide to inspire and support responsible management education, research, and thought leadership globally. AUK’s participation in this conference is a testament to its dedication towards sustainability, ethics, and social governance.
   

AUK Participates in PRME MENA Conference and Forum
27, Mar 2022
AUK College of Arts & Sciences Renews AALE Accreditation

The Board of Trustees of the American Academy for Liberal Education (AALE) voted to renew the international program accreditation for the American University of Kuwait (AUK) College of Arts and Sciences for a full term of five years, ending on February 28, 2027. The accreditation affirms the high standards and quality of education offered by the College that stands with the best universities globally.

 

Dr. Ali Charara, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, recognized the significance of this achievement and thorough efforts of the campus community whose hard work led to the renewal, stating, it is extremely gratifying to receive the 5-year accreditation renewal from the American Academy for Liberal Education (AALE).  This international accreditation affirms our commitment to liberal arts education and adds critical value to the various liberal arts programs offered in the College where quality of education is of the utmost importance. The successful outcome is a testimony to the hard work and dedication of the AUK faculty, administrators, and staff since the process is a collaborative initiative, including many CAS students who were part of the site visit process. I believe it is a sense of personal accomplishment for everyone involved as it is an accreditation shared by the AUK community.”



The process was led by the University’s AALE Steering Committee with the support of administrative units. The renewal complements the University’s mission of offering modern and comprehensive curricula that put its students at the top of their chosen fields. AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad praised the campus community’s dedication to this mission, “Our external and independent review processes are consistent with standards of excellence. Accreditation for AUK is operationally critical and, therefore, strategically important. We continue to take pride in our faculty and staff in striving for excellence in education and in accomplishing yet another institutional milestone,” she said.



The American University of Kuwait (AUK) currently offers 16 distinct degree programs in various academic disciplines. AUK is accredited institutionally by the Private Universities Council (PUC) in Kuwait. The College of Business and Economics is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB); the Intensive English program is accredited by the Commission for Intensive English Program Accreditation (CEA); the computer engineering and electrical engineering programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET; the computer science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET; and the Bachelor of Arts in Design (concentration in graphic design) is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

 

AUK College of Arts & Sciences Renews AALE Accreditation
25, Mar 2022
AUK’s HR Director Participates in Iquad Learning Solutions Roundtable Event
The American University of Kuwait’s (AUK) director of human resources, Mr. Paul Bassil participated in a roundtable event entitled, Elevating L&Ds—Learning Strategies that Transform that was hosted by Iquad Learning Solutions—a company that looks at current digital learning challenges and future opportunities to offer learners personalized learning plans that will ensure professional skill enhancement. The event took place in Dubai Ports at the Dubai 2020 Expo.

Mr. Bassil shared AUK’s experience in the creation, development, and implementation of the Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP) that has been utilized in AUK for the past year. ELDP is a virtual platform that offers AUK staff online courses that facilitate their professional development in various fields. 

Guest speakers from different organizations participated in the event, sharing their experiences in professional learning and development with the audience. There were over 10 sessions that included keynotes, featured talks, case studies, and discussions all of which covered a wide variety of industries and topics.

Mr. Bassil described his time at the event, stating, “The experience was great, the organization’s welcoming was up to high standards of hospitality and professionalism, participants were from all the Arab countries and several sectors, including banking, construction, consultancy, and education.”
  
  
Images from the event
  

AUK’s HR Director Participates in Iquad Learning Solutions Roundtable Event
24, Mar 2022
AUK Student Participates in Dubai Expo
AUK student, Faisal Al-Ghanim, participated in the HealthCon GCC competition during the Dubai 2020 Expo. Al-Ghanim’s participation in this event was led by assistant professor of marketing, Dr. Shihanah Al-Mutairi who nominated him to be part of this competition.

Some of HealthCon’s objectives include enhancing cooperation within the Gulf region, creating engagements with younger people, and raising awareness on health solutions for several illnesses, all of which contribute to building students’ knowledge and interpersonal skills.

