Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10) emphasizes the importance of reducing inequalities within and among countries. In Kuwait, a nation with a diverse population, addressing inequalities and fostering inclusivity is a crucial part of the development agenda. The American University of the Middle East (AUM) recognizes the significance of SDG 10 and is actively working towards reducing inequalities, particularly concerning underrepresented groups and individuals with disabilities.

AUM's commitment to diversity and inclusion begins with its admissions policy, which ensures that students from various backgrounds and identities have the opportunity to access quality education. The university actively promotes a diverse student body and faculty, fostering an environment where multiple perspectives are valued.

The university takes specific steps to support underrepresented groups, including scholarships and support programs aimed at students who may face unique challenges in accessing higher education. These initiatives aim to reduce disparities in educational attainment.

AUM is also dedicated to providing a welcoming and accessible campus for individuals with disabilities. The university invests in infrastructure improvements, ensuring that facilities, classrooms, and resources are physically accessible to everyone. Moreover, AUM offers academic support services and accommodations tailored to the needs of students with disabilities to ensure their success.

In addition to these practical measures, AUM promotes a culture of inclusion through educational programs, workshops, and events that celebrate diversity and encourage dialogue on important issues related to inequality. These efforts are not limited to the campus but extend to collaborations with organizations and initiatives that advocate for marginalized communities and social justice in Kuwait.

In conclusion, AUM's commitment to SDG 10, "Reduced Inequalities," is evident in its multifaceted approach to creating a more inclusive and equitable educational environment. By embracing diversity, providing support for underrepresented groups, and ensuring accessibility, the university contributes to Kuwait's efforts to reduce inequalities and build a society where every individual, regardless of their background or abilities, has the opportunity to thrive.

AUM Non-Discriminatory Admissions Policy

The American University of the Middle East (AUM) is proud to uphold a non-discriminatory admissions policy that is transparent and equitable. This policy is prominently displayed and publicly accessible to ensure that all applicants, regardless of their background or circumstances, are treated fairly and without bias. AUM also believes in the importance of positive discrimination policies when they are deemed appropriate, and these policies are carefully explained to provide clarity on their objectives and implementation. By adhering to these principles and maintaining transparency, AUM demonstrates its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment where opportunities for education are accessible to all qualified individuals, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or circumstances.

AUM has an admissions policy that allows for the recruitment of the most significant number of students seeking academic success and subsequent recognition as professionals, as well as avoiding any discrimination against potential applicants at the time of admission. For this reason, AUM reviews the current processes, considering the specific needs of applicants to the university. Similarly, the university is committed to including women and people with special needs in universities, so it defines the main approaches to define and guide an institutional policy of linkage and admission of students.

In order to fulfill its mission, AUM has as an objective in its admission and linkage process to carry out the processes related to the characterization of applicants interested in starting any of the academic programs offered by AUM; such characterization consists of ethnicity, religion, gender or disability, kinship and vocation, the above, through compliance with institutional rules and procedures and current national regulations, taking into account criteria of transparency, quality, and opportunity, so that all people have the same opportunities to access the university.

Similarly, AUM has designed its campus in such a way as to make it accessible to students and applicants with reduced mobility or special needs. This is in line with AUM's ongoing efforts to provide equal learning opportunities and full participation in the life of the university for all current and future students.

Equity and Diversity Policy

AUM, on the other hand, has an equality and diversity policy, where it is made known that the university has a mission to act as a center for the creation, preservation, transmission, and dissemination of knowledge and culture, to promote change and the advancement of society, and to participate in the integration of society with global cultural, scientific and economic movements.

AUM, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, aims at the development of people, so all its activities are oriented to all its students and population in general under a differential and gender approach, which means reflecting on the historical situation of disadvantage experienced by women because they are women, the disadvantages in the education of people with disabilities or the discrimination experienced by some because of their ethnicity or religion.

This policy establishes that AUM promotes actions aimed at raising awareness among the university community and society regarding gender, equal opportunities between men and women, and people of different religions, ethnicities, or disabilities.

Similarly, among its objectives, the university has to carry out different activities and campaigns on various topics of interest, in which the entire AUM community and the general population can participate without discrimination.

Campus Accessibility

The AUM campus was designed in a way that facilitates the accessibility of any person with reduced mobility or special needs to all buildings and facilities on campus. This goes in line with our continuous efforts to provide an equal learning opportunity and full participation in the life of the college for all current and prospective students.

Support and Services include:

• Designated parking spaces and a specific entrance gate are available for people with special needs

• All bathrooms have a toilet room accessible for people with special needs

• The classroom doors are 1.2 meters wide to allow easy access

• Ramps are installed for all building entrances and across the landscape to allow ease of access

Virtual Campus Tour showing the fully accessible campus

AUM campus is considered one the largest and most beautiful among private university campuses in the region, stretching over an area of 261,190 square meters. With more than 700 trees on campus, AUM is continuously evolving its green practices by integrating sustainability into all aspects of the institution.

Use our virtual tour to discover the campus: https://virtualtour.aum.edu.kw/

Special Needs Services and Reasonable accommodations

Any AUM student with special needs or health condition that restrict them academically or physically are required to a file a request form at student affairs department and provide an official document that details their case in order to effectively serve and support the student:

The Admission committee meets with each special needs student to evaluate the medical condition and identify the services AUM could provide for the student. Afterward, tailor-made support and reasonable accommodations are offered which include the below as example:

• Accommodations provided to special needs students in class (note-taking, permission to leave the classroom assistance by tutoring center, assistance by writing lab, etc.)

• Extra Time during assessments.

• Permanent Permit (for permanent disability) - Parking

• Temporary Permit (for temporary disability) - Drop off/Pickup

• Workshops for academic assistance such as time management, critical thinking, and solving problems techniques.

• Computer aided software and Assistive technology tools

• Students with disabilities who have a support person may bring that person with them to the University as described in the accommodation plan.

Student Support Resources

Several resources are available at the university to provide support to students during their time at AUM. Our experienced advisors and tutors are ready to provide you with all the support needed to graduate on time and overcome any academic obstacle faced during your academic journey.

Academic Advancement Center

https://www.aum.edu.kw/english/academics/academic-advancement-center/academic-advancement-center

Writing Lab

https://www.aum.edu.kw/english/academics/academic-advancement-center/writing-lab

Tutoring Center

https://www.aum.edu.kw/english/academics/academic-advancement-center/tutoring-center

Selected award winning student projects on SDG10. Reduced Inequalities

Glassee’s - First Place in AUM Startup Challenge 2023 and 2nd Internationally in Babson Student Global Challenge

The concept of this project centered around aiding individuals with visual impairments using smart glasses and a cane. Team members: Deem F B Alotaibi, Farah Alfajji, Aliah Alenezi, Afaf Almuraifea, and Yaqoub Almejadi.

Selected research publications on SDG10. Reduced Inequalities