SDG 4: Quality Education
4.3.5 Lifelong Learning Access Policy
AUM's vision is to be a recognized institution of higher education for creating and disseminating knowledge in the region and beyond. Moreover, its mission is to provide an interactive learning environment that facilitates the development of leaders committed to its culture, global ethical values, and professionalism.
It adopts a learner-centered approach, providing students with applied and theoretical knowledge, ensuring high-quality education, and focusing on creativity, innovation, and critical thinking in its community.
According to the mission and vision, the main objective of AUM is to provide educational spaces for more than just its students since the university seeks to serve its community and contribute as much as possible to it, in addition to the constant community work it performs, it also shows its spirit of solidarity. It also ensures that all people have access to AUM, regardless of their disability, ethnicity, gender, or religion, and that all students can participate in all activities carried out at AUM.
For this reason, AUM has created a gender equality and diversity policy, which stipulates that all people, regardless of their racial, disability, gender, or religious condition, can be part of AUM and participate in the activities it generates the benefit of the community and its students.
This policy establishes that all activities are oriented to all students and the general population under a differential and gender approach. That is why AUM promotes actions aimed at raising awareness of the university community and society regarding gender, equal opportunities between men and women, and people of different religions, ethnicities, or disabilities.
Likewise, the AUM carries out various activities and campaigns on different topics of interest, in which the entire AUM community and the population, in general, can take part without any discrimination. It raises awareness and educates the community on individuals' rights to eradicate discriminatory, exclusionary, and denigrating behaviors.
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
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 is offered which include the below as an example:
Extra Time during assessments.
Permission to leave the classroom.
Ability to write exams under accommodated conditions if necessary
Provide tables inside each classroom for special needs students
Facilitate access to all campus buildings.
Permanent Permit (for permanent disability) - Parking
Temporary Permit (for temporary disability) - Drop off/Pickup
AUM Staff Development Department Mission is to create opportunities that enrich staff career experience at AUM, improve skills, promote lifelong learning, and foster the organization sense of belongingness.
By promoting and nurturing an organizational environment that values professionalism and growth, diversity and developing opportunities for all staff, the department ensures that all staff members are collectively contributing to the learner-centered approach, innovation and support for high-quality education for all AUM students.
Staff Development Role
The department of staff development aims to ensure that AUM is a place where staff are supported and recognized for their essential contributions to the university development. Some of the areas of emphasis include:
Conducting staff performance evaluation through adopting mission-driven core competencies that support the mission of the Staff Development Department and AUM mission. The results of the evaluation are analyzed and necessary recommendations and action plans are shared afterwards.
Integrating new joining staff right after signing up; starting with a welcome walk with Staff Development head and introducing the Staff Development Department role. After a specific period, series of one-to-one meetings follow up take place on a regular basis with new staff joiners to observe their current performance, collect feedback and make necessary recommendations where applicable.
Organizing targeted trainings and development plans per department and in alignment with the staff performance evaluation results.
Initiating teamwork and sense of belongingness activities to sustain the well-being of Faculty and Staff, raise awareness across AUM community and so on.
Reviewing staff related process for further improvements and upgrades.
AUM Eidi: Staff Development and Faculty Advancement Departments visited all the units at AUM and distributed gifts to more than 800 Faculty and Staff members.
Guidance sessions: Two Guidance sessions were conducted by the Staff Development for academic and non-academic managers and approvers.
Reopening Faculty and Staff Lounge: To encourage a sense of belongingness, community and enhance the wellbeing of all faculty and staff members.
Weekly Body Balance sessions:
In November 2021, the staff Development launched the Facilitating Career Development (FCD) training/certificate for its Career and advising staff and faculty in collaboration with NCDA, the premier provider of professional development in the career field in the United States
The mission of Faculty Advancement department is to support faculty development across their entire career span. The department provides faculty with opportunities for professional development, trainings, and workshops. The department contributes also to the elaboration of resources and policies that focus on the leadership, excellence in teaching and learning, and research to better serve students and the society. The department aspires at hiring talented faculty, orienting, and retaining them. It is also concerned by faculty wellbeing throughout their journey at AUM. The department is involved in recognizing faculty excellence and rewarding their achievements while putting big emphasis on raising commitment, collegiality and collaboration between various departments and colleges.
