News
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) has recently supported the production of a newly founded academic journal issued by Oxford Gulf & Arabian Peninsula Studies Forum (OxGAPS), a University of Oxford-based platform, called Gulf Affairs.
The initiative was facilitated by one of the founders of the journal, Suliman Al-Atiqi, an AUK 2008 alumnus, who is currently a doctoral candidate at St Antony's College, University of Oxford.
Gulf Affairs is an independent, non-partisan journal that aims to bridge the voices of scholars, practitioners, and policy-makers to further the knowledge and dialogue on pressing issues, challenges and opportunities facing the six member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Each issue of the journal revolves around a specific theme, focusing on the most pressing matters related to the GCC and contains contributions from experts in various disciplines and professions who address each issue's theme. The inaugural issue of the journal, entitled "Labor Market Dynamics in the GCC States" was released on September 7, 2015. It features a range of scholarly analyses that shed light on contemporary challenges and opportunities facing the GCC labor markets at large, as well as cover the ongoing efforts to support labor market reforms. Among the articles featured in this issue are:
- Renegotiating the 'Social Contract' in the GCC, by Zaid Belbagi
- Kafala System Remains Resilient in the GCC, by Kaltham Al-Ghanim
- The Politics of Labor Policy Reform in Bahrain, by Laurence Louër
- Challenges to Employing Kuwaitis in the Private Sector, by Osman Gulseven
- Battle against the Thawb Syndrome: Labor Nationalization, Industrial Diversification, and Education Reform in Saudi Arabia, by Makio Yamada
- Rent Distribution and Labor Market Reforms in the UAE, by Steffen Hertog
The journal issue also features expert commentary and interviews with senior authorities in the GCC that provide an insider's view of the pressing topics of the region.
Eugene Rogan, Senior Member of the OxGAPS Forum and Director of the Middle East Centre, St Antony's College, University of Oxford, provided the introduction to the inaugural issue of Gulf Affairs, in which he explained why the existence of such a journal is important. "The publication of the inaugural issue of Gulf Affairs marks a new departure for Arab Gulf studies in Oxford and Britain more generally. There has been a pressing need for an independent and non-partisan periodical to provide reliable research and analysis on this geostrategic region... We hope that Gulf Affairs will encourage new scholarship and debate on the GCC and its member states," he wrote.
Suliman Al-Atiqi is a remarkable example of an AUK alumnus who managed to apply the long-life learning skills he gained as a student at AUK to pursue initiatives that benefit his country and the GCC region at large He is the Committee Chairman of the Oxford Gulf & Arabian Peninsula Studies Forum and the Managing Editor of its journal, Gulf Affairs. Suliman is also the general section co-editor of the St. Antony's International Review. He previously served as an analyst for the United Nations Development Program and was the Program Lead of its "Barriers and Opportunities at the Base of the Pyramid" global research initiative. His current scholarly research focuses on the Gulf Arab states in international relations.
The full issue of Gulf Affairs can be accessed at www.oxgaps.org/gulf-affairs/publications/labor-market-dynamics-in-the-gcc-states
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 1st October 2015
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2015
AUK Associate Professor of Philosophy, Andrei Zavaliy, has concluded his summer fellowship program at Dartmouth, which came as part of the Dartmouth-AUK faculty fellowship program that started back in 2009. This year, Zavaliy's research grant has been sponsored by the Department of Philosophy at Dartmouth.
In an interview with the Dartmouth news team, Zavaliy said that "The endless rows of bookshelves at Baker-Berry Library are one of the main reasons why scholars from various fields seek to secure a fellowship at Dartmouth. I had immediate access to all the books and periodicals that I could conceivably need for my project." Over the course of 8 weeks, Zavaliy worked on his research on "the nature of an other-directed moral evaluation and its function in the overall structure of moral agency," among other projects.
The Dartmouth-AUK faculty fellowship program is one of many collaboration programs that link Dartmouth and AUK. Historically, Dartmouth has hosted six AUK fellows on this program in the previous years. The fellows were sponsored by the Leslie Center for the Humanities; the Thayer School of Engineering; the medical school's Institute for Quantitative Biomedical Sciences (iQBS); and the Department of English, respectively. The fellowship competition is open to AUK faculty members conducting research that can be facilitated by access to Dartmouth's libraries and museum collections, or to senior administrators pursuing professional development projects that can be guided by Dartmouth mentors.
The selection criteria include the proposal's promise of research outcomes or professional development, alignment with the Strategic Planning Goals of AUK, a project timeline, and appropriate use of Dartmouth resources.
