News
Dr. George Irani, Associate Professor of International Relations at the AUK, was invited by Dr. Abdallah Al Shayji, host of the KTV show The Road to the White House, to join him in an episode and share his opinions on the results of the recent US presidential elections and to discuss the cabinet appointments made so far by President-Elect Donald Trump. This was Irani's third visit to the show, and in this episode (aired on 19th November) he was interviewed on how he had correctly predicted Trump winning the elections during his previous visits and discussed the impact the election results could mean to the United States and the world as a whole.
The Road to the White House was aired in Arabic and can be viewed in the link below:
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 20th November 2016
The International Writing Centers Association (IWCA) hosted its 2016 annual conference in Denver, Colorado, where professionals from writing centers around the world exchanged knowledge and experiences in writing center theories and practices. This year's conference, entitled "Writing Center Frontiers," called on the attendees and presenters to challenge writing centers' traditional practices and boundaries and explore new frontiers. AUK's Hanouf Aljuhail, Assistant Director of Learning Support Services, and Hala Botros, Writing Center Academic Support Specialist, attended the conference and conducted a workshop entitled "(Re) Crossing the Virtual Frontier: OWLs Redefined."
The workshop promoted the use of digital platforms for conducting online, real-time sessions with students that expand access and enhance interaction. Through a live demonstration using Zoom, one such digital platform, the presenters encouraged workshop participants to test the possibilities of adding digital platforms to their existing traditional, face-to-face writing center practice. As one more "tool" in their pedagogical "toolbox," the presenters suggested, digital platforms may reduce time and space limitations for many writing centers while simultaneously enhancing the students' experience with the collaborative nature of writing and revision. The workshop also focused on the importance of identifying the specific digital capacities and needs of each writing center, researching various platforms to match needs with platform features, and selecting the appropriate platform for individual writing centers' contexts.
Overall, 527 presenters participated in 315 sessions, covering a wide range of topics in writing center theory and practice. Hanouf described the workshop she and Hala conducted as successful: "Most attendees come from institutions where online learning support doesn't exist or is still in development. Many said they benefited from our thorough research in finding the suitable online educational platform. They also enjoyed the interactive nature of our workshop, where they participated as active users in a ZOOM live session with attendees from Kuwait and the US. They were able to test first-hand the features offered by ZOOM."
AUK ZOOM will launch Writing Center services in Spring 2017. It will enable AUK students to find extended availabilities for sessions with writing consultants during weekdays, evenings, and weekends, from anywhere they have an internet connection. This innovative online learning support service will expand to include Tutoring Center services in Fall 2017.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 17th November 2016
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2016
AUK participated in the 4th Kuwait Collegiate Programming Contest (ACM-KCPC 2016), which was held at Arab Open University (AOU) - Kuwait, on October 13th and 15th, 2016. The contest provides an excellent opportunity for students to demonstrate their skills in programming and problem-solving, in addition to meeting fellow students from other academic institutions. The contest fosters creativity, teamwork, and enables students to test their ability to perform under pressure.
This year, 24 teams coming from the American University of Kuwait, Australian College of Kuwait, Gulf University for Science & Technology, Arab Open University, and Kuwait University, participated in the contest. Two teams from the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at AUK won the fourth and fifth places, which qualified them to go for the next regional round of the Arab Collegiate Programming Contest (ACM-ACPC 2016) that will be hosted by the Arab Academy for Science and Technology (AAST) which will be held at Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, from 11th to 14th November, 2016.
"Innovation" team, the 4th place winner, consisted of engineering students - Omar Khalil, Marwa Kandil, and Shahad Al-Mousa; while "Syndicate" team, that placed 5th consisted of engineering students - Ali Kelkawi, Batool Hasan, and Yara Al-Quorashy. AUK will sponsor the two teams during the ACM-ACPC.
The teams were supervised and coached by AUK Electrical and Computer Engineering professors Mounib Khanafer and Mohammed El-Abd, who were also chosen to be members of the Steering Committee for future KCPCs.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 10th November 2016
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) announced that its Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Computer Engineering has received accreditation from the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, making it the first private university in Kuwait to receive this accreditation for its Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering.