Role:
To fulfill its mission, the Faculty Advancement department is the main driver of the following activities:
Management of the Academic Promotion process: launch of the annual cycle, coordination between reviewers and announcement of promotions.
Induction of New Faculty: Organization of induction sessions and orientation all new joiners to ensure that new joiners are well informed and integrated in their departments.
Professional development and training: Continuous exploration and offering of professional development opportunities for faculty to maintain their currency in their fields and to equip them with relevant skills to advance their research and profession (e.g. Scopus).
Annual Faculty Evaluation: Overseeing and streamlining the activities related to the annual faculty evaluation including, amongst various sources, collection of information from course evaluations and research performance.
Faculty resources and Guidelines: Review and elaboration of resources and guidelines for faculty for efficient, harmonized and innovative practices in teaching and learning.
Faculty Recognition: Management and strong involvement in various faculty recognitions processes, mainly the review and coordination of the annual faculty awards (Research, Teaching, Service and Collegiality)
Faculty Support and engagement: Promoting faculty engagement through various initiatives and actions to exchange with faculty and support their queries and concerns such as retention meetings, discussions to improve engagement and services, proposals to enhance learning practices, etc.
Sharing and attending relevant events and webinars with Faculty (e,g, Babson Webinar about Cybersecurity on 08 July 2021, IEEE webinar about IEEExplore on 26 May 2021):
Seminars for Faculty By Faculty Advancement Department (e.g. Academic Promotion Guidance, June 2021)
Faculty Trainings arranged by Faculty Advancement (e.g., Scopus Profile Management offered by Scopus to all AUM Faculty
New Faculty Induction by Faculty Advancement (e.g. Session About Teaching & Learning in February 2021)
Equity and diversity policy of the university (including students and staff)
AUM Provides equal opportunities for the academic community in training, research, extension, professional, labor, academic and administrative management activities, and harmonize work, family and academic life
AUM Central Clinic includes two large clinics that can accommodate a big number of patients on a daily basis. Each clinic has a registered nurse selected from the ER department of one of the most renowned hospitals in Kuwait. The nurses are well trained and have a solid experience in handling medical cases and emergencies.
In addition to having the best medical equipment and continuously monitoring the medicines’ validity, AUM ensures having the highest standards of cleanliness in its central clinic.
Services Offered at the Clinic
Simple Cases
General check-up for students and staff whenever they visit the clinic with any complaints such as blood pressure, diabetes, dizziness, etc.
Provide them with medicine when applicable such as painkillers, pills for sore throat, etc.
In case of accident or emergency
Provide first aid when applicable
Host the student/staff until the ambulance arrives, if necessary
Opening Hours: The central clinic is operational all year long, from Saturday until Thursday, from 7:30 AM until 9:30 PM.
Location: AUM Central Clinic is located in the middle of the campus, near the colleges of Business Administration and Engineering and Technology.
The State of Kuwait has entered into a number of international conventions and treaties related to human rights, namely:
• The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
• The Convention on the Rights Children.
• The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
• The Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
• The International convention on Civil and Political Rights.
• The International convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
• The convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Events at AUM Campus that reflects Diversity
To introduce its community to new cultures and celebrate diversity, the American University of the Middle East (AUM) organized a Japanese-themed night on October 27, 2022 for students and alumni.
The Lake area was transformed into a Japanese-themed space and various activities were put in place such as live musical performances, fire shows, arts and crafts, in addition to traditional Japanese Food. All of that was so students and alumni can experience the authentic Japanese lifestyle.
Students from the art club did live paintings and displayed their Japanese-related artwork. AUM Alumna, Esraa Mohamad drew Japanese Calligraphy on wooden boards so students can keep a token of this memorable event with them.
