News
18, Oct 2009
AUK Welcomes Fall 09 Dartmouth Interns
AUK welcomes the Fall 2009 Dartmouth interns, Charlie Dameron and Matt Forman. Charlie and Matt are the 10th pair of Dartmouth interns to join AUK since the program's inception and will be staying until the end of November 2009.
Charlie Dameron.
Charlie Dameron, a junior from San Antonio, Texas, is majoring in Government and History modified with Arabic. He graduated with a Classical Diploma from the Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire in 2007, where he was student body president his senior year. He attended Duke University for one year before transferring to Dartmouth. At Duke, Charlie took an interest in Arabic and Islamic Studies, and attended the Jeddah Economic Forum in Saudi Arabia with several others from his Islamic Studies seminar program. At Dartmouth, Charlie is a rower for the Men's Lightweight team, a member of the Beta Alpha Omega fraternity, and Executive Editor of The Dartmouth Review, a bi-weekly independent newspaper.
Charlie will be working in the Gulf Studies Center, with The Voice of AUK, and a third area still to be determined.
Matthew J. Forman.
Matthew J. Forman is a member of the Class of 2011 at Dartmouth College. A major in History with concentration in History of Science and minor in Music, Matthew is excited to further develop his relationship with the American University of Kuwait. Drawn to the intern program through the teleconferences of Fall 2008 with Dr. Awwad's and Dr. Eickelman's students, he is very much looking forward to working with the students, faculty, and staff at AUK. At Dartmouth, Matthew is very active in the musical life of the College. He sings with both the Dartmouth Chamber Singers, a smaller a cappella vocal ensemble, and the Handel Society of Dartmouth College, a larger oratorio society founded in 1807. Matthew also plays in the trombone section of the Barbary Coast Jazz Ensemble. Outside of his musical pursuits, he has worked as a tutor through Dartmouth's Academic Skills Center and has written articles on the history of science for the Thayer School of Engineering magazine, Dartmouth Engineer.
Matt will be working in the Arabian Heritage Project, the Intensive English Program, and with The Voice of AUK.
Charlie Dameron.
Charlie Dameron, a junior from San Antonio, Texas, is majoring in Government and History modified with Arabic. He graduated with a Classical Diploma from the Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire in 2007, where he was student body president his senior year. He attended Duke University for one year before transferring to Dartmouth. At Duke, Charlie took an interest in Arabic and Islamic Studies, and attended the Jeddah Economic Forum in Saudi Arabia with several others from his Islamic Studies seminar program. At Dartmouth, Charlie is a rower for the Men's Lightweight team, a member of the Beta Alpha Omega fraternity, and Executive Editor of The Dartmouth Review, a bi-weekly independent newspaper.
Charlie will be working in the Gulf Studies Center, with The Voice of AUK, and a third area still to be determined.
Matthew J. Forman.
Matthew J. Forman is a member of the Class of 2011 at Dartmouth College. A major in History with concentration in History of Science and minor in Music, Matthew is excited to further develop his relationship with the American University of Kuwait. Drawn to the intern program through the teleconferences of Fall 2008 with Dr. Awwad's and Dr. Eickelman's students, he is very much looking forward to working with the students, faculty, and staff at AUK. At Dartmouth, Matthew is very active in the musical life of the College. He sings with both the Dartmouth Chamber Singers, a smaller a cappella vocal ensemble, and the Handel Society of Dartmouth College, a larger oratorio society founded in 1807. Matthew also plays in the trombone section of the Barbary Coast Jazz Ensemble. Outside of his musical pursuits, he has worked as a tutor through Dartmouth's Academic Skills Center and has written articles on the history of science for the Thayer School of Engineering magazine, Dartmouth Engineer.
Matt will be working in the Arabian Heritage Project, the Intensive English Program, and with The Voice of AUK.
15, Oct 2009
Dr. Munshi Releases New Book
AUK Professor of Anthropology and Division Head - Social Sciences, Shoma Munshi's book Prime Time Soap Operas on Indian Television with Routledge (New Delhi/London/New York), has been published in August 2009.
