April at AUK

CPHS Hosts Webinar on Kurdish Standing in a Shifting Middle East

On March 31, AUK's Center for Peace and Human Security brought together four international scholars to discuss the evolving position of Kurdistan amid regional upheaval. Chaired by CPHS Director Dr. Jiyar Aghapouri, the webinar examined security risks, shifting alliances, and potential opportunities facing the Kurdistan Region. Speakers joined from Missouri State University, Linköping University, Indiana University Bloomington, and Izmir University of Economics, offering a range of perspectives on the rapidly changing landscape.

AUK CAPA Launches Webinar Series Amid Regional Crisis

AUK's Center for Academic and Professional Advancement (CAPA) has launched a webinar series to maintain its life-long learning mission and keep connected during the closure of AUK’s campus. Four sessions have been held so far, covering online learning, practical philosophy, AI productivity tools, and misinformation awareness. Speakers have included faculty and professionals from AUK, UCLA, and the American University of Armenia. Each session has attracted over 45 participants. As CAPA Director Loucine Hayes notes, supporting continuous learning during disruption is not optional — it is essential.

COB's Guest Speaker Series Brings Global Experts to AUK’s Students

AUK's College of Business Guest Speaker Series welcomed academics and professionals from the Kurdistan Region, the UK, and beyond since its February launch. Sessions have explored ESG, international market entry, forensic accounting, and AI in business, with speakers joining from Cranfield University, Teesside University, the University of West London, and more. Dean Dr. Taimur Sharif says the series is built on the belief that "meaningful learning happens where academic rigor meets real-world practice."

Upcoming sessions will focus on AI and the future of work.

AUK at AAICU Annual Meeting in Lugano

AUK President Randall Rhodes and OIEP Director Ajin Saadi attended the AAICU Annual Meeting in Lugano, Switzerland, April 23–25, representing the University among a gathering of academic leaders from international American universities. The meeting was organized by the Association of American International Colleges and Universities — a network of American-accredited institutions committed to advancing liberal arts education worldwide. Discussions centered on shared experiences, emerging developments in higher education, and opportunities for institutional collaboration. AUK's participation reflects its ongoing engagement with the peer institutions to find opportunities for the benefit of faculty, staff, and students.

AUK and AUB Team Up to Support Student Wellbeing

On April 23, AUK's Office of Student Affairs partnered with Counseling Services at the American University of Beirut to host a webinar on maximizing online learning in challenging times. Led by AUB Clinical Supervisor Nathalie Medlege, the session gave students practical tools for managing time, staying focused during virtual classes, and coping with stress while studying. Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many noting how the session offered concrete strategies that could be immediately applied. The event reflects AUK's broader commitment to student wellbeing and to building meaningful partnerships with peer institutions across the region.

Staff Spotlight: Ari Ahmed

Ari's connection to AUK runs deep; he collaborated with the founding team as far back as 2014, before officially joining in 2017. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from the University of Duhok, he now serves as Institutional Relations Manager, helping strengthen AUK's external partnerships and presence. Ari embodies the spirit of the institution he helped build: one that transforms ambition into achievement. "AUK is an aspirational destination for young individuals seeking higher education," he says, "an environment where all can excel, demonstrate dedication, and realize their full potential."

Student Spotlight: Walat Salih

Walat Salih, B.A. International Studies Class of 2027 at the American University of Kurdistan, participated in the International Development Youth Forum in Japan from March 12 to 21 under the theme “Designing Our Future.” The Forum brought together global youth and experts to discuss migration and refugee issues and develop policy recommendations for organizations such as UNHCR and IOM.

Salih delivered a speech on youth, education, and co-existence, highlighting Kurdish resilience and the role of education in building more just societies, as well as AUK’s contribution through its Center for Peace and Human Security. The experience strengthened her engagement with global migration dialogue.

Read more about his experience.