As part of a series of events to introduce students to different cultures and celebrate diversity, the American University of the Middle East (AUM) organized Mexican-themed events titled “Fiesta by the Lake.”
The events took place on November 10-11 and 14-15 near the lake area inside AUM campus and included a series of engaging and entertaining activities among which are mystery games, photo booths, Mexican live performances, and arts and crafts.
The lake area was also decorated with the colors of the Mexican flag where students enjoyed the live music, activities, and traditional Mexican food. The talented student, Israa Al Shemari, customized sombreros by drawing and writing students’ names on them.
In celebration of the “Italian Week” organized by the Italian Embassy in Kuwait, Radiodervish performed at the AUM Opera House in the presence of the Italian Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, Mr. Giuseppe Scognamiglio, AUM professors, staff and students.
The event started with the national anthems, followed by a speech by the Italian Ambassador in which he expressed his great pleasure to be present at the AUM Opera House.
AUM: A hub for cultural diversity in Kuwait
The Ambassador said AUM students were very fortunate to have such a beautiful campus equipped with the latest in technology.
“After the success of the first edition of the “Italian Week” in Kuwait last year, we were happy to find ourselves in Kuwait again, and hope the event becomes an annual occasion that brings both the Kuwaiti and Italian people together”, Scognamiglio added.
The Ambassador also affirmed that “Italians and Kuwaitis have natural sympathy which promotes and revives cultural harmony”.
The music Radiodervish plays, he added, builds bridges between nations and promotes diversity and crosses language barriers and proves that by embracing our differences, we can create beautiful things.
Scognamiglio thanked AUM for its collaboration with the Italian Embassy, hoping for continuous cooperation in the future.
A music performance that pays tribute to cultural diversity
The event was held in honors of distinguished AUM students, where the band played music inspired by Arab and Western cultures infused with Italian, Arabic and English melodies.
With a warm sweet voice, Radiodervish founder and lead singer Nabil Salameh and his band consisting of Alessandro Pipino (keyboard, accordion, flute), Michele Lobaccaro (guitar, electric guitar), Pippo D’ambrosio (drums), and Adolpho Lavolpe (electric oud), gave a great performance at the AUM Opera House.
During his performance, Salameh shifted between Classical Arabic and Italian variations switching from soft to fast beats, which saw great interaction from the crowd.
Radiodervish sings world music with Arabic fusion
Salameh said it was the Italian band’s first visit to Kuwait. Salameh couldn’t hide how impressed he was with the crowd’s interaction with them.
“Normally, we are the ones who surprise the audience with our music fusions, however this time was different,” he explained.
“The music genre that we play is a modern genre of music that reflects modernity and variety based on cultural diversity. This mélange of eastern and western music comes from common grounds between cultures”, Salameh said.
Being part of the “Italian Week”, Salameh added, is an opportunity to highlight Italy’s diversity as it is home to many cultures. “Today, our band is a clear example of cultural coexistence and harmony.”
Dbeissy: AUM’s philosophy promotes cultural exchange
Marketing Director and Head of the Cultural Center at AUM Rasha Dbeissy said “the event was successful as students interacted with the band in a gathering that proved music is a world language. This success is only the beginning, and more events will follow to further expose students to different cultures through music.”
“AUM has completed the first phase of its project by setting up state-of-the-art educational and academic programs, and has now began the second phase which aims to engage in cultural activities that reflect the university’s vision by making sure graduates take leading roles in their professional and social life,” Dbeissy said.
Students at the American University of the Middle East (AUM) celebrated International Day Expo for two consecutive days where they took part in cultural activities and shows featuring traditional folk art from different countries around the world.
After weeks of preparation, 30 AUM student groups established contact with the embassies of the selected countries in Kuwait, and showcased their heritage through popular dishes, hospitality as well as traditional architecture.
To enter the expo and participate in the activities, AUM students used a sample “AUM Passport” which allowed them to experience the different cultural corners set up on campus.