This is the first book to examine prime time soap operas on Indian television. It examines five prime time soaps, and argues that this particular genre of popular culture provides important resources for insights into contemporary social issues and practices. Focusing on the complex constructions of family, tradition, 'Indian-ness' and gender, the book also analyzes narrative structures of soaps in the context of their fractured and never-ending time frames and plot outlines.
Meticulously researched and persuasively argued, the book tracks how prime time soaps in India have made the small screen a big medium in reaching out to people. It will be of interest to students of anthropology and sociology, media and cultural studies, visual culture studies, gender and family studies, and also Asian studies in general.
The book has 50 color visuals supplied by television content production houses and television channels.
A book launch was held in Mumbai on August 25, 2009, on the sets of Bidaai, one of the soap operas examined in the book. Organized by the producer-director, Rajan Shahi, the stars and entire production crew were present at the launch. The media were invited for the occasion, which was televised on the channels of Star News, Aaj Tak, TV 18, and News 24.
The book will be reviewed in academic journals as well as the popular press, and is being exhibited in the upcoming Frankfurt Book Fair, the largest book fair in the world, from October 14-18, 2009.
Outlook India, one of the leading English language weekly magazines, has invited Dr. Munshi to do a special review piece on my book. This magazine is read worldwide and has one of the largest circulation figures, both in India and overseas.
The book received promising reviews. Dale F. Eickelman, the Ralph and Richard Lazarus Professor of Anthropology and Human Relations at Dartmouth College, USA, said "If Bollywood films idealize men and masculinity, Indian prime time soaps foreground women and frame attitudes toward changing family and gender roles. This superb book is good to think with, as Claude Levi-Strauss might say. It links media studies in India firmly to the main currents of social thought."
Peter van der Veer, Director, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Religious and Ethnic Diversity, Germany; and University Professor, Utrecht University, the Netherlands added, "This is a sophisticated and theoretically penetrating analysis of Indian soap operas. It is deeply informative but fortunately does not spoil the fun. Munshi's book is simultaneously wide-ranging and incisive; a must for those of us interested in popular culture and everyday life in India."
When asked as to what impact Indian prime time soap operas have had in shaping and changing attitudes in India Dr. Munshi said, "a great deal, and for that, you must read the book! This is by far the most contested territory since there is a general tendency to dismiss soaps and their heroines as portrayed regressively, with stereotypical images of submissive women. What is exciting, and heartening, is to see how, despite the criticisms leveled against them, prime time soap operas play a central role in empowering women. Throughout the book, I have tried to show how prime time soap narratives are so structured as to carry out this role; and how their heroines are represented as strong women, who, when faced with moral dilemmas, or in tackling other problems, deal with them in ways that must undoubtedly resonate with many women who feel that these soaps change the way they see and interact with their world."
Copies can also be ordered directly from Routledge India. Please send an email to marketing@tandfindia.com or bookorders@tandfindia.com. Some copies of the book are available in AUK's book store and AUK's library will also order copies.
This is the first book to examine prime time soap operas on Indian television. It examines five prime time soaps, and argues that this particular genre of popular culture provides important resources for insights into contemporary social issues and practices. Focusing on the complex constructions of family, tradition, 'Indian-ness' and gender, the book also analyzes narrative structures of soaps in the context of their fractured and never-ending time frames and plot outlines.
Meticulously researched and persuasively argued, the book tracks how prime time soaps in India have made the small screen a big medium in reaching out to people. It will be of interest to students of anthropology and sociology, media and cultural studies, visual culture studies, gender and family studies, and also Asian studies in general.
The book has 50 color visuals supplied by television content production houses and television channels.
A book launch was held in Mumbai on August 25, 2009, on the sets of Bidaai, one of the soap operas examined in the book. Organized by the producer-director, Rajan Shahi, the stars and entire production crew were present at the launch. The media were invited for the occasion, which was televised on the channels of Star News, Aaj Tak, TV 18, and News 24.
