Newsletter - August 2023

AUK and Missouri State University Collaborate

AUK and Missouri State University have partnered to create transformative opportunities. AUK students can pursue 3+2 or 4+1 Bachelor’s to Master’s Degree Programs at MSU. Tuition fees in Missouri are reduced by 75% for AUK graduates. The partnership extends to student connections, cooperative research, and faculty and staff professional development, enriching both institutions.

AUK and Nawroz Hospital Form Partnership

AUK and Nawroz Private Hospital signed a Memorandum of Understanding on August 9 to enhance healthcare education in Kurdistan. This collaboration provides opportunities for students in AUK’s Nursing program to conduct their clinical practice at Nawroz Hospital in Zakho. After the signing, Dr. Jervy Bernardino led a tour of AUK's Nursing Skills and Simulation Lab for the Nawroz team.

Indian Ambassador Visits AUK

The Indian Ambassador to Iraq, Prashant Pise, visited the American University of Kurdistan on August 22nd. President Randall Rhodes welcomed the delegation, introduced the University, and discussed AUK’s mission, vision, and impact initiatives. Ambassador Pise highlighted Indian scholarships available for Iraqi students in fields such as computer science and engineering. The visit included a campus tour, showcasing labs supported by the U.S. Department of State Grant titled “Supporting Higher Education in Iraq.” The Indian delegation also offered to support cross-cultural initiatives.

AUK visit to Chamishku IDP Camp

A delegation from the AUK visited the Chamishku IDP Camp in Zakho on Auugst 28. Led by AUK’s President, Dr. Randall Rhodes, the team engaged with camp administrators, activists, and residents to witness the ongoing efforts in repatriation, rehabilitation, and reintegration.

The visit included the office of the Barzani Charity Foundation, which manages the camp; the "Hivi' Group," active in volunteer work for nine years; “Mother Sham”, whose loss and resilience represent the Yezidi spirit of survival; and a school that accommodates 1,600 students. Discussions focused on areas of mutual interest and possible collaborations, including the training of teachers, community courses in computer skills and the English language, and scholarships enabling top students to attend the AUK.

Join the First-Ever KuSL Interpreter Course at AUK!

We are thrilled to announce a new initiative – the launch of the "Introduction to Educational Interpreting: Kurdish Sign Language Interpreter" at the AUK. This unique opportunity allows you to become a part of history by contributing to the empowerment of the Kurdish Deaf Community.

The course offers essential tools for individuals interested in becoming Kurdish Sign Language interpreters, particularly in educational settings. Participants will gain insights into the ethics and roles of interpreters, learn essential K-12 vocabulary, and master various interpreting techniques. This enriching journey will also foster cultural awareness and deepen your connection with the Kurdish Deaf Community.

Thanks to the support of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and partners, the course is offered free of charge to participants. It's a chance to enhance your skills, broaden your horizons, and make a meaningful impact.

New CPHS Research

Dr. Jiyar Aghapouri, Director of the Center for Peace and Human Security (CPHS) and Assistant Professor of International Studies within the College of Arts & Sciences at AUK, recently had two new publications.

The first is a book chapter titled “The Kurdish Media in the Middle East and Diaspora: Alternative Public and Participatory Spaces for a Non-State Nation,” published by Wiley. This chapter, also featured in the journal called The Handbook of Media & Culture in the Middle East, delves into the emergence and evolution of Kurdish media from print to social media. Dr. Aghapouri argues that the development of Kurdish media has provided valuable opportunities for the non-state Kurdish nation to connect, organize, and advance their cultural, political, and national identities. The chapter highlights the role of the Kurdish diaspora in establishing and operating these communication channels. Additionally, it sheds light on the transformative impact of Kurdish social media, fostering a more pluralistic and participatory era for Kurdish nationalism and nation-building.

The second publication is a co-authored paper, titled “The Role of Kurdish Identity in Shaping Political Identity: A Case Study of Kurdish University Students in Rojhelat, Kurdistan-Iran.” Published in the Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Studies, it explores the relationship between the political and ethno-national identity of Kurdish university students in Rojhelat (Eastern Kurdistan) within the politico-legal context of Iran. The findings reveal a significant correlation between Kurdish identity and the political identity of the students. However, despite the strong presence of Kurdish identity in the social sphere of Rojhelat, it remains largely invisible in Iran’s politico-legal realm. The paper argues that the non-democratic political regime in Iran, which prioritizes Farsi and Shiite identities, imposes restrictions on other identities, including the Kurdish ethno-national identity.

Reflections on AUK's New Student Orientation Day and Peer Mentoring

Moving from high school to college is a pivotal moment, blending excitement and uncertainty. To address this, AUK's Office of Student Affairs arranged a two-day orientation program. Activities introduced new students to campus life, guided by peer mentors. The president's speech and dean's advice emphasized community engagement.

This initiative aligns with AUK's broader efforts to enhance student success. The recently launched peer mentoring program empowers upperclassmen to guide incoming students and establish a sense of community.

Meet Zain Janjua

Faculty, College of Business

Dr. Zain Janjua is now beginning his second semester at the American University of Kurdistan, having arrived in January 2023. His degrees are in both Management Sciences and Marketing Besides his academic experience, he has worked in advertising, client services, sales, logistics, and brand management. His research interests are fairly diverse, but tourism is a common strand.

This summer, Dr. Janjua moved his family from Pakistan to Kurdistan. He lists Kurdish hospitality, cuisine, and regional tranquility as factors in that decision.

When asked what largely untapped business opportunities he sees in Kurdistan, he pointed to "sustainable rural tourism."

Meet Banas Joban

Student, Architectural Engineering

Banas Mostafa Joban, from Zakho, just started her senior year as an AUK student. Over the summer, she was a participant in July’s CAPAi Design Thinking Tech Bootcamp, on the team dedicated to “educational tech.”

Her major is Architectural Engineering; in her own words, this program allows her to be “free and limitless” through creativity.

Banas is an eager and active participant in AUK's Bibliophiles Club. She helped put together the book-signing in April by two AUK student authors, and was also involved in organizing March's essay contest to commemorate the Halabja Massacre. Her name even appears on a small plate affixed to the "Little Free Library", a bird-house-like structure for the sharing of books. As a representative for the Bibliophiles Club and an advocate for literacy generally, she continually states: “You might not have enough time to read a book. However, you are never too busy to read a page. The journey starts on that page.”