AUK holds virtual orientation for new and returning staff members
KUWAIT CITY, Sept 28: The American University of Kuwait (AUK) held a virtual orientation meeting for new and returning staff and faculty members in preparation for the upcoming fall 2021 semester.
Welcoming the faculty back to campus, AUK President, Dr. Rawda Awwad began by praising the university community resilience since the beginning of the pandemic. She mentioned the hardships that were endured during the past 18 months and offered words of encouragement to persevere. The president then acknowledged the recent passing of AUK’s founding president, Dr. Shafeeq Al-Ghabra. During her eulogy, Dr. Rawda said, “He was charismatic, quite the communicator, and a person with many ideas, and was not shy to share them, test them, and implement them as we went along. Inclusive by nature, he involved everyone which created an institutional “buzz” that became infectious. For him and others who worked with him, AUK had to be different, and it became different. So, rather than follow, we would lead. And I believe that by in large that is what we continue to do.”
The president moved on to discuss the various developments that were implemented to the University’s technological infrastructure, campus grounds, and strategic plans to further the institution’s mission towards providing an exceptional learning environment for students. Among those plans were the faculty training sessions that were hosted by the University’s Center for Teaching Excellence. The Center provided multiple workshops to enhance faculty’s teaching practices to incorporate the most effective pedagogical methods to foster a mutual beneficial learning experience between faculty and students.
Furthermore, Dr. Rawda spoke of AUK’s readiness to host a hybrid model of education that will take place during the upcoming fall 2021 semester, “Over the course of the last two semesters, we have completed “smart” classrooms, installed cameras and sound tiles and have prepared for broadcasting into different classrooms to ensure social distancing requirements. We made sure that all staff and faculty offices are fully equipped with the technology necessary for faculty members to teach, and faculty and staff to conduct meetings from the safety of their offices.” These measures come in addition to comprehensive safety and security plans that will be applied in compliance with instructions provided by the Ministry of Health.
The fall 2021 semester at AUK is set to begin its first week of online studies, after which students will be shifting to a hybrid schedule—dividing their time equally between online and on campus studies. AUK is committed and prepared to host its students in a safe and responsible manner to ensure the wellbeing of its campus community.
The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is an independent, private, equal opportunity, and coeducational 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