The book will be reviewed in academic journals as well as the popular press, and is being exhibited in the upcoming Frankfurt Book Fair, the largest book fair in the world, from October 14-18, 2009.
Outlook India, one of the leading English language weekly magazines, has invited Dr. Munshi to do a special review piece on my book. This magazine is read worldwide and has one of the largest circulation figures, both in India and overseas.
The book received promising reviews. Dale F. Eickelman, the Ralph and Richard Lazarus Professor of Anthropology and Human Relations at Dartmouth College, USA, said "If Bollywood films idealize men and masculinity, Indian prime time soaps foreground women and frame attitudes toward changing family and gender roles. This superb book is good to think with, as Claude Levi-Strauss might say. It links media studies in India firmly to the main currents of social thought."
Peter van der Veer, Director, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Religious and Ethnic Diversity, Germany; and University Professor, Utrecht University, the Netherlands added, "This is a sophisticated and theoretically penetrating analysis of Indian soap operas. It is deeply informative but fortunately does not spoil the fun. Munshi's book is simultaneously wide-ranging and incisive; a must for those of us interested in popular culture and everyday life in India."
When asked as to what impact Indian prime time soap operas have had in shaping and changing attitudes in India Dr. Munshi said, "a great deal, and for that, you must read the book! This is by far the most contested territory since there is a general tendency to dismiss soaps and their heroines as portrayed regressively, with stereotypical images of submissive women. What is exciting, and heartening, is to see how, despite the criticisms leveled against them, prime time soap operas play a central role in empowering women. Throughout the book, I have tried to show how prime time soap narratives are so structured as to carry out this role; and how their heroines are represented as strong women, who, when faced with moral dilemmas, or in tackling other problems, deal with them in ways that must undoubtedly resonate with many women who feel that these soaps change the way they see and interact with their world."
Copies can also be ordered directly from Routledge India. Please send an email to marketing@tandfindia.com or bookorders@tandfindia.com. Some copies of the book are available in AUK's book store and AUK's library will also order copies.
The book cover of Dr. Munshi's new book
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14, Oct 2009
Earn an ABET-ACCREDITED Degree in Engineering at Dartmouth
NEW PROGRAM OPEN TO AUK STUDENTS IN 2011
Beginning in the summer of 2011, qualified AUK students who wish to pursue engineering degrees may do so at Dartmouth. Upon successfully completing the program described below they will graduate with the Bachelor of Engineering degree from Dartmouth's Thayer School of Engineering, in addition to a bachelor's degree from AUK. The Thayer Bachelor of Engineering degree is accredited by ABET, Inc., the recognized accreditor for college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology (www.abet.org).
Dartmouth's Thayer School of Engineering, founded in 1867, offers one of the most distinctive engineering programs in the world. Grounded in Dartmouth's liberal arts curriculum, coursework at Thayer utilizes the resources of the entire Dartmouth campus, combining the expertise of Thayer faculty members with that of faculty across the institution.
(Left to right): Dean of Thayer School of Engineering Joseph Helble, Dean of AUK College of Arts and Sciences Nizar Hamzeh, Professor of Engineering (Thayer) Ursula Gibson, and Division Head of of Sciences and Engineering Shereef AlMaati. The group met in November 2008 to go over details of the dual degree program. Photo courtesy of Kawakahi Keo Amina '10
Pioneering work in bioengineering, alternative fuel development, innovative medical systems, and robotics are just a few of the areas for which Thayer is known. Engineering entrepreneurship and management are also major areas of focus. Thayer faculty and graduates have founded some of the most innovative new companies in the United States.
The AUK-Thayer Program begins the summer after sophomore year, with two required courses: Engineering Sciences (Engs) 21, "Introduction to Engineering," a design and project course, and Engs 22, "Systems," which focuses on mathematical and physical modeling and analysis in several engineering disciplines. A third course may be chosen, if desired, from the other Thayer summer offerings.