To access the full interview of Andrei Zavaliy with Dartmouth, please click here
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 1st October 2015
Photo Courtesy of Dartmouth College
Professor Jin Wang, Dean of Business and Economics
Jin Wang, Professor of Economics, joined AUK this Fall to head up the College of Business & Economics (CBE). Professor Wang joins AUK from Westminster College, Salt Lake City, where he served as Assistant to the President for International Programs.
Professor Wang said, "It is a great honor to join the College of Business and Economics at the American University of Kuwait. I am privileged to work with our dedicated and outstanding colleagues who are focused on student learning and success in the world of business. We strive for excellence in teaching and academic scholarship, and provide our students with a rich learning environment that supports their intellectual, professional, and personal development. I have met with many and look forward to meeting with more students in the near future to learn and appreciate their aspirations and challenges."
Professor Wang also expressed that AUK is an exciting place to be. "My wife, June, joins me in expressing our heartfelt appreciation to the entire university community for your kindness, friendship, hospitality, and support," he added.
Dr. Wang holds an MA in Economics from Ohio University and a PhD in Economics from Kansas State University. Throughout the past years, he served in different academic and executive positions including, Dean of the Bill and Vieve Gore School of Business, Professor of Economics at Westminster College (2011-2014), Associate Provost and Dean of Academic Services at the University of Tampa (2007-2011), Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Professor of Economics at Rowan University (2003-2007), Associate Dean of the College of Letters and Science, and Professor of Economics at the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point (1992-2003).
Dr. Wang has published in academic referred journals and was a recipient of the Fulbright Scholarship in 2003.
Dr. Hanan Muzaffar, Dean of Student Affairs
Dr. Hanan Muzaffar, Assistant Professor of English, has been appointed Dean of Student Affairs as of last summer. Prior to her appointment, Dr. Muzaffar served as Assistant Professor of English at AUK (2014-2015) and Kuwait University (2000-2011). She also served as Head of the Student Guidance Office at Kuwait University (2004-2006).
Dr. Muzaffar said, "Serving as Dean of Student Affairs is a thrilling feat, as I'm gradually discovering. AUK has an amazing community of students and I am often swept away by their enthusiasm and dedication. I am looking forward to continuing the work I started last semester, to learn more about our wonderful student body, and to get involved in their projects and offer my guidance and assistance."
Dr. Muzaffar earned her M.A. (1997) and Ph.D. (2000) in English Literature, with an emphasis on Literary Theory and Criticism, from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, USA. After completing her graduate studies, she joined Kuwait University (KU) as Assistant Professor of English from 2000 to 2011, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in literature and theory. Dr. Muzaffar's research revolves around gender studies and minority writers. She currently serves on the editorial board of Ibdaat Alamiya, which is a publication of Kuwait's National Council of Culture, Arts, and Letters.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 29th September 2015
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2015
Timothy (Tim) Rizvanov, a Junior majoring in Computer Science Modified with Engineering, is the latest Dartmouth intern to join AUK. He arrived in September 2015 and will spend the Fall 2015 semester working with several departments within AUK, splitting his internship time between the AUK Library, the Intensive English Program (IEP), and Center for Research in Informatics, Sciences, and Engineering (RISE) until late November 2015.
Tim aspires to become a professor in the analytic social sciences. He considers his AUK internship as an opportunity to learn more about Kuwait and the Middle East. "I hope to learn as much as I can about Kuwait and AUK via my interactions with the warm and welcoming students, staff, and faculty here, and I'm excited work in such engaging and creative roles with the departments I've been placed in," he expressed.
Since 2005, AUK has received 31 undergraduate Dartmouth interns as part of an internship program initiated through the partnership of the two universities.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 14th September 2015
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2015
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) officially opened doors to new and returning students today. In preparation for a new academic year, AUK held a series of orientation sessions last week to familiarize the new faculty, staff, and students with campus life and the academic community at AUK.
The orientation week kicked off with orientation sessions for new and returning faculty members. 5 new fulltime faculty members joined the AUK community this semester. Coming from different parts of the world, the new faculty members bring to AUK years of experience and scholarly achievements which will be valuable assets to the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and Economics and the Intensive English Program.
The 4-day orientation sessions featured welcome notes and addresses by AUK administrators, including AUK President, Professor Nizar Hamzeh; Vice President for Admissions & Public Affairs, Ms. Amal Al Binali; Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Hanan Muzaffar; Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Rawda Awwad; Dean of the College of Business and Economics, Dr. Jin Wang.
During his welcome remarks to new students, President Hamzeh congratulated them on their admission to AUK, and welcomed them as new members to the AUK community, where they will receive a world-class education delivered. College Deans and unit heads introduced their divisions and reminded the students to seek support and advice from AUK faculty and staff members on all matters related to their academic careers.
