Newsletter - February 2024

AUK’s CPHS Hosts Ambassador Futoshi Matsumoto for Lecture at AUK

AUK hosted the Japanese Ambassador to Iraq, Futoshi Matsumoto, on February 19 as part of a lecture series sponsored by the University’s Center for Peace and Security (CPHS). The lecture was titled “Japan’s Modernization and its Lessons for the Future of Iraq,” and addressed issues of national identity, openness to the global world, and the trajectory to modernization. The event supported the University’s theme of "Achieving a Sustainable World" via global connectivity, as part of the 10th Anniversary celebration in 2024.

Read more by clicking here.

President of AUK Hosts Bişar Çoktin for Establishment of BC Group Scholarship

Mr. Bişar Çoktin, Chairman of BC Group Holding, paid a visit to AUK on February 12. During the visit, he engaged in discussions with President Dr. Randall Rhodes regarding the University and importance of the BC Group Scholarship. In providing a grant of $250,000 for a period of five years, the BC Group demonstrates its dedication to aiding deserving Kurdish students hailing from Northern Kurdistan, Turkiye. Scholarship recipients will be granted support to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel between home and campus throughout their academic careers. They can select academic programs within any of AUK's four colleges—Nursing, Business, Engineering, and Arts & Sciences.

Read more by clicking here.

AUK’s College of Nursing Launches the AUKLS Training Site

AUK’s College of Nursing announced its new Life Support Training Site, AUKLS, and hosted the first introductory event for students and staff of Cihan University, in AUK’s auditorium on February 14. The AUKLS is Iraq's first accredited American Heart Association (AHA) training site hosted by a university. The AUKLS’ training programs are designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies, and they include several courses on essential life support skills and techniques recommended by the AHA.

Read more by clicking here.

The AUK Continues Its Campaign for Sustainable Development

On February 14, the American University of Kurdistan (AUK) hosted the third “Campaign for the Universal Goals of Sustainable Development” exhibition showcasing innovative solutions for water management, green buildings, waste management strategies, and green energy. The event was a collaborative effort between AUK faculty, students, the Hasara Organization, and Daro Company. The theme of the event was "Together, let us attain a green and sustainable world," reflecting the University's commitment to promoting efforts to achieve sustainability as it approaches its tenth anniversary.

Additionally, in accordance with the University’s dedication to promoting health and wellness, the Student Government urged all faculty, staff, and students to avoid elevator usage for one day – February 26. One elevator was operational to cater to the accessibility needs of community members. By incorporating more physical activity into our daily lives, we believe we can enhance our collective physical and mental well-being.

Read more by clicking here.

AUK Students to Represent Kurdistan at Iraq Universities Debate Championship in Qatar

AUK students Dalal Bashar, Zahraa Mohammed, Maram Riadth, and Aesha Taha will represent Kurdistan in the final round of the Kurdistan Region-Iraq Universities Debate Championship (KRIUDC) in Qatar. The AUK team, which had previously advanced in the qualification round among universities in the Duhok Governorate, prevailed over their counterparts from the University of Zakho (UoZ), Cihan University-Erbil, and Charmo University on February 25, 2024. Their victory gives them the honor of representing Kurdistan in the Iraqi national debate competition in Qatar later this year, where they will vie for the title of Iraqi University Debate Champion. This accomplishment reflects the current month's theme of the University, "Achieving a Sustainable World," as it promotes the advancement of academic achievement as a means for global success.

Read more by clicking here.

AUK’s Design Department Celebrates the First Student-Faculty Research Paper Publication

The paper titled "Arguing Faux Biophilia Concepts in F&B Interior Design," by students and faculty of AUK’s Design Department was published in the indexed journal Civil Engineering and Architecture (Vol. 12, No. 2). The paper had been awarded with the "Best Presentation" award and placed on the "Outstanding Presentations" roster at the 6th International Conference

The research was the product of the efforts of the students and faculty of the Design Department of AUK and serves as evidence of the University’s commitment to undergraduate research, scholarly innovation, and faculty-student collaboration.

 Read more by clicking here.