Admission to the summer program is competitive, and based on prior academic performance and letters of recommendation from AUK faculty members. Candidates for admission must be able to demonstrate academic achievement and a GPA that meets the requirements of the Thayer School admissions committee.
Upon completing the summer courses at Dartmouth, students will return to AUK to complete their degree requirements. After graduation, they will return to Dartmouth for an additional year of engineering study. The Thayer School Bachelor of Engineering degree is awarded to students who meet the grade average requirements for the degree, as specified in the Thayer School Bulletin.
Graduate study in engineering is also available at Thayer for qualified AUK students.
For more information, see the AUK course catalog or visit:
http://engineering.dartmouth.edu/
Thayer on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/thayerschool
Thayer students created this Pro/MECHANICA model of a brake rotor designed to improve the braking system of a Dartmouth Formula race car. Photo courtesy of Doug Washburn
13, Oct 2009
AUK Compares Favorably with US Counterparts
As part of a self-study, the American University of Kuwait (AUK) participated in the Educational Benchmarking, Inc (EBI) Undergraduate Business 2008 - 2009 Exit Assessment Program. The EBI survey received 36,688 returned responses from 201 public and private institutions of higher education from the United States and abroad. The purpose of the survey is to compare AUK with other American undergraduate universities as part of the American University of Kuwait's program of and commitment to continuous improvement.
The survey of 2009 graduates produced statistical results for such things as the overall aggregate responses to the survey; a select aggregate of responses from a group of seven undergraduate liberal arts universities, including AUK. The six American undergraduate liberal arts institutions were selected to be comparable with AUK; and an aggregate of responses from graduates of The American University of Kuwait. The six American liberal arts institutions are all ranked highly in the US News & World Report 2009 Rankings.
The overall response rate of all university graduates in the survey was 62%. The response rate from AUK graduates was 67%. The survey response rate is high and indicates the survey results are reliable.
Overall the survey results illustrate clearly, that the levels of academic standards at the American University of Kuwait compare favorably with the academic standards at the 201 American universities participating in the survey.
A study of the statistical evidence should please students and parents of students who have attended, are attending or plan to attend the American University of Kuwait.
The results of the survey show that AUK's performance equals or exceeds the performance of comparable American undergraduate universities. AUK was rated excellent for critical thinking, problem solving, effective managerial and leadership skills, effective communication and team work, and how to use and manage technology.
The survey of 2009 graduates produced statistical results for such things as the overall aggregate responses to the survey; a select aggregate of responses from a group of seven undergraduate liberal arts universities, including AUK. The six American undergraduate liberal arts institutions were selected to be comparable with AUK; and an aggregate of responses from graduates of The American University of Kuwait. The six American liberal arts institutions are all ranked highly in the US News & World Report 2009 Rankings.
The overall response rate of all university graduates in the survey was 62%. The response rate from AUK graduates was 67%. The survey response rate is high and indicates the survey results are reliable.
Overall the survey results illustrate clearly, that the levels of academic standards at the American University of Kuwait compare favorably with the academic standards at the 201 American universities participating in the survey.
A study of the statistical evidence should please students and parents of students who have attended, are attending or plan to attend the American University of Kuwait.
The results of the survey show that AUK's performance equals or exceeds the performance of comparable American undergraduate universities. AUK was rated excellent for critical thinking, problem solving, effective managerial and leadership skills, effective communication and team work, and how to use and manage technology.
08, Oct 2009
Tim Sullivan Appointed Interim President of the American University of Kuwait
Isaacson, Miller to Assist with International Presidential Search.
The Executive Committee of the American University of Kuwait Board of Trustees has appointed Earl L. (Tim) Sullivan as interim president, effective January 1, 2010. Sullivan will succeed Marina Tolmacheva, who recently announced her intention to step down from the AUK presidency in December 2009. "Tim brings a wealth of experience to this position," said Sheikha Dana Nasser Al-Sabah, Chairwoman of the AUK Board of Trustees. "He has a deep understanding of academic and administrative structures, an impressive scholarly record, and a commitment to quality."