Dean Muzaffar explained that extra-curricular activities play an important role in complementing the educational experience. She encouraged the students to spend time on campus, interact with each other, learn outside the classroom, and enjoy the university experience.
One full day of the orientation week was dedicated to the Intensive English Program (IEP) students, during which the goals of the program were explained by IEP Director, Ms. Sandra Stein. IEP is designed to help people with intermediate, high intermediate and advanced English proficiency to develop advanced academic language skills necessary for the individual student to succeed in the university.
The AUK orientation sessions also hosted speakers from the Private Universities Council including Asma Al-Mutairi, Director of Public Relations; Fahad Al-Khalifa, Director of the Internal Scholarship Office; Al- Jawhara Al-Ghaith, Social Allowance Auditor; and Noura Al-Dhubaibi, Public Relations Officer. The PUC session provided an overview of scholarships and social allowances including, their requirements, their application procedure, and timelines.
Following the orientation sessions, the students toured the campus and learned about the different academic and recreational facilities available to them, such as the AUK Library, the offices of Admissions & Registrar, the Academic Advising and Learning Support Services, the Center for Continuing Education (CCE), the Counseling Center, and the sports facilities. The students met with the teams of each of the areas, who gave them an overview of the services they provide.
To ensure a smooth transition into collegiate life and get the students well acquainted with the different activities AUK has to offer, the Office of Student Life is organizing several recreational and educational events within the first month of the Fall semester, including a Welcome Back Week, which features the Involvement Fair, a clubs, organizations and departments' fair; and a Faculty Meet And Greet, a movie night, among a host of activities that reflect the non-academic facet of AUK.
Established in 2003, the American University of Kuwait (AUK) currently offers 14 distinct degree programs in various academic disciplines. According to Ms. Amal Al Binali, Vice President for Admissions and Public Affairs, AUK has filled all offered places for the Fall 2015 Semester "The current admission cycle has brought in students with high academic records. The average high school GPA of newly enrolled freshman students is 3.09 and 2.88 for Transfer Students," said Al Binali
AUK is accredited institutionally by the Private Universities Council (PUC) in Kuwait. Its business programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP); its social sciences, arts and humanities programs are accredited by The American Academy for Liberal Education's (AALE); and its Intensive English program is accredited by the Commission for Intensive English Program Accreditation (CEA).
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 13th September 2015
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2015
The Department of Computer Science & Information Systems (CSIS) at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) has become a member in the Cisco Networking Academy (CNA), an academy that offers courses for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) programs, and prepares students for other computer-related courses.
CNA combines traditional classroom teaching methods with web-based curricula, hands-on lab exercises, and Internet-based assessments. It offers comprehensive coursework that helps improve students' academic and career outcomes and teaches them technological skills that satisfy the demands of the business community. The Academy aims to train AUK's CSIS students for professional networking and IT-related careers in the public and private sectors, and sets a solid foundation for them to pursue their higher education objectives in computer science, information systems or engineering.
CSIS faculty will benefit from ongoing training in current curriculum and delivery techniques. Cisco also provides seminars and conferences for the technology, and the teaching and learning aspects, of the overall program. Being a member of the CNA will enable CSIS faculty to access and deliver courses that:
- are designed by industry and education experts
- are ready-made and continuously updated via the Internet
- come with a Quality Assurance Plan
- utilise the latest web tools
- have full technical support and an on-line instructors' guide
- use the CNA Management System (Academy Connection) management tool which greatly reduces administration time and increases productivity
- conduct assessment on-line and provides immediate feedback that monitors students' progress
In addition to becoming a member of the CNA, the Department of Computer Science & Information Systems has become an associate Member of SAP University Alliances Program. SAP is the world's largest provider of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software to manage and integrate different business operations, supply chain management and customer relationships. This appointment provides AUK access to a range of opportunities to engage with one of the world's leading technology companies.
CSIS faculty members will be able to develop and share software curricula online, and participate in professional development workshops in order to provide students with hands-on experience making business decisions using real-time, integrated data. Additionally, SAP UAP offers scholarship programs to its member institutions.
Cisco Networking Academy (CNA) is a global education initiative from Cisco Systems, established in 1997, offers networking programs, like the (Cisco Certified Network Associate) CCNA and (Cisco Certified Network Professional) CCNP courses, which prepare students for the certification exams of the same name, and other computer-related courses.
