January at AUK

A Growing Community: AUK Reaches 1,000+ Students

On January 10, 2026, the American University of Kurdistan kicked off the Spring 2026 semester by reaching a major milestone, surpassing 1,000 students in total enrollment for the first time, with the University now the academic home to 1,078 students. New Student Orientation, organized by the Office of Student Affairs, welcomed newcomers through a series of interactive sessions and campus activities designed to help them feel confident, connected, and ready to begin their path to excellence at AUK.

Student Club Fair Brings Campus Life to the Spotlight

AUK’s Office of Student Affairs organized the biannual Student Club Fair, bringing together 28 student clubs to recruit new members through posters, interactive activities, and friendly competitions. The event showcased the diversity of student life at AUK and encouraged students to get involved beyond the classroom.

AUK Community Unites in Solidarity with Rojava

The AUK community came together on campus to express solidarity with Kurds in Rojava through a peaceful demonstration organized by the Student Government. Students, faculty, and staff gathered to show support and raise awareness, reflecting the University’s strong sense of cohesion and commitment. In parallel, the Student Government led a one-week donation drive, mobilizing the AUK community to contribute tangible support for those affected. The initiative highlighted the role of student leadership in fostering civic engagement and bringing the University community together around shared humanitarian values.

AUK Expands Life Support Training Capacity

From January 8 to 12, AUK’s College of Nursing, through its Life Support Training Site (AUKLS), hosted representatives from the American Heart Association International Training Center at Beirut Arab University. The visit included the signing of an MoU and hands-on mentoring to prepare new instructors in CPR and Basic Life Support. All three trainees successfully completed their certification as AHA Instructors—strengthening AUK’s capacity to deliver internationally aligned life-saving education and support community health in Duhok and beyond.

CAPAx 2026 Celebrates Student Voices and Growth

On January 25, CAPA hosted the fifth edition of CAPAx, AUK’s flagship student-speaker event showcasing confidence, storytelling, and critical thinking. First Prize winner Avan Khaleel shared Stolen Stories from the Mountains on reclaiming Kurdish heritage; Fadi Sinan Ismael spoke on breaking mental health stigma; and Marya Abdulrahman Hasan explored AI bias against small cultures. Former CAPAx participants returned as co-hosts, highlighting the program’s lasting impact on student growth and expression.

Staff Spotlight: Reving Azad

Reving Azad is a Senior Development Officer at AUK’s Office of Advancement. He brings over 5 years of experience in finance and operations, including prior work as an Operations Analyst in Boston, Massachusetts. At AUK, he focuses on fundraising initiatives and event sponsorships that support institutional growth and expand opportunities for students. Drawing on international professional experience, he brings a global outlook and cross-cultural understanding that support AUK’s mission and continued growth.

Alumni Testimonial: Haji Mohammed Ali Ashor

Receiving a scholarship made it possible for me to attend AUK and pursue a quality education that would otherwise have been out of reach. Through inspiring professors, modern resources, and active involvement in student clubs and community service, I developed the skills and confidence needed for my future. Maintaining a high GPA while balancing academics and activities was a proud achievement. I am deeply grateful to the donors whose generosity changed my life and continues to create opportunities for students like me.