Tim Sullivan is a political scientist who has served in a wide variety of leadership roles 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 department of Political Science and its department of Economics, Political Science, and Mass Communications. He also chaired the university senate and 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 says he looks forward to working with AUK faculty, students, and staff during this interim period. "I am impressed by what AUK has accomplished over the last several years," he said, "and grateful to President Marina Tolmacheva for the role she has played in helping the university grow."
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 scholarships at the Brookings Institution, The Gustave E. Von Grunebaum Center for Near Eastern Studies, and The Middle East Center (University of Utah), among others.
It is to be noted that AUK has also launched a comprehensive international search for AUK's third president. The search will be conducted with the assistance of Isaacson, Miller (IM), an internationally known executive search firm specializing in higher education and related fields.
Founded in 1982, Isaacson, Miller's expertise has grown out of its founders' public service backgrounds and their commitment to finding talented people to lead and enhance civic institutions.
Isaacson, Miller has worked on presidential searches at universities throughout the U.S., including Dartmouth College, Williams College, and Gallaudet University. The firm has also worked on high level searches for the Smithsonian Foundation, Princeton University, the State University of New York (SUNY), and the University of California at San Francisco, among many others.
Leading the search for Isaacson, Miller is Tim McFeeley, vice president and director. A graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School, McFeeley is an attorney who specialized in healthcare law before joining IM. McFeeley has led searches for higher education, advocacy, environmental, and international development organizations. Sean Farrell, a managing associate at IM, will assist with the search. Nominations and expressions of interest from members of the AUK community are welcome and will be treated with complete confidentiality.
The Executive Committee of the American University of Kuwait Board of Trustees has appointed Earl L. (Tim) Sullivan as interim president, effective January 1, 2010. Sullivan will succeed Marina Tolmacheva, who recently announced her intention to step down from the AUK presidency in December 2009. "Tim brings a wealth of experience to this position," said Sheikha Dana Nasser Al-Sabah, Chairwoman of the AUK Board of Trustees. "He has a deep understanding of academic and administrative structures, an impressive scholarly record, and a commitment to quality."
Tim Sullivan is a political scientist who has served in a wide variety of leadership roles 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 department of Political Science and its department of Economics, Political Science, and Mass Communications. He also chaired the university senate and 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 says he looks forward to working with AUK faculty, students, and staff during this interim period. "I am impressed by what AUK has accomplished over the last several years," he said, "and grateful to President Marina Tolmacheva for the role she has played in helping the university grow."
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 scholarships at the Brookings Institution, The Gustave E. Von Grunebaum Center for Near Eastern Studies, and The Middle East Center (University of Utah), among others.
It is to be noted that AUK has also launched a comprehensive international search for AUK's third president. The search will be conducted with the assistance of Isaacson, Miller (IM), an internationally known executive search firm specializing in higher education and related fields.
Founded in 1982, Isaacson, Miller's expertise has grown out of its founders' public service backgrounds and their commitment to finding talented people to lead and enhance civic institutions.
Isaacson, Miller has worked on presidential searches at universities throughout the U.S., including Dartmouth College, Williams College, and Gallaudet University. The firm has also worked on high level searches for the Smithsonian Foundation, Princeton University, the State University of New York (SUNY), and the University of California at San Francisco, among many others.
Leading the search for Isaacson, Miller is Tim McFeeley, vice president and director. A graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School, McFeeley is an attorney who specialized in healthcare law before joining IM. McFeeley has led searches for higher education, advocacy, environmental, and international development organizations. Sean Farrell, a managing associate at IM, will assist with the search. Nominations and expressions of interest from members of the AUK community are welcome and will be treated with complete confidentiality.
Tim Sullivan
06, Oct 2009
The Arirang Quintet Master Class & Concert
The Arirang Quintet, comprised of premier professional instrumentalists from Germany, presented a master class on Oct. 3 and a concert on Oct. 5, where they discussed their craft and coached local students. Both events were held at the American University of Kuwait (AUK). Also, during the week, they featured at the residence of the German Ambassador.