Sheikha Dana Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, Chair of the Board of Trustees of AUK, announced the news during the AUK Board of Trustees meeting. At the meeting, she thanked President Nizar Hamzeh, along with the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, Dr. Rawda Awwad, and the Chair and Faculty of the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering for their commitment to this achievement. Sheikha Dana also recognized the diligent efforts of the Chair and members of the AUK ABET steering committee whose hard work led to this milestone. "Collecting such accolades goes in line with our commitment to graduate global citizens whose accomplishments speak of the quality of knowledge and skills they gained at AUK," expressed Sheikha Dana.
Sought worldwide, ABET's voluntary peer-review process is highly respected because it adds critical value to academic programs in the technical disciplines, where quality, precision, and safety are of the utmost importance.
Developed by technical professionals from ABET's member societies, ABET criteria focus on what students experience and learn. ABET accreditation reviews look at program curricula, faculty, facilities, and institutional support and are conducted by teams of highly skilled professionals from industry, academia, and government, with expertise in the ABET disciplines.
ABET is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). It currently accredits almost 3,500 programs at nearly 700 colleges and universities in 28 countries.
More information about ABET, its member societies, and the accreditation criteria used to evaluate programs can be found at www.abet.org.
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is an independent, private, equal opportunity, and co-educational liberal arts institution of higher education. The educational, cultural and administrative structure, methods and standards of AUK are based on the American model of higher learning. The language of instruction is English. Please visit the Computer Engineering Program for more information.
Sheikha Dana Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, Chair of the Board of Trustees of AUK
Under the Sponsorship of the American University of Kuwait (AUK), the Institute of Banking Studies (KIBS) hosted world-renowned speaker, Mohammed Al-Qahtani in the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry last week. The lecture explored techniques of setting goals and achieving them while coping with unpredictable circumstances, new environments and conquering challenges. Al-Qahtani stressed the importance of assessing and recognizing one's personal skills for goal-setting; in addition to having the skill to avert obstacles and overcome challenges to achieve one's ambitions.
Al-Qahtani also discussed the importance of conducting personality trait analyses for the purpose of placing individuals in teams based on their personal and professional strengths which would ultimately contribute to achieving organizational goals effectively.
Among the topics of discourse were the ability to handle customers and clients, and what an organization can offer in terms of customer service that would distinguish it from others— such as presenting a professional image, listening attentively, controlling one's emotions, and effective problem-solving skills.
The lecture was attended by employees of private and public sectors, in addition to students of all levels where fundamental concepts were explained for those who wish to succeed professionally. PR & Marketing Director, Mr. Amer El-Assaad attended the event where he received an honorary plaque on behalf of AUK.
Mohammed Al-Qahtani is a world-renowned public speaker and winner of the 2015 Toastmasters International World Champion of Public Speaking— he is the first Arab to win this title. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science from Arizona State University; and became a certified Microsoft Programmer and ORACL Administrator. He won the Saudi Arabia Comedy Speech Competition in 2015, and has conducted speeches and presentations in numerous countries—UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, Malaysia, Romania, Belgium, UK, Ireland and Germany.
About AUK:
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is an independent, private, equal opportunity, and co-educational liberal arts institution of higher education. The educational, cultural and administrative structure, methods and standards of AUK are based on the American model of higher learning. The language of instruction is English. More information on the American University of Kuwait can be found at www.auk.edu.kw
PR & Marketing Director, Mr. Amer El-Assaad receiving an honorary plaque on behalf of AUK.
Group photo
The world-renowned speaker, Mr. Mohammed Al-Qahtani
The Al-Multaqa Arabic Short Story Prize jury announced the 2016 shortlisted authors.
The 5 Al-Multaqa nominees are:
| Author Name | Short Story Collection | Country | Publisher | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anis Arrafai | Masahat Al Dumi | Morocco | El Eain Publishing |
| 2 | Khadija Alnemer | Al Afkar Al Sabeha Bayn Al Sama' Wal Ard | Saudi Arabia | Difaf Publishing |
| 3 | Lutf AlSarary | Al Raja' Adam Al Qasf | Yemen | Arweqah Publishing |
| 4 | Mazen Maarouf | Nukat Lelmusalaheen | Palestine | Riad El-Rayyes Al-Kawkab |
| 5 | Mohamed Rafie | Asal Al Nun | Egypt | Rawafed Publishing |
Chair of the jury, Ahmed Al-Madeeni remarked on the tremendous amount of interest from Arab writers and publishers in the first cycle of the Al-Multaqa Prize. Submissions included a total of 189 short story collections from various Arab regions that featured a variety of styles and techniques for the genre. Authors showed their individuality in each collection by their descriptive backdrops and use of local colloquialisms.