Cisco Networking Academy (CNA) is a global education initiative from Cisco Systems, established in 1997, offers networking programs, like the (Cisco Certified Network Associate) CCNA and (Cisco Certified Network Professional) CCNP courses, which prepare students for the certification exams of the same name, and other computer-related courses.
SAP University Alliances Program (UAP) includes more than 1,800 universities worldwide. SAP UAP brings together over 17,000 Professors and hundreds of thousands of students from different member institutions to download resources, share their stories, engage with the wider SAP Community and find out about how to get involved.
The Computer Science and Information Systems (CSIS) program at AUK encompasses the principles of computing that enables students to keep abreast of developments in a rapidly changing technology. CSIS students not only gain a solid foundation in the theory and design of modern computing systems, but are exposed to a variety of applied applications in lab assignments, internships, and in a semester-based senior capstone project course. The students are also encouraged to explore cross-disciplinary connections by completing a minor in a related field.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 31st August 2015
Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) organized a "Positive Thinking" workshop in collaboration with the American University of Kuwait- Center for Continuing Education, for KFAS employees and its centers at KFAS.
The workshops were conducted by Dr. Hesham Al-Awadi, Associate Professor of History at AUK, and covered the theme of "positive thinking" at the workplace. The 100 participants, from KFAS and its centers such as The Scientific Center, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Sabah Al-Ahmed Center for Giftedness & Creativity and Jaber Al-Ahmad Center for Nuclear Medicine, were evaluated and assessed their general outlook and attitude, learned how to break bad habits, and were introduced to methods of maintaining a positive outlook at the workplace.
During the workshop, the attendees participated in several exercises that helped them learn how to develop positive thinking skills. These included acknowledging one's successes, even if partial or non-material, identifying and developing personal strengths rather than weaknesses, and dedicating more time and effort in one's circle of control, rather than focusing on a circle of worries and concerns.
About KFAS
The Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences is a non-profit Kuwaiti entity chaired by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. It has been established in accordance with an Amiri Decree issued on 12 January 1976 as a private foundation for public interest to support, since its inception, scientific and technological development in Kuwait in several ways; mainly granting financial support for scientific research and availing awards for distinguished researchers.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 27th July 2015
The Center for Continuing Education (CCE) at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) held a ceremony to celebrate the graduates of the Leadership for Supervisors Certified Program; a 3 week program designed for the professional development of members of Burgan Bank's middle management. The ceremony was held at the Chairman Club in the Burgan Bank Tower, Kuwait City, and was attended by AUK President, Professor Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, and Burgan Banks's Group Chief Human Resources and Development Officer, Ms. Halah El Sherbini, and Mrs. Buthaina Al-Khubaizi, Director of CCE, who presented the graduates with their certificates.
The Leadership for Supervisors Certified Program provided the participants with the opportunity to learn the practical and analytical skills required to manage teams. While exploring such topics as "Building and Leading High Performance Teams", "Resolving Workplace Conflict", and "Achieving Successful Results", the participants learned how to define clear team objectives and the most effective means of achieving them.
"The program has equipped me with sets of skills that help me manage daily challenges more effectively," participant Nour Hamadah, Manager - Marketing Communications, explained.
"We are proud of the partnership between Burgan Bank and the CCE itself, and the American University in Kuwait at large. We are adamant at Burgan Bank to nurture talents transitioning into leadership roles. The Leadership for Supervisors Certified Program is built around the new paradigm of leadership that focuses on people, soft skills and emotional intelligence," expressed Ms. Halah El Sherbini, Group Chief Human Resources & Development Officer.
One of the key elements of the program focused on the importance of developing the communication skills of the participants. By learning and practicing effective communication skills, the participants will be able become inspiring team leaders and learn to channel the energy, enthusiasm and motivation of their team members to achieve optimum results, thus transforming competent supervisors into true leaders.
"The Leadership for Supervisors Certified Program will create a generation of self-driven leaders and equip them with the skills needed to continue the future development and growth of Burgan Bank in Kuwait. The American University of Kuwait is honored to be part of this program with Burgan Bank and will continue to develop innovative learning and development opportunities for the next generation of professionals in Kuwait," said AUK President, Professor Dr. Nizar Hamzeh on the sidelines of the ceremony.
The Leadership for Supervisors Certified Program has been offer by CCE twice before. To date, 60 participants from Burgan Bank have successfully completed the Leadership for Supervisors program.