Organized by the German Embassy and the AUK Visual Performing Arts Program under the direction of Dr. Lisa Urkevich, the concert featured works by Mozart, Klughardt, and Ibert and was open to the public. Arirang Quintet's master class, a few days before the concert, especially welcomed students, as the quintet offered coaching and answer questions from the musical audience. Dr. Urkevich said, "The attendance was wonderful. We had over 150 students and teachers from the community participating. The students were very involved, asking questions, and performing alongside the professionals."
During the week they also performed at the German Ambassador's residence during the reception on the occasion of the Day of German Unity. "I am very happy that we could attract such talent to Kuwait" says the German Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Michael Worbs. "Because the concert at AUK is public, many people in Kuwait will get a chance to enjoy the performance of Arirang Quintet."
Arirang Quintet members Friedrich Haberstock (flute), Jorg Schneider (oboe), Steffen Dillner (clarinet), Sebastian Schindler (French horn), and Monika Schneider (bassoon) presented a short demonstration of their virtuosity on their respective instruments. They also shared their perspectives on practicing, performing, and the empowering nature of music in the hopes of inspiring these young musicians.
"This is the first time for us to play in Kuwait and in the Gulf region," says bassoonist Monika Schneider, "and we are really excited." Dr. Urkevich added, "These wind quintet musical events at AUK provide an especially good opportunity for our students and the community since wind instrument performers, who play the instruments that are featured by the Arirang Quintet, are quite rare in Kuwait, indeed, in the Gulf region in general."
Matthew Forman, a music major at Dartmouth College in the US interning at AUK through the University's partnership with Dartmouth, said, "Collaboration between students and professionals is critical for the students' development as musicians and reaffirms the musicians' commitment to their craft."
The Arirang Wind Quintet was formed in 2002 and is comprised of members from the Junge Deutsche Philharmonie, which is one of the leading orchestras in Germany. The musicians of the Arirang Quintet were chosen from over 25,000 students from German music conservatories, and they manifest the highest performance standards. The repertoire of the ensemble consists of Classical, Romantic, and contemporary pieces, including several works which the group debuts.
Organized by the German Embassy and the AUK Visual Performing Arts Program under the direction of Dr. Lisa Urkevich, the concert featured works by Mozart, Klughardt, and Ibert and was open to the public. Arirang Quintet's master class, a few days before the concert, especially welcomed students, as the quintet offered coaching and answer questions from the musical audience. Dr. Urkevich said, "The attendance was wonderful. We had over 150 students and teachers from the community participating. The students were very involved, asking questions, and performing alongside the professionals."
During the week they also performed at the German Ambassador's residence during the reception on the occasion of the Day of German Unity. "I am very happy that we could attract such talent to Kuwait" says the German Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Michael Worbs. "Because the concert at AUK is public, many people in Kuwait will get a chance to enjoy the performance of Arirang Quintet."
Arirang Quintet members Friedrich Haberstock (flute), Jorg Schneider (oboe), Steffen Dillner (clarinet), Sebastian Schindler (French horn), and Monika Schneider (bassoon) presented a short demonstration of their virtuosity on their respective instruments. They also shared their perspectives on practicing, performing, and the empowering nature of music in the hopes of inspiring these young musicians.
"This is the first time for us to play in Kuwait and in the Gulf region," says bassoonist Monika Schneider, "and we are really excited." Dr. Urkevich added, "These wind quintet musical events at AUK provide an especially good opportunity for our students and the community since wind instrument performers, who play the instruments that are featured by the Arirang Quintet, are quite rare in Kuwait, indeed, in the Gulf region in general."
Matthew Forman, a music major at Dartmouth College in the US interning at AUK through the University's partnership with Dartmouth, said, "Collaboration between students and professionals is critical for the students' development as musicians and reaffirms the musicians' commitment to their craft."