Al-Ghanim was a member of a team who were assigned to campaign against drug addiction among teenagers and young adults. They created a Virtual Reality (VR) simulator which could be utilized in high schools and universities to educate and inform the youth about the severity of drug addiction and its negative consequences on one’s health.

As a credit to their hard work, communication, and dedication the team was chosen to be in the final round of the competition. Moreover, the team also won the “Best Team Spirit” award. AlGhanim shared that the experience allowed him to connect with individuals from around the region, share different ideas, and make meaningful memories in addition to improving his skills as a marketeer in his field of study, preparing him for post-graduate life in the professional arena. This is the first time an AUK student participated in this initiative with the encouragement and guidance of the University faculty. 
 
 

AUK student Faisal Al-Ghanim with fellow participants from HealthCon
AUK Student Participates in Dubai Expo
23, Mar 2022
AUK Recognizes Students on President & Deans’ Honor Roll for Fall 2020

AUK recognized its top student achievers who were included in the president & deans’ honor roll for the fall 2020 semester. Totaling 214, 42 students were awarded a place on the president's honor roll—a high distinction exclusively awarded to those who maintained a 4.0 GPA for the semester, while 172 students were recognized for being on the deans’ honor list—a distinction awarded to students who maintained a minimum GPA of 3.7.

AUK president, Dr. Rawda Awwad remarked on the academic achievements of the honor roll students, “Our honor roll students have shown dedication, persistence, and love for knowledge. We acknowledge their achievements with the greatest pleasure and look forward to witnessing the differences that they will make in their lives and the lives of others in the future.”

The honor roll ceremony takes place twice a year to celebrate the students who have exemplified the University’s mission to instill in students the passion for lifelong learning, and promote academic excellence.
   

President's Honor Roll

Noura Allahow Amal Kahwaji
Rayane Bouhali Nouran Elbeyaly
Dawood Boland Deema Alsumait
Hala Abou Harb Amer Nathar
Mustafa Karkour Jinan Taqi
Dana Buresli Chloe Ramey
Fatima Matook David Muharib
Majed AlDhafeeri Zaina AlFadalah
Ali Darwiche Nora AlAati
Faisal Hassan Nourhan Nour
Ahmad Al-Dulaie Malak Hussein
Nagham Kheder Habiba Anwar
Ali Raies Danah AlGhadouri
Hana Ghonim Fadheelah AlSabah
Tarek Nabaa Susanna Al Mufti
Dhuha Al-Behairi Nagam AbuGhaush
Sayed Ali Altabtabai Farida Mohamed
Fatmah AlSarhan Zahraa Ali
Nour Harb Abdullah AlKhuraibet
Yousef Al-Khashem Basma Khedr
Abdullah Jiffry Ghouse Fatemah Ashkanani

  
Dean’s Honor List, College of Business & Economics

Abdullah Al-Anssari Danah BoKubar
Mohammad AlIdan Rawan Nabaa
Lulwa AlKhatrash Amnah Derdab
Nashrah Quraishi Marah Khalil
Engy Abaza Shahad Almelhem
Nour Nassar Salma Al-Sharbaji
Amer Padpood Yaraa AlWheeb
Raya Hashem Dana Yousef
Farhanaz Padpood Ibraheem Al-Qallaf
Anas Hassan Khushal Zafar
Mohamad Kohel Joseph Francis
Huzaifa Musamuddin Farah Saad
Shogh Farhanian Nouran Ahmed
Maram AlTurki Yara Abdulmajeed
Joury AlMehri Maen Almutairi
Nadin Jamal Eddine Wasmeyah Buhadidah
Sara ElBab Hamza Abdulaziz Al-Fahad
Lavena Jacob Mohammad Ahmed
Latefa Alnassar Izza Ahmed
Nadime Bitar Ahmad Marouf
Abdollah Sayadi  