Al-Madeeni also announced the award ceremony for the Prize winner will be held on 5 December, 2016. The ceremony will be hosted by the American University of Kuwait, with the attendance of many authors, critics, translators and publishers from around the world. In addition, the director of Institut Du Monde Arabe an institute dedicated to promoting Arabic culture and literature will also be in attendance, along with administrators of various Arabic writing competitions.
Each of the 5 shortlisted authors will receive $5000; while the winner will receive $20,000, and have the winning collection translated to English for further publication.
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is an independent, private, equal opportunity, and co-educational liberal arts institution of higher education. The educational, cultural and administrative structure, methods and standards of AUK are based on the American model of higher learning. The language of instruction is English. More information on the American University of Kuwait can be found at www.auk.edu.kw
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 1st November 2016
Chair of the Board of Trustees of the American University of Kuwait, Sheikha Dana Nasser Al-Sabah, announced today, that on Sunday, October 23, 2016, AUK's Board of Trustees has voted unanimously to appoint Professor Earl L. "Tim" Sullivan as the fifth president of AUK effective January 27, 2017.
"Professor Sullivan brings a wealth of experience to this position, and has a deep understanding of academic and administrative structures. He carries an impressive scholarly record and is committed to quality education. Sullivan is not a stranger to AUK; he has served as the interim president in 2010 and has been a board member since 2011" said Sheikha Dana.
"I am delighted to be returning to Kuwait, and especially to the American University of Kuwait. I look forward to getting to meet with all of the various constituents of the AUK community: faculty, staff, students, alumni, and trustees. AUK has achieved a great deal in the few short years it has existed, and I am sure that if we all work together, we can continue to accomplish even more in the future," said Sullivan.
Sullivan will succeed Professor Nizar Hamzeh, who earlier announced his intention to return to his full-time academic post as Professor of Political Science and International Law at AUK. Sheikha Dana thanked Hamzeh for his invaluable time and effort during his term as AUK President, "I would like to take a moment to express my gratitude for everything President Hamzeh has done for AUK during his tenure as President and, earlier, as Provost and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences," she said.
Sullivan is a political scientist who has held key leadership positions at the American University of Cairo (AUC). A member of the AUC faculty since 1973 - he was provost from 1998 to 2008, and served as the university's acting president in 2001-2002. He chaired AUC's division of Economics, Political Science and Mass Communications, the University Senate, and was on the editorial board of Cairo Papers in Social Science. Sullivan served as Chair of the Board of Trustees at Cairo American College from 1974 to 1979.
Sullivan also brings substantial experience in international accreditation, having served twice as chair of the evaluation team for the American University of Beirut in its initial accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in 2004, and subsequently in 2009. He was also evaluator for John Cabot University in its first re-accreditation effort with Middle States.
A graduate of Seattle University, Sullivan received a Ph.D. in International Relations and Government from Claremont Graduate University (California). He has received a grant from the Ford Foundation, a fellowship from the U.S. Department of State, and has held visiting positions at the Brookings Institution, The Gustave E. Von Grunebaum Center for Near Eastern Studies, and The Middle East Center at University of Utah, among others
He is the author or co-author of several books, including The New Dynamics of Multilateralism (Westview Press, 2010), Social Background and Bureaucratic Behavior in Egypt (American University of Cairo Press, 1990), Women in Egyptian Public Life (Syracuse University Press, 1986), and Women and Work in the Arab World (American University of Cairo Press, 1981). Sullivan's scholarly articles and monographs on a wide range of subjects, including multinational diplomacy and the foreign policy of U.S. President Bill Clinton, gender roles in the Middle East, and the United Nations in the post-Cold War era, appear in numerous journals and publications.
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is an independent, private, equal opportunity, and co-educational liberal arts institution of higher education. The educational, cultural and administrative structure, methods and standards of AUK are based on the American model of higher learning. The language of instruction is English. More information on the American University of Kuwait can be found at www.auk.edu.kw
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 25th October 2016
For the 2nd consecutive cycle, the American University of Kuwait (AUK) will be the Country Partner in Challenge 22, a Qatar-led initiative, launched by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC). Challenge 22 promotes innovation through awarding generous research and development grants to participants with the best ideas. Challenge 22 is in association with country ambassadors in each of the ten participating countries and strategic partners including the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), Wamda and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Enterprise Forum Pan-Arab. The innovation award provides entrepreneurs, scientists and pioneers from across the Arab world with the tools and resources they need to turn their ideas into a lasting positive legacy.