The International Day Expo saw great student participation as many assured it introduced them to different cultures and countries that they now hope one day to visit in person.
Through various cultural and social events, AUM seeks to offer students an enriched learning and educational experience that adds to their personal and academic knowledge and prepares them for a global business environment.
Different Nationalities
As part of AUM's effort to promote culture and Arabic storytelling and strengthen it locally and internationally, AUM partnered with Al-Multaqa Prize and became the prize custodian for the fourth edition of the prize (2018-2019). Under AUM’s leadership of the prize, 209 short story collections were received from 22 countries. After the university announced the longlist and then the shortlist for the prize, a final ceremony was held at the AUM Cultural Center with the participation of international literary and public figures. During the ceremony, the university announced Sheikha Hessein Heleiwi as the winner of the prize for 2018-2019. Besides, the university also organized a Cultural Week on campus, which featured open dialogues with the authors of the shortlisted story collections, in addition to various lectures, symposiums, and dialogues. AlMultaqa Prize became an international reference among Arabic storytellers as its purpose is to enable authors from around the world and honor their contributions toward Arabic storytelling.
On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic and fruitful partnerships between the State of Kuwait and South Korea, the American University of the Middle East (AUM) hosted a ceremony for the South Korean Embassy on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at the AUM cultural center.
The ceremony included a performance by the Kukkiwon demonstration team coming from the International Academy of Taekwondo, and was performed in the presence of the Korean ambassador HONG Youngki, as well as a number of ambassadors to the State of Kuwait. The ceremony was also attended by diplomats, businessmen, political, cultural and social figures, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the American Middle East University, Mr. Fahad Al-Othman, faculty members, and AUM students.
The event included a performance by the Kuwaiti taekwondo team, and another for the Kukkiwon team from the International Taekwondo Academy in South Korea. The Kukkiwon team has performed some of the most famous Taekwondo shows around the world in more than 120 countries.
The group gave a dazzling martial arts display, comprising of self-defense movements and the most advanced Taekwondo techniques, where focus and timely kicks are central. The Kukkiwon team ended the ceremony by engaging with the audience and teaching them some primary Taekwando techniques.
Hosting the Korean Kukkiwon show comes as a result of the university's commitment to promote cultural diversity and encourage openness to other civilizations, as well its efforts to keep pace with the contemporary cultural renaissance that is taking Kuwait and the region to new levels of growth and development.
In celebration of the “Italian Week” in Kuwait, Youth Orchestra of the Rome Opera House performed at the American University of the Middle East (AUM) Opera House on Monday, November 19, 2018. The concert was attended by the Italian Deputy Head of Mission in Kuwait Mr. Andrea Quartieri representing the Italian Ambassador Mr. Giuseppe Scognamiglio, and delegation from the Italian Embassy, AUM professors, staff and students.
The orchestra played an Operatic Italian and European repertoire including “Dance of the furies from Gluck’s Orfeo Ed Euridice, “The Marriage of Figaro” and the ouverture of the opera “Don Giovanni” by Mozart, “Cinderella’s Symphony” and “The Barber of Seville” by Rossini, “The prelude” and “A Masked Ball” from La Traviata, “The Anvil Chorus” and “The Matadors Chorus” by Verdi.
Maestro Carlo Donadio expressed his great pleasure to be present with the orchestra members at Kuwait and the AUM Opera House for the first time. He also expressed his admiration for the fully integrated opera house equipped with the latest in technology.
“Today the youth orchestra introduced students and audience to opera and classical Italian and European music in a modern way. What interests us is that students are attending a live performing arts, so they are able to feel and interact with music”, Donadio Said.
He added: “Nowadays, young people tend to listen to modern music, and we need to encourage them to learn classical music, and know more about old masters of opera and music. These artists changed community attitudes and perceptions in earlier centuries”.
Finally, Maestro Donadio called upon the students to take advantage of technology and opportunities offered by AUM wishing them bright future. He also thanked the University administration for the invitation and gave the youth orchestra the opportunity to introduce students to Italian culture.
