U.S. Department of State Awards AUK the Fourth Grant

On October 1, 2023, the United States Department of State (DOS) awarded AUK a $3.75 million grant entitled "Support to American-Style Higher Education in Iraq." The grant provides 49 scholarships to first-time university students. Priority is given to underrepresented groups, women, and students from minority backgrounds.

Furthermore, the DOS Grant will be utilized to fund the establishment of an AI laboratory in order to optimize the teaching and learning of the developing technology.

The establishment of sustainability throughout all functions and programs of the University is also a priority for the DOS. This is especially evident in the development of programming that is committed to the field of entrepreneurship, institutional sustainability (greater efficiencies in processes), and clean energy and environmentally sensitive initiatives.

To read more about the Fourth Grant, please click here.

AUK invites High School Students to Open House

AUK hosted prospective students and their parents on campus on October 21, 2023. Visitors learned about AUK's educational model, spoke with deans and faculty members about academic programs, and gained knowledge about co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. The AUK Open House included activities such as the treasure hunt, riddles, trivia quizzes, and CPR training. Winners of the "Duhok Pattern" Design Competition, were also awarded that day.

For further details, please click here.

AUK Hosts the “Halabja in the Golden Days” Art Show

AUK hosted an art exhibit titled "Halabja in the Golden Days," organized by the UK-based Gulan Charity in partnership with AUK's Center for Peace and Human Security (CPHS). The exhibition included artworks by a number of Kurdish artists relating to the culture of Halabja, a display of Kurdish costumes, and an art installation of banners depicting the poets and historical figures of Halabja. This was complemented by a presentation on Shaikh Mahmoud and the Kurdish uprising, a concert, and a closing event celebrating Halabja’s significance in Kurdish literature and poetry.

To Read more about this event click here.

AUK Celebrates Diversity on Campus

The Multicultural Fair at AUK on October 23 was arranged with the goal of creating a culture embracing the richness of diversity that is Kurdistan. The fair featured business booths displaying both contemporary and traditional culture, including costumes, handcrafted accessories, and henna tattoos, as well as Kurdish cuisine and bread cooked on-site. Live music also engaged the audience.

AUK's Mental Health Event

On October 10, 2023, AUK's Counseling Services organized a day of events in celebration of World Mental Health Awareness Day to promote mental health awareness and combat stigma. Events supported the University’s commitment to the holistic development and well-being of students as they seek to achieve personal and professional success. Workshops, self-assessments, the wearing of green ribbons, and distribution of brochures demonstrated the need to prioritize mental health and create a supportive campus culture.

To read the full article click here.

AUK Celebrates Second Alumni Reunion

On October 7, the University's Office of Advancement hosted a gathering of 141 alumni for a celebration that highlighted their individual and collective impact and accomplishments since their graduation.

At this year's event, the AUK Alumni Award for Community Service was presented for the first time; Kajin Khalil and Negeen Saydo were the recipients. The award recognized alumni whose voluntary work benefited their communities. A Business Network exhibit featuring tables displaying products from alumni-owned companies also displayed a variety of alumni accomplishments.

The dinner and live jazz music that accompanied the event added to the ideal atmosphere for a late summer evening.

Interview with Accreditation Consultant Dr. Lee Bash

As the University proceeds down its path toward accreditation with the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), an interview was conducted with the institution's accreditation consultant, Dr. Lee Bash, for his insights on the process and his perceptions of the American University of Kurdistan (AUK). The text of the interview appears below.

To read the full interview, please click here.

Meet Hozan Fahmi

Faculty, College of Arts and Sciences

Hozan Fahmi is the College Manager and faculty member in the College of Arts and Sciences. She has worked at AUK for five years, first as a student recruiter, and then after leaving to finish her master’s degree, returned as an instructor for the English Language Institute (the precursor to the Center for Academic and Professional Advancement).

Hozan’s long-term goal is to pursue a Ph.D. and advance her career in academia. Committed to education and its development in Kurdistan, she aspires to open a research center on pedagogy with the aim of promoting innovative teaching.

Thomas Hayes, Chair of the Department of General Education, said: “Hozan has a good mind for management. She is one of our best instructors and has great flexibility and adaptability. I think she will most likely be in a leading role within a few years. Her help has been invaluable for me in making reforms and changes in General Education.”

When asked what she enjoys the most about her work at AUK, she responded: “I appreciate the diversity and inclusivity that AUK fosters. Having staff and students from different countries, ethnicities, and backgrounds is an exciting experience in the city of Duhok, and I feel privileged to learn from such a diverse group of people.”