AUK hosted an information session on October 17th, where representatives from Challenge 22 introduced the initiative to the public and provided an overview of the application process and criteria for participation. The representatives also shared success stories from the cycle in early 2015. In its role as Country Partner for Challenge 22, AUK will promote the initiative locally, and encourage local innovators to participate and represent Kuwait. The event was open to members of the AUK community and the public.
"The American University of Kuwait under its mission is committed to fostering a culture of innovation and accordingly we are very proud to be a country partner for Challenge 22. We believe that Challenge 22 offer excellent opportunities to students at AUK and Kuwait not only to showcase their ideas and talents but to connect to other talented students in the region," said Professor Nizar Hamzeh, AUK President.
"Engaging with the participants from Kuwait was an inspiring and encouraging experience and further supports Challenge 22's belief in the potential the Arab world has to offer in the field of innovation," said Fatma Al Nuaimi, Legacy Senior Manager at the SC, "Thanks to our collaboration with AUK and its support, we were able to spark exciting discussion and dialogue with the attendees and encourage them to pursue their ideas, no matter how small or large they seemed. We look forward to seeing the submissions coming from Kuwait."
The second cycle of Challenge 22, which runs from 27 September, 2016 to 11 May, 2017, aims to inspire innovative solutions in four key areas: sustainability, health & safety, the internet of things, and tourism experience. For this cycle, Challenge 22 has also expanded its reach beyond the six Gulf countries to include Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia. The submission deadline for the first phase is December 12th, 2016.
The SC, with its partners that will host the innovation award, have always believed that young people in the Arab world have great creativity and potential. Challenge 22 will ensure that when the world is watching the Middle East in 2022, Arab innovation is in the spotlight.
For more information and how to apply, please visit the award's official website at: www.challenge22.qa
About AUK
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is an independent, private, equal opportunity, and co-educational liberal arts institution of higher education. The educational, cultural and administrative structure, methods and standards of AUK are based on the American model of higher learning. The language of instruction is English. More information on the American University of Kuwait can be found at www.auk.edu.kw
About Challenge 22
Challenge 22, an innovation award launched in 2015 by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), promotes a culture of innovation in the Middle East and attracts entrepreneurs, scientists and pioneers from across the Arab world. It showcases ideas that can contribute towards the hosting and organization of major events like the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™, while building a sustainable, economically diverse future for the region.
The SC, which organizes this innovation award, has always believed that young people in the Arab world have great creativity and potential. Challenge 22 will ensure that when the world is watching the Middle East in 2022, Arab innovation is in the spotlight.
About Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC)
The SC ensures that all preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup™ align with Qatar's other development imperatives, as described in the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2011-2016. Along with its stakeholders, the SC is tasked with delivering stadiums and other infrastructure for an amazing 2022 FIFA World Cup™ that will leave a lasting legacy for Qatar, the region and the world. In addition to delivering infrastructure in line with Qatar's long-term development plans, legacy goals of the SC include nurturing exceptional local and international talent and incubating the Josoor Institute, a center of excellence for the sports and events industries in the Middle East; fostering the development of Qatar's private sector and streamlining regulatory frameworks; making Qatari football more competitive and increasing participation in sports in Qatar, the region and globally. The investments that the SC is making today will pay dividends for generations to come, in line with Qatar's vision of a healthy and prosperous global future.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 24th October 2016
Digital designs created by students from the American University of Kuwait were exhibited at the Donggang Digital Society (DDS) Museum; an experimental museum that displays exhibitions solely by beam projections, in Yeongwol County, South Korea. The designs were displayed through a video entitled "Human Creativity in Human Nature", compiled and produced by Professor Joo Won Lee, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design.
The video, which showcased the skills of 26 AUK Art & Graphic Design students in the area of analog integrated digital design, was shown to audiences from around the world in June, 2016. Participants from fourteen countries watched the video at the Korea International Cooperation Agency program.
Professor Lee explained that it was interesting to see how art from the Middle East was sparking global interest these days, with sections at institutes specifically designated for it such as at the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the major museums in the world.