The Arirang Wind Quintet was formed in 2002 and is comprised of members from the Junge Deutsche Philharmonie, which is one of the leading orchestras in Germany. The musicians of the Arirang Quintet were chosen from over 25,000 students from German music conservatories, and they manifest the highest performance standards. The repertoire of the ensemble consists of Classical, Romantic, and contemporary pieces, including several works which the group debuts.
BSK students participated in the master class
Images from the concert
Dr. Lisa Urkevich
Dr. Marina Tolmacheva
German Ambassador Dr. Michael Worbs
Audience of all ages attended the lecture
The musicians
Back row: Left to right Dr. Lisa Urkevich, Dr. Marina, German Ambassador Dr. Michael Worbs and his wife.
Front row: AUK student and AUK intern from Dartmouth College with musicians
Front row: AUK student and AUK intern from Dartmouth College with musicians
05, Oct 2009
AUK Hosts H1N1 Prevention Lecture
In light of the recent Influenza A (H1N1) worldwide pandemic, the American University of Kuwait's (AUK) Student Government Association (SGA) in cooperation with AUK's administration, held a lecture on Monday October 5th titled, "How to Protect Yourself and Others from H1N1". The lecture, given by Dr. Jaafar Dawood, Department Head of Disease Prevention at the Ministry of Health, focused on defining what H1N1 is and ways of prevention. Dr. Dawood then took questions from the audience.
The lecture is in line with AUK's several safety measures taken to ensure the security and safety of everyone on Campus. AUK is working towards making the Campus as healthy as possible, by working closely with the Kuwait Ministry of Health to monitor flu conditions as well as decide on the best way to proceed. As a precaution the University provides hand sanitizers and face masks are available upon request. Provisions will also be made for students who are sick and provide medical documentation. The University has also issued a list to students, faculty and staff on what each individual can do to help keep AUK's Campus safe and healthy for everyone. As well as some tips on what to do should an individual experience flu-like symptoms.
Below are extra measures currently being taken by AUK to safeguard the University Campus:
The lecture is in line with AUK's several safety measures taken to ensure the security and safety of everyone on Campus. AUK is working towards making the Campus as healthy as possible, by working closely with the Kuwait Ministry of Health to monitor flu conditions as well as decide on the best way to proceed. As a precaution the University provides hand sanitizers and face masks are available upon request. Provisions will also be made for students who are sick and provide medical documentation. The University has also issued a list to students, faculty and staff on what each individual can do to help keep AUK's Campus safe and healthy for everyone. As well as some tips on what to do should an individual experience flu-like symptoms.
Below are extra measures currently being taken by AUK to safeguard the University Campus:
- AUK formed a working group to coordinate campus-wide efforts related to H1N1, to work with the relevant Ministries, and to develop contingency plans.
- AUK's website currently contains H1N1 information regarding preventative measures, useful resources, and will include further details on AUK's efforts to handle this pandemic.
- Posters and flyers are posted around AUK's campus to inform all members of the AUK community.
- Hand washing signs have been placed in wash rooms, and wash rooms are being checked even more regularly for stock and cleaning needs.
- Hand sanitizer dispensers & disposable wipes are being made available in public areas.
- Regularly scheduled cleaning of high traffic surface areas (door handles, elevator panels, labs, etc.) is underway.
- E-mails have been sent out to students giving instructions on ways to stay healthy and how to be academically responsible if you feel unwell.
AUK is ready to take additional steps to maintain as healthy a campus environment as possible. For more information about flu and what AUK is doing, visit www.auk.edu.kw. For more information on H1N1 flu, visit the Kuwait Ministry of Health website http://www.moh.gov.kw/, or visit www.flu.gov.
Dr. Jaafar Dawood with Omar Al-Hussainan & Essa Al-Bolushy from the SGA
A view of the audience who attended the lecture
01, Oct 2009
AUK Holds Annual Convocation Ceremony
The Office of Student Life at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) held a Convocation Ceremony for the Class of 2013 on Wednesday September 30th, as part of AUK's Annual Orientation and Welcome Week festivities to greet new and returning students to campus. As the counterpart to graduation, it serves as a rite of passage, entering into the great community of AUK.