CCE was established in 2004 and, in addition to offering language courses in Arabic, English, French and Spanish, offers an array of courses and workshops aimed to assist in the personal and professional development of individuals and groups within public and private sectors. Course offerings are specifically tailored to meet the needs of their clients, whether they are independent groups or corporations.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 12th July 2015
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2015
The Intensive English Program (IEP) at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) performed a theatrical adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel "Pride and Prejudice" in April, 2015. The play was performed and organized entirely by the students as part of Professor Alison Koushki's "Bring Reading to Life" program, an initiative that, as the name suggests, promotes comprehensive reading of a given semester's main reading material, a classic novel, by allowing the IEP students to create a performance based upon it. This adds a new dimension to their learning experience. With the assistance of Drama Coach Lalin-Radhika Dissanayaka, the students drove the production by assuming the roles of actors, costume and set designers, advertisers, script-writers, and choreographers. The "Writing Corner" team selected and posted in the performance area the 10 best essays students wrote about the novel, giving the play a literary reflection for the audience to contemplate before and after the show.
"Pride and Prejudice" follows the drama of an English family in the early 19th century. The main character, Elizabeth Bennet, struggles with issues of class, morality and marriage as she navigates the social landscape of her rural town. The students in Professor Koushki's English classes began work on the performance in the beginning of the semester, in conjunction with their reading of the novel. Drama Coach Dissanayaka worked closely with the actors and dancers throughout rehearsals to perfect their diction, movement and timing. "The students were very dedicated to the production and were committed to memorizing all of their lines and dance moves," she said.
The play included a number of important scenes from the story of "Pride and Prejudice." Notable among them were two marriage proposals, one from the presumptuous Mr. Collins (acted by Mohammed Saab), and one from the arrogant Mr. Darcy (Aref Froutan). Elizabeth Bennet (Mona Singer) rejects them both and sends the two hopefuls packing. The performance also featured two British-style dance sequences and an unexpected dance number at the end of the show that was based on the Bollywood modern-day adaptation of the novel: "Bride and Prejudice." The student actors dressed in period costumes and scripted the dialogue with direct quotes from the novel.
In May, the production ran for a second time during the Intensive English Program Open Day. The students added a scene to the performance that was not included in the original production. The scene depicted an apology and a marriage proposal by Mr. Darcy to Elizabeth. The second performance provided the students with the opportunity to expand on their acting skills and include a few additions to the script. Actress Mona Singer "broke the fourth wall" between the stage and the audience when, as Elizabeth, she turned to them and asked "What should I do?" upon receiving Mr. Darcyâs apology and second marriage proposal. Audience interaction was lively and loud as they shouted their advice.
The "Pride and Prejudice" production was not the first time that Professor Koushki has integrated visual and dramatic arts into the reading curriculum. Last semester, her students kicked off Halloween celebrations on campus with their enactment of the novel "Frankenstein" complete with a flash dance to Michael Jackson's "Beat It," in full monster make-up and "Bring Reading to Life" t-shirts. In Spring 2014, IEP students produced performances of "The Godfather," based on the novel by American author Mario Puzo. These performances were also assisted by Ms. Dissanayaka.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 12th July 2015
Photography by the Office of Public Affairs (C) 2015
The Center for Continuing Education (CCE) at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) began working with the British Council in 2005 to deliver English language courses to individuals who were considering attending English language universities in Kuwait or abroad. This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the establishment of this partnership, and to commemorate the occasion, the Director of CCE, Mrs. Buthaina Al-Khubaizi, visited the British Council to meet with Mr. Grant Butler, Country Director, to celebrate the milestone and discuss future opportunities for collaboration. During the visit, Al-Khubaizi presented the British Council with a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of CCE.
Since its establishment in 2004, CCE has been committed to offering courses and training programs that help students and professionals improve skills that assist them in achieving their goals; a service the British Council has been committed to for years. This shared interest in reaching out to students who are in need of English language improvement and offering them top-quality courses led to a partnership forming between CCE and the British Council.
The scope of the partnership between the British Council and CCE covers the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exams. The CCE and the British Council have developed a "One-Stop IELTS" system, whereby candidates are able to register for intensive preparation courses at CCE and schedule to take the IELTS exam in the CCE facilities. The CCE administers the IELTS exam 3 times a month to approximately 300 candidates each day.
CCE also offers English language courses for academic, workplace, and everyday purposes; for all levels and from age groups of 14 years and above. Learners benefit from quality instruction and innovative programming, delivered in a supportive and collaborative learning environment. CCE is currently offering a 10% reduction for the IELTS preparation courses for candidates who register for the British Council IELTS exams via CCE.
CCE was established in 2004 and, in addition to offering language courses in Arabic, English, French and Spanish, offers an array of courses and workshops aimed to assist in the personal and professional development of individuals and groups within the public and private sectors. Course offerings are specifically tailored to meet the needs of their clients, whether they are independent groups or corporations.
Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 25th June 2015