Professor Lee noted that elements of human creativity were evident in the students' designs. Their attention to detail, the depiction of influences from their surroundings, and the uniqueness of their designs, were only a few of the many elements the designs contained.
The video can be viewed at the AUK Department of Art & Graphic Design Facebook page (ART@AUK) and on YouTube.
Below are the names of the students whose designs were featured in the video:
Abdulaziz M Al-Shammari; Farah Y Al-Shaye; Zara F Aslam; Fawaz F Al-Ahmad; Lindsay L Gomes; Dalal K Al-Sane; Dana J Al-Zuraiqi; Zeinab A AlJadi; Layan A Bin Eissa; Hawraa H Al-Saffar; Maha Al-Mulla; Taiba M Al-Nafisi; Noura A Zaher; Khaled F Abdullah; Ramina M Ghorban Daei; Dalal M Abdulazizz; Hawra'a Aryan; Hind O Al-Sahaf; Dima F Jadayel; Fatema M Al-Shawaf; Hossein G Shirazi; Farah I El-Khatib; Sondos B Saoud; Nada M Al-Kharashi; Abdulwahab A Al-Farhan; Rawan H Bnayyan.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 5th October 2016
The AlMultaqa Arabic Short Story Prize jury has announced the ten shortlisted authors for the 2016 prize.
The 10 AlMultaqa Prize Nominees are:
| Author Name | Short Story Collection | Country | Publisher | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ahmed Omar | Hudhud Fi Zujaja | Syria | Halab Publishing |
| 2 | Anis Arrafai | Masahat Al Dumi | Morocco | El Eain Publishing |
| 3 | Haider Abdulmohsen | Qetat Aareya | Iraq | Dar Imdaa |
| 4 | Khadija Alnemer | Al Afkar Al Sabeha Bayn Al' wal Ard | Saudi Arabia | Difaf Publishing |
| 5 | Ziad Khadash | Asbab Rae'a lel Buka' | Palestine | Al Ahliya Publishing |
| 6 | Abdessamia Bensaber | Al Skabandu | Morocco | Dar ALFarasha Publishing & Distribution |
| 7 | Issa Jabli | Ka'an Amdi Khalf Juthati | Tunisia | Dar Zayneb Publishing |
| 8 | Lutf Alsarary | Al Raja' Adam Al Qasf | Yemen | Arweqah Publishing |
| 9 | Mazen Maarouf | Nekat Al Musalaheen | Palestine | Riad El-Rayyes-Al-Kawkab |
| 10 | Mohamed Rafie | Asal Al Nun | Egypt | Rawafed Publishing |
Over the past few months, a jury comprised of accomplished writers, critics, and academicians reviewed 189 collections of short stories from published authors from 15 different countries; Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Iraq, Sudan, Oman, Kuwait, and Algeria.
AlMultaqa Jury Members are:
- Mr. Ahmed Al-Madeeni (Chair of the Jury)
- Mr. Ezzat Al-Qamhawy (Jury Member)
- Mr. Salma Saleh (Jury Member)
- Dr. Fadya Al-Faqeer (Jury Member)
- Dr. Ali Ajail Al-Anezi (Jury Member)
Chair of the Jury, Mr. Ahmed Al- Madeeni stated that the committee had evaluated the submitted works based on the fulfillment of certain criteria and technical elements necessary for short story writing. The committee also looked at the spirit of innovation, novelty, and consistency of form and content, as well as the presence of an integrated humanitarian aspect in the selected short story collections.
The jury will continue its work to announce the five shortlisted authors in November, 2016. The 2016 winner will be announced in December, 2016 at a ceremony that is to be held at the American University of Kuwait that brings together the five shortlisted authors and well-known figures from the literary world.
The author of the winning short story will receive USD 20,000 (Twenty Thousand US dollars), a trophy and a certificate of recognition, as well as a grant towards the translation of the prize-winning short story into English. The winning writer or publisher will communicate with the translator and arrange for publishing the story with foreign publishers.
About AlMultaqa Prize
AlMultaqa Prize was launched in December, 2015 as a joint initiative by the Cultural Circle's Founder and Manager, Mr. Taleb Al-Rifae and the American University of Kuwait to promote and encourage writers to pursue and master the art of writing Arabic short stories.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 1st October 2016