   
Dean’s Honor List, College of Engineering & Applied Sciences

Ajwan Albahar Haya Al-Korki
Abdullatif AlQallaf David Liang
Jasem AlMeer Laila Dallol
ALHnouf AlMutairy Mohammad AlBayya
Habib Badran Mariam Shehadeh
Fager ElNoueiri Ahmed AboElhiba
Ahlam Ali Adnan Kazi
Turki AlAjmi Khawthar Buhamad
Ibrahim Al-Azmi Ahmad Abdo
Joanna Haddad Abdalla Elgohary
Reem Qasem Shorowq Bukhamsin
Yacoub AlJwaied Moustafa Awadalla
Aqeel AlSarraf Jude AlMoosa
Shejon Al-Ebrahim Fahad Kalloush
Mohanned Odeh Abdullah AL-Dallah
Lobna ElGayar Yousef AlHamad
Ali Alsarraf Mohammed AlSharaf
Ali Abouzeid Khalil Salwout
Malak Ahmed  

  
Dean’s Honor List, College of Arts & Sciences

Sarah Al-Ibrahim Aliya Al-Mutairi
Reve Charif Rashid AlBader
Faisal Behbehani Latifah AlKandari
Tesneem AlRashed Leen Mahmoud
Jannah AlGhanem Nadeen Al-Sadek
Maisaa Chib AlDin Fahad AlFahad
Sara AlArbash Malak Hussain
Shahed AlToorah AlZain Al-Sabah
Dalal AlFailakawi Leina Bou Fakhereddine
Khaled AlAnsary Fatemah Al-Qattan
Rawan Chalhoub Sarah Raza
Eva Makki Sarah Taterly
Fai AlMutairi Saja Brejia
Danah AlSabah Omar Hedeya
Vironika Faragalla Husaam AlDoesari
Shareefah Bo-Taiban Hessah AlRuwayeh
Moustafa Hassan Lana Rashed
Yousef Al-Otaibi Joanna ElChanti
Noura Bou Nassif Ahmad Al-Tukhaim
Stephen Sapp Baya Amy Thompson
May AlQenaei Sabah Al-Sabah
Aisha Al-Nassar Janna Al Roomi
Ali Albader Abeer Kablaoui
Marah AlTatawy Laura Elnaggar
Johar Ali Reema Atieh
Reem Al-Sabah Maram Elsayed
Nour AlAli Viola English
Roaa Alawneh Nour Almajed
Kawthar AlHamar Fajer AlSabah
Fawaz Almajed Reyouf Al-Anezi
Danah Awada Khaled AlMadani
Hasan Hajiyah Noora AlSabah
Rawan Boutaiban Salma AlSalem
Farah Abueed Amanda Elnaggar
Naser AlHajeri Sarah Qasem
Ahmad AlSarraf Tameem Altamimi
Deemah AlDawoud Abdulrazaq Al-Khaled
Aya Abdrabou Janiyen Alsaleh
Fatema Al-Mutawa Saleh Jamshir
Modi AlAdwani Adam Cruz
Sara Zayed Batool AlBousabih
Farah Issa Sara Alrodan
Maya Lawand Mohammad Al-Khashti
Maryam AlKhadhr Rawan Behbehani
Shams Zahran Dana Ben Salamah
Sarah AlAwwad Raghad Al-Mustafa
Jana Al-Dawoud Shareedah AlMajdeli
Generic News Image
21, Mar 2022
AUK Office of Research & Grants Organizes Workshop with KFAS
The Office of Research and Grants (ORG) at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) organized a workshop on how to write a data management plan. The workshop was conducted at the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) and was attended by ORG director, Dr. Iyad Abu Doush along with several members of AUK’s faculty. 

Conducted by Dr. Maitham Safar, the program manager for KFAS Research, the workshop outlined the process of submitting a research grant application and delved deeper into the kind of research data that should be collected and how to manage it during and after the research project. 

Dr. Maitham explained the ethical practices behind data collection and shared some resources that are exclusive for data collection and organization. The workshop concluded with a Q&A session and discussion of the importance of having a data management plan that contributes to the success of the research. 

 
General photos of the workshop

   

AUK Office of Research & Grants Organizes Workshop with KFAS
© American University of Kuwait Terms of Service Privacy Statement