The ceremony hosted a number of keynote addresses regarding AUK's Motto Learn.Think.Become. These keynote addresses were given by AUK President Marina Tolmacheva, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, and Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Carol Ross. In addition, members of the Dean's Council and Faculty and SGA President were part of the ceremony and each represented and described key components and symbols representative of AUK including, the AUK Seal, Logo, Mascot, and Colors. The AUK Seal, as the significant symbol of the University, was described in even more detail reviewing all four major components of the Circle of Life including a Book, the Dhow, a Falcon, and the Torch. The ceremony concluded with the representation of the Torch, which stands for freedom and the passing of the light of knowledge and wisdom from one generation to the next, and a candle lighting ceremony was held with AUK's First Year students participating.
The Convocation Ceremony served as the pinnacle event for the Annual Orientation and Welcome Week Festivities mainly catering First Year students. During this week, many events were put on to welcome all students to campus including a Welcome Back Barbeque and a Get Involved Fair. In addition, specific events were held to help First Year students get familiar with their surroundings including Convocation, "Meet Your Professor" Reception, Class Photo, and an off-campus event. This program promotes the unity of the AUK community and helps students in their transition into University life at AUK.
The ceremony hosted a number of keynote addresses regarding AUK's Motto Learn.Think.Become. These keynote addresses were given by AUK President Marina Tolmacheva, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Nizar Hamzeh, and Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Carol Ross. In addition, members of the Dean's Council and Faculty and SGA President were part of the ceremony and each represented and described key components and symbols representative of AUK including, the AUK Seal, Logo, Mascot, and Colors. The AUK Seal, as the significant symbol of the University, was described in even more detail reviewing all four major components of the Circle of Life including a Book, the Dhow, a Falcon, and the Torch. The ceremony concluded with the representation of the Torch, which stands for freedom and the passing of the light of knowledge and wisdom from one generation to the next, and a candle lighting ceremony was held with AUK's First Year students participating.
The Convocation Ceremony served as the pinnacle event for the Annual Orientation and Welcome Week Festivities mainly catering First Year students. During this week, many events were put on to welcome all students to campus including a Welcome Back Barbeque and a Get Involved Fair. In addition, specific events were held to help First Year students get familiar with their surroundings including Convocation, "Meet Your Professor" Reception, Class Photo, and an off-campus event. This program promotes the unity of the AUK community and helps students in their transition into University life at AUK.
Dr. Marina Tolmacheva, the AUK President presents the AUK motto Learn.Think.Become.
Members of the Dean's Council and Division heads
New students who attended the ceremony
Dr. Nizar Hamzeh Dean of College of Arts & Sciences
Dr. Carol Ross Dean of Student Affairs
Abdullah Al-Sharrad, SGA President presents the AUK color and the AUK mascot
Dr. Rawda Awwad, assistant Dean for Accreditation & curriculum presents the Circle of life in the AUK seal
Dr. Craig loomis, Head Division - Humanities and Arts presents the book in the AUK seal
Dr. Shoma Munshi, Head Division - Social Sciences presents the dhow in the AUK seal
Dr. Shareef Abu Al Maati, Head Division - Sciences & Engineering presents the falcon in the AUK seal
Dr. Mohsen Bagnied, Head Division - Business & Economics presents the torch in the AUK seal
Dr. John Russell Associate Dean for Administration presents the candle lighting ceremony
Images from the the Candle lighting ceremony
The reception that followed the ceremony
17, Sep 2009
AUK 2009 Ghabga
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) held its annual Ghabga on Tuesday, September 15th, 2009 at the Six Palms restaurant in Marina Hotel to celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan as well as the beginning of the new academic year 2009-2010.
The gathering was attended by AUK President Dr. Marina Tolmacheva who welcomed the attending faculty and staff and their guests.
Images from the Ghabga:
The gathering was attended by AUK President Dr. Marina Tolmacheva who welcomed the attending faculty and staff and their guests.
Images from the Ghabga:
