10.6.1 Admissions policy which is non-discriminatory
10.6.2 Tracking applications & admissions of underrepresented groups
10.6.3 Programmes to recruit students/staff/faculty from under-represented groups
10.6.4 Anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies
10.6.5 Diversity and equality committee, office and/or officer
10.6.6 Mentoring/counselling programmes to support students, staff, faculty from underrepresented groups
10.6.7 Accessible facilities for people with disabilities
10.6.8 Support services for people with disabilities
10.6.9 Access schemes for people with disabilities
10.6.10 Reasonable accommodation policy/strategy implemented for persons with disabilities
GUST Student Success Center
The Student Success Center is a University-wide program which provides services and support to all undergraduate students. Its mission is to ensure the success of students attending the Gulf University for Science and Technology. Its services include Tutoring, Learning Assistance, Academic Advising, Social Counseling, Tracking and Monitoring of student academic progress, Study Skills Seminars, Academic Workshops and other related academic enhancements. The SSC achieves its mission through the commitment and dedicated work of a team of Specialists, Counselors, Academic Advisors, and tutors. The Director of the Student Success Center, under the supervision of the VP for Academic Services, with the entire SSC team and the GUST University community work together to ensure that all students are offered the required services needed for a successful university experience at GUST.
Services offered by the Student Success Center at GUST:
Academic Advising
Individual and group Academic Advising is available through the SSC for undergraduate students who have not declared a major. Specialists assist students with educational planning, course selection, and other related academic requirements.
Peer Academic Advising Program
Peer Academic Advisors are honor students who serve as peer advisors under the supervision of specialist academic advisors to provide academic advisement and serve as mentors for freshmen students.
Retention Services
Retention Program
The Retention Program is designed for students at academic risk and in need of individual personalized one-to-one academic guidance. The Retention Specialist and Retention Coordinators work with students who are experiencing difficulty in their classes at GUST. An Early Warning Program is created for Faculty members to refer students to the center for assistance and early intervention. Individual Educational Plans are created for students at risk and specialized support services are provided to students who have been placed on academic probation. The goal of this program is to ensure student success throughout their academic
Learning Services:
Peer Tutoring
Individual and group tutoring is available at the Student Success study center for all undergraduate students in variety of subjects, ranging from Mathematics to English to more Core related subjects. Peer Tutors are honor undergraduate students who are trained to assist their peers in achieving academic success under the supervision and mentorship of the Learning Specialist.
SSC Workshops and Events
Various workshops are offered throughout the year on topics relating to study skills and healthy lifestyles. Each year the Student Success Center also coordinates a Major’s Fair giving students an opportunity to learn about majors offered at GUST, Awareness Campaigns about the centers services and other related academic events which allow students to network with members of the GUST community and gain academic knowledge of the services offered.
Personal Support:
Counseling Services
Personal counseling services are offered to all undergraduate students by professional and certified counselors. Students encounter numerous obstacles during their university lives, such difficulties could be related to academics, domestic concerns and other social factors. The role of the counselor is to provide mentorship and guidance to students in need of social personal counseling. Healthy-living workshops will be offered in topics ranging from Stress Management to Coping Skills and more.
Disability Services
The Disability Services program is conducted by the Retention Specialist and monitored by the Student Success Center Director. This program offers help to students with documented disabilities. Students are evaluated by a specialist and services are provided on the basis of the presented need. The goal for this program is to provide accommodation services to students in need and to encourage their continued growth and progress at GUST.
STUDENTS EMPLOYMENT: TUTORING PROGRAM
Peer tutors provide individual and small group tutoring sessions in subjects the tutor has attained a grade of 3.00 or higher. Peer tutors integrate effective study and learning strategies to maximize the tutee’s potential for academic progress.
The purpose of tutoring is to increase and enhance mastery of concepts or applications of a specific course of study moreover, peer tutors should help other students and reinforce their own skills and understanding. Tutoring involves a real commitment to learning and scheduling. and offers reinforcement and support outside the traditional classroom setting for students who are having difficulty in understanding the course content.
Responsibilities:
· Commitment to the schedule set in advance.
· Tutor students in specific course material and integrate study and learning strategies to promote independent learning.
· Participate in peer tutors training
· Complete and submit the required forms on time.
· Provide support and assistance to all students as a walk-in basis
· Tutors may assist and guide tutees through their assignments, but tutors will not do the work for any tutee.
· Tutors must uphold the GUST Honor Code and respect tutee’s personal dignity and accept each individual without judgment.
Learning Outcomes:
· Leadership skills.
· Responsibility.
· Critical thinking skills.
· Decision making skills.
· Organizational skills.
· Importance of punctuality/attendance.
· Developmental skills.
Position Requirements:
· Cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above.
· Have completed a minimum of 60 units
· Be recommended by an institutional faculty member
· Student will tutor a subject that he/she has passed with “” or higher.
· Be able to work a minimum of 5 hours per week.
· Complete the required minimum ten-hour tutor training.
· Be able to work effectively as part of a team.
· Have no disciplinary action issues.
· Be able to quickly establish rapport with students.
STUDENT WORKER PROGRAM
A Student Worker (SW) is a person who is pursuing his studies but who also utilizes their spare time by working in a particular department at GUST in exchange for an hourly wage. These jobs keep in mind the academic schedule of the student and are more lenient than full time jobs. The student’s academics are the main priority overall.
Learning Outcomes:
· Leadership skills.
· Responsibility.
· Critical thinking skills.
· Decision making skills.
· Organizational skills.
· Importance of punctuality/attendance.
· Developmental skills
SW Responsibilities:
· To perform clerical or data entry tasks and files important documents accordingly.
· Make phone calls.
· Answer students’ queries.
· Cover the reception area and the front desk.
· Welcoming agent to all the students entering the center and guiding their needs.
· Update records in the department data base.
· Copy, file, sort and compile various information details.
· Expected to maintain work area clean and organized.
· Adhere to the code of confidentiality.
· Create publication as requested for the center.
· To be given further tasks as per instructed by the supervisor and the OSC Manager.
· Position Requirements:
· GPA 2.5 and above.
· Minimum of 30 credits.
NOTE TAKERS PROGRAM
The note-taking program is offered through Disability Services to students who have submitted the required documentations and been approved for note-taking based on their disability. The note-taker is responsible for attending all the classes throughout the semester for which he/she is hired. Furthermore, the note-taker is responsible for producing clear class notes in a format agreed with the special needs student. If the note-taker is ill or unable to attend a lecture, he/she must inform the Disability Services Coordinator beforehand.
Responsibilities:
· Attending classes on time.
· Taking good set of notes with details for the lectures attended.
· Organizing notes according to dates and chapters.
· Assisting students in any written in class activities.
· Disability Coordinators should be notified 24 hours earlier if the note taker cannot attend next lecture.
· Keeping all information of the disability student confidential.
Guidelines:
· Write the date, course code, and chapter number.
· Start taking notes for the lecture.
· Make sure there are no spelling mistakes.
· Highlight important points with different colors.
· Write down all the examples mentioned by the instructor during lecture.
Learning Outcomes:
· Importance of punctuality/attendance.
· Organizational skills.
· Developmental skills.
· Responsibility.
· Confidentiality.
Position Requirements
· GPA of 2.50 or above.
· Minimum of 30 credit hours.
· Strong communication skills.
· Dynamic personality.
International Programs
The Office of International Programs (OIP) strives to promote and develop a wide range of educational opportunities for both students and faculty. The OIP works closely with top-ranked academic institutions and organizations around the world to establish formal partnerships and create opportunities for strategic cooperation. These arrangements assist GUST’s community as it continues to integrate into growing networks of global knowledge and continuous learning.
The OIP’s mission is to promote and develop a wide range of international and educational opportunities by establishing strategic partnerships with top-ranked academic institutions and organizations; enabling GUST students and faculty to integrate into the emerging global knowledge and learning network.
GUST students can choose from numerous study abroad programs to gain international and intercultural experiences, and enrich their understanding of different cultures and nations.
Moreover, GUST strategic partnerships support collaborative faculty research projects that foster engagement between GUST faculty and their peers at innovative, international academic institutions.
GUST is proud to maintain bilateral agreements with prestigious universities around the world.
GUST as a premier university is committed to enhancing engagement with international educational institutions in the areas of education and research. GUST facilitates an array of international programs, including study abroad opportunities, faculty fellowships, and partnerships with universities around the world.
GUST Faculty Fellowship to UMSL
GUST SUMMER FACULTY FELLOWSHIPS
Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST)
University of Missouri at St. Louis (UMSL)
Gulf University for Science & Technology (GUST) provides a limited number of faculty fellowships for research and development during the summer session. This number is based on the annual allocated budget of summer fellowships and will be available to all GUST faculty on an equal opportunity basis.
GUST announces fellowships for research and development at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) during the 2019 summer session.
The Summer Faculty Fellowship provides a grant of a certain amount in support of GUST faculty activities including research, writing, and program development. The Research and Development Office - Graduate Studies and Research (GSR) administers these funds with the guidance of the applicant's College Dean and Head of Department.
Nature and Purpose of Fellowship
The GUST Summer Faculty Fellowship is designed to recognize exceptional faculty contributions to the university and the academic community through commitment to scholarship, research, and creativity. The Summer Faculty Fellowship acknowledges outstanding work by GUST faculty members and encourages fellowship recipients to share that excellence with colleagues, students, and the academic community. The purpose of the fellowship is to support collaborative research between GUST and UMSL faculty respectively.
Criteria for Consideration
Candidates for the Summer Faculty Fellowship should be full-time GUST faculty member and employed at GUST for the 2018-2019 academic year. Interested faculty must have exhibited genuine interest in scholarship, research, and creativity; maintained high standards of quality and integrity among academic peers; fostered interest and involvement of students and colleagues in scholarship and creative work; and demonstrated a significant contribution to scholarship, research, and creativity at GUST. Candidates should also have established linkages with UMSL faculty and should have a coherent intellectual project for pursuit during the fellowship.
Procedure for Applications
The faculty member should submit his/her proposal, application (attached), CV and letters of support to the Research and Development Office - Graduate Studies and Research (GSR) by Monday, April 15th, 2019. The proposal must have the approval of the College Dean and Head of Department.
Selection Process
The Summer Faculty Fellowship Committee is chaired by the Director of Graduate Studies and Research Office. The GSR will solicit advice from the GUST liaison office at UMSL as to the suitability and coordination of the proposed fellowships. After review of the applications, the Committee may request additional information and/or schedule interviews with prospective fellows.
Announcement of Recipient
The recipient(s) of the 2018 GUST Summer Faculty Fellowship will be announced by the Research and Development Office - Graduate Studies and Research (GSR) at the end of May 2019.
Please submit all the required documentation along with your application form to the Research and Development Office - Graduate Studies and Research (GSR).
OSC Academic Advisor Perihan Al-Tanani Certified by BITA
One Stop Student Services Center Academic Advisor, Perihan Al-Tanani, has recently been certified as a specialized Academic Advising International Trainer from the Board of International Trainers in America (BITA). She received the certification through a training course provided by the Averroes Inspire Events Institute in Kuwait.
OSC Advisor, Perihan Al-Tanani, said, “The course allowed me to examine how to approach my work in support of my division’s goals and has deepened my respect and admiration for my colleagues in the field.”
The OSC provides admission and advising services to students from the moment they enter the university as freshmen until they graduate including: registration processes, class registration, counseling, and learning support.
COUNSELING
Counseling Center provides individual and group counseling to students facing various Psychological and emotional challenges affecting their performance. The students learn various life – skills to overcome their psychological distress and perform to their full potential. They are referred by HOD, Instructors, Coordinators and Parents. Self – referred students are also welcomed.
Individual as well as group counseling services are offered to all undergraduate students by professional and certified counselor. Students encounter numerous obstacles during their University lives, such difficulties could be related to academics, domestic concerns and other social factors. The role of the counselor is to help students overcome emotional or psychological distress, achieve their full academic and personal potential and develop life – long skills. The counseling is also offered to support staff & parents related to the students referred. Healthy-living workshops are offered on Mental Health issues, Stress Management and various effective life-skills.
The counselor
Dr. Fejer AlMajed is a doctor turned psychotherapist with a medical degree and clinical doctorate from the University of Aberdeen and University of Edinburgh. She has worked extensively in hospitals, polyclinics and private counselling agencies in both Scotland and Kuwait. She is also passionate about mental health community involvement and believes in the social impact of mental health awareness.
Services:
Counseling: Individual and Group
· Short-term counseling for such matters as: anxiety, depression, loneliness, identity confusion, stress management, time management, eating disorders, alcohol/drug use/abuse, relationship concerns, grief and loss, family stress, sexual orientation, college-related transition, developmental issues, and personal growth and development.
· Assistance for students who have been diagnosed with one or more long-term psychiatric conditions for referrals to off-campus resources, work on time-limited focused goals, and crisis.
· Crisis intervention.
· Assessment and referral community resources, particularly for students who’s presenting concerns are beyond Counseling Services’ scope of practice.
· Mental health consultation, education, and outreach programs for students, faculty, and staff.
· Consultation and information to students, staff, parents and management.
· Provision of skills and coping techniques which can be used throughout a student's academic and future career.
· Provide workshops for students & Staff on Mental health issues.
COUNSELING SESSIONS
Scheduling an Appointment
• GUST undergraduate students may make appointments to see the counselor by going to the OSC / Counseling Center. Students are required to give a name, Student ID no., contact phone number, and contact e-mail address. Students and the counselor with whom the appointment is made will receive an immediate confirmation e-mail of the appointment once the process is completed.
• Generally, Counseling Center is open Sunday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM from the arrival of students for the September semester until the end of Summer Semester. There are no scheduled walk-in hours. Appointments are recommended for all counseling sessions to be sure the counselor is available.
• The staff/faculty member will also contact the counseling area, send an email, or stop by the counselor’s office to provide further information. The staff/faculty member informs the counselor if the report is for information only, the student will self-report, or if the counselor needs to insist on a meeting with the student. The counselor may follow up with the faculty/staff member to report if the student came to a session, or if the faculty/staff member is not sure how to interact with the student.
• Contacting the Student: The counselor uses home and mobile phone numbers, GUST email system, and/or text messaging to set initial and follow up sessions with students who have been referred to counseling or who have requested the services. If the reporting person and/or the counselor feel that it is urgent for the counselor to meet with the student immediately, the counselor can go to the office of the reporting staff/faculty member to meet the student. Once the student is contacted, a meeting is set-up and documented with the Counselor.
• Each session is of 45-60 minutes and is pre-scheduled with the consent of the student, taking his /her academic schedule in account
Duration
Each session is of 45-60 minutes on weekly basis.
Assessments
The diagnosis and therapy depends on the clinical observation, the information presented by the students/instructors/parents and formal assessments.
All standardized tests are used to assess the emotional and psychological problems. The assessment results are interpreted and explained to the students concerned.
· BDI : Beck Depression Inventory
· BAI: Beck Anxiety Inventory
· BHS: Beck Hopelessness Scale
· SCL-90 - Symptom Checklist 90-R
· Self -Evaluation : the Glazer - Stress control Life Style Questionnaire
· The Rosenberg Self- Esteem Scale
· SAD: Suicidal Assessment
· SCID-II for Axis II disorders
· CAS - Clinical Anger Scale
Progress Notes
Progress notes will be completed within 24 hours of services. Progress notes will include subjective and objective observations, assessment of need, therapeutic techniques used during the session, and a plan for future services. Progress notes do not include any personal information of the client. They hold the file no and session no.
Filling system
Documentation of Services and Clinical Files
• All counseling services provided to GUST undergraduate students is documented in student counseling files which are kept strictly confidential in the Counseling Center. All “hard copy” documentation of services and other confidential information is kept in filing cabinets in a safe place. No student files is removed from the premises, unless required by a court order or some other extraordinary circumstance.
• Students completes the New Client Information Sheet at the time of their first session each academic year.
• Students reads the Consent for Services form and if in agreement, signs and date the form at the time of their first session.(remove that)
• Progress notes will be completed within 24 hours of services. Progress notes will include subjective and objective observations, assessment of need, therapeutic techniques used during the session, and a plan for future services.
• Missed, canceled, or rescheduled appointments require a brief note by the counselor indicating what occurred. If a counselor sends a student a letter or e-mail relating to the appointment, a copy of the correspondence may substitute for the note documenting the missed, canceled, or rescheduled appointment.
• Documentation of emergency or other services provided after regular working hours (including any services or consultations accessed by means of the emergency cell phone) is completed as soon as practically possible, using the “Progress Note” form. The original form is kept in the student’s counseling file (if applicable).
• Documentation of any student’s permission to release confidential information is made using Counseling Center release form. The original is kept in the student’s counseling file.
• Copies of any correspondence (including e-mail messages) with or about clients is included in student counseling files.
HELPFUL LINKS
Self Help is handling your own troublesome situations by exercising deliberate conscious control to improve the outcome of the situation. It is recognizing your own personal weaknesses and working to overcome those faults and improve yourself. Self-help primarily focuses on changing your own behavior, feelings, skills, cognition (thoughts), or unconscious processes. Self-help is the conscious reasoning part of your "self" changing other aspects of your internal self, your actions, and your situation. It is self-improvement by yourself.
Good Therapy is launched in 2007 as a comprehensive mental health resource dedicated to reducing harm in therapy and searchable directory of therapists who work collaboratively and non- pathologically with their clients.
Counseling Centers outside University
Soor Center: 22901677
The Soor Center provides therapy through 20+ qualified therapists. The therapists are an APA standards practice encompassing all ages and psychological/mental health issues provides individual, group, couple and family therapy. They provide extensive psych-educational testing
10th Floor, Al Munther Tower, Soor Street
Ph. no. 22901677
www.soorcenter.com
Kuwait Counseling Center:
Kuwait Counseling Center provides comprehensive assessments, therapy, and training services to children, adolescent, adults, couples, families, and groups; to resolve special needs, interpersonal, academic, nutritional, and/or stress of life problems.
Clover Center (Mazaya Building) Floor 14, 4th Ring Road, Block 1A, Street 1, Jabriya, (Next to Champion Club)
Tel: (+965) 2535.6444 Fax: (+965) 2535.6999 Email: info@kuwaitcounseling.com
Social Development office
A government center provides comprehensive assessments & in English & Arabic, in various areas of Mental Health by Kuwaiti therapists. Their services are free of charge.
Tel: 22402409/7
Website : www.sdo.gov.kw
The Psychological Medicine Center
Shuwaikh , Next to Sabah Hospital.
Tel no. 24803900
Website: www.psychiatrykuwait.com
Center for Evaluation and Teaching ( CCET)
The Center for Teaching and Evaluation is a center for educational assessments and remedial programs. It runs morning and evening programs for Special Needs students.
Kuwait- Al Surra – Block 4, Street 14, P.O.Box: 5453 Safat 13055 Kuwait
Tel: +965 1832000. Fax: +965 25358914
Website: www.ccetkuwait.org
COUNSELING CENTERS OUTSIDE UNIVERSITY
Soor Center: 22901677
Kaizen Center: 25716706
Kuwait Counseling Center: 25356444
Social Development office : 22402409/7
The Psychological Medicine
Center for Evaluation and Teaching
Financial Aid, Scholarships & Student Employment
Kuwait Ministry of Private Education Scholarships
Recent high school graduates (Kuwaiti, Non-Kuwaiti and Diploma) may apply for Kuwait Ministry of Private Education Scholarships. These are fully funded government scholarships that cover tuition expenses up to the time of graduation at GUST. In order to be eligible for a Private Education scholarship, students must meet specific conditions set by the Private University Council (PUC) of the Ministry of Higher Education. More information regarding scholarship eligibility requirements and application procedures can be found on the PUC website at: www.puc.edu.kw.
GUST Scholarships
Every semester, GUST offers a limited number of internal GUST scholarships. GUST Scholarships cover full payment of tuition fees (maximum KD 2250 per semester) or a specific percentage of tuition fees. Please note that selection for a GUST scholarship is highly competitive and only a limited number of students will be awarded scholarships. In order to apply for a GUST Scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:1- Completion of 30 credit hours or more2- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.53- Current registration for a minimum of 15 credits4- No pending disciplinary action
GUST Scholarships are valid for one academic term. Students who maintain the criteria outlined above are eligible to reapply for a GUST Scholarship. Applications for GUST Scholarships may be found in the Counselor’s Office.
GUST Summer Scholarship Program to UMSL & FIU
The GUST Summer Scholarship program was specifically established and funded to reward outstanding GUST students with opportunities for personal and academic growth. Each year, GUST offers its students a limited number of competitive Summer Scholarships to enrich their academic experience through international study. GUST currently has cooperation agreements with two internationally recognized academic institutions in the United States for student exchanges.
UMSL (Think UMSL)
GUST’s Summer Scholarship Program for summer study at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) provides for tuition at UMSL (up to 6 academic credit hours), round-trip airfare, accommodation in St. Louis, and a support allowance. Interested students must meet the following eligibility requirements:
· Be a full-time GUST student
· Must have earned and completed 60-90 credit hours by the end of Spring semester.
· Have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
· Must be in good standing as per GUST Student Code of Conduct
· Must not have a financial hold on his/her account
· Hold a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or
· 79-80 (internet-based).
George Washington University (Think GW)
GUST’s Summer Scholarship Program for summer study the George Washington University in Washington D.C. (GW) provides for full or partial tuition at GW (for 6 academic credit hours) and a support allowance. Interested students must meet the following eligibility requirements:
· Be a full-time GUST student
· Must have earned and completed 60-90 credit hours by the end of Spring semester.
· Have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
· Must be in good standing as per GUST Student Code of Conduct
· Must not have a financial hold on his/her account
· Hold a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or
· 79-80 (internet-based).
Interested candidates are required to submit a completed application form, personal statement, official transcript and two letters of recommendation from GUST faculty. Announcements for the annual summer scholarships are made in November of each year, and the annual scholarship deadline in mid-February has been set for each academic year.
Students interested in the above Summer Scholarship Programs should contact:
· Nabae Asfar
· Phone: 2530-7441
· Email: OIP@gust.edu.kw
Student Employment
Students interested in part-time employment at GUST should obtain an application form from the GUST Counseling Office. All applicants will be required to submit a completed application form along with a copy of their most recent transcript. In order to be eligible for student employment at GUST, students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students may work for a maximum of twelve hours per month. Additional work hours must be approved by the GUST Counseling Office.
GUST Launches New Strategic Development Plan
Kuwait City, 31 August 2021: Gulf University for Science and Technology’s (GUST) held a press conference announcing the commencement of the construction of its new academic building at its campus located in West Mishref. The press conference was held in the presence of GUST’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Nawaf Arhamah Arhamah, and member of the Board of Trustees, Professor Nader Abdullah Al-Jalal. Mr. Arhamah announced the start of construction as of August 30 with the intended completion date to be by the end of the Fall Semester 2021.
The Chairman emphasized GUST’s constant strive to improve academic quality and constantly invest itself to provide a better learning experience for its students and support services for its alumni. The new building will take up 5,525 square meters of the campus’ 135,880 square meters and is scheduled to be completed next year. The building will accommodate classrooms, lecture halls, laboratories, as well as writing and test centers, and distinguished offices for its faculty members.
GUST’s new building will also be home to a new selection of majors for its Graduate programs such as a Masters in English, Accounting, Computer Science, Public Relations, and Information Systems Management. It also intends to add more Bachelor’s degree Programs, increasing the already diversified list of majors that the university offers. Majors such as Cybersecurity, Data Science, Political Science, Comparative Cultural Studies, Mathematics (education), Science (education), Entrepreneurship, and Analytics of Supply Policy and Economics. All these additional programs are put in mind with the intent to invest in Kuwait’s youth and develop the country’s future leaders.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Nawaf Arhamah Arhamah said “Reaching this momentous milestone for GUST is a testament to the vision set by the Board of Trustees since the university’s inception in 2002. The new building along with the new addition of academic majors are part of a long ambitious journey in continuing to be the best private university in Kuwait and in the region, both in undergraduate and postgraduate studies. We are proud to announce these plans and look forward to a future of continuous excellence.”
GUST also announced at the press conference, the recipients of its fully sponsored Graduate Scholarship, Haya Al-Wuhaib and Bader Al-Sharhan, who both received a full scholarship to continue their education at the University of Edinburgh. The Graduate Scholarship is awarded to distinguished students and offers a full sponsorship of their graduate and post-doctoral studies from a list of various universities in the United Kingdom. Upon completion of their graduate degrees both students have the opportunity to engage in an academic teaching role at GUST.
The criteria to become a potential candidate for the scholarship includes holding a Kuwaiti citizenship, being at least 28 years of age, currently holding an undergraduate degree from GUST, and at least carry a B+ or a 3.30 GPA score. Applicants should also be able to demonstrate a strong command of the English language, and meet all academic requirements of the concerned universities.
GUST’s campus is currently home to a number of recreational and academic facilities all with the intent of nurturing Kuwait’s youth and preparing its future leaders. The new strategic development plan and building are a testament to GUST’s dedication in bringing the best learning environments to its students and in return potentially rewarding them with grants such as the Graduate Scholarship and an opportunity to teach at GUST. The strategic plan is a testament to GUST’s long-term vision to become one of the leading universities in Kuwait and in the region.
GUST Faculty and Alumni Publish Paper in an International Journal
Kuwait City, 12 September 2021: Gulf University for Science and Technology's (GUST) Alumna Yasmeen Al-Askari and Assistant Professor of English Literature at GUST, Dr. Shahd Al-Shammari, co-authored a paper titled Exile and the Disabled Body in Randa Jarrar's "The Life, Loves, and Adventures of Zelwa the Halfie", which has been published in the International Academic Forum: Journal for Arts and Humanities (IAFOR). IAFOR Journal of Arts & Humanities is an internationally reviewed and editorially independent interdisciplinary journal associated with IAFOR's international conferences on the arts and humanities.
The paper dissected the themes of exile, diaspora, disability, identity, and language using Edward Said's work as a platform for their argument and research. Dr. Al-Shammari and Ms. Al-Askari used Said's suggestion of a mind/body split, giving room to consider the sense of self as already in-between, as the exiled 'I' attempts to find a home within a new land and a new body. The authors conclude with how Arabic literature considers notions of exile and disability in various ways and how contemporary Anglophone literature deals with concepts of diaspora and exile, similar to trends in Disability Studies as a field.
Assistant Professor of English Literature, Dr. Shahd Al-Shammari said, "Co-authoring a paper with a GUST alumna has been a great learning experience for me and has offered a great experience in the academic field for Yasmine Al-Askari, one of our top literature graduates from the English Department. I am happy to co-author this paper with her and hope she continues her graduate studies. Furthermore, at GUST, we will continue to show our constant support and celebrate her future achievements as a product of this prestigious institution."
Yasmeen Al-Askari has graduated from GUST's English Department and is now working as a full-time teacher. She wishes to earn her Master's degree in English Literature, publishing papers to strengthen her application. Dr. Shahd Al-Shammari is an Assistant Professor in the English Department and has been vital in helping students develop their skills by organizing key events such as "Poetry in the Time of COVID." She has published several peer reviewed articles and has also written two chapters for two separate books that have been published and has also appeared at several conferences such as TESOL and Film and Visual Media in the Gulf. Dr. Al-Shammari’s upcoming memoir is set to appear in 2021, titled Head Above Water in which she highlights the role of education and mentors.
GUST Establishes First Ever Translation Internship Program
Kuwait City, 29 June 2021: Gulf University for Science and Technology launched the Translation Internship Program, which is the first program in Kuwait that provides translation students with a chance to boost their professional careers in the field of translation. The internship program is organized by the English department’s Post-Doctoral Researcher, Dr. Asmaa Alduhaim, and was in a collaboration with Kuwait State Television - Channel 2 (KTV2) and Ahli United Bank (AUB). The program was held over a two-month period at both institutions starting in April and ending in June.
Five students enrolled in the program this year, including Mariam Safar and Hessa Al-Toum who were placed as translators at KTV2. Their training included translating Kuwaiti songs, Kuwaiti TV shows, and world news. They also developed their skills in creating subtitles as well as learning the difference between audiovisual translation and other types of translation. Students Nabaa Alhaddad, Mohammed Al-baba, and Shahad Alzaid were placed as translators at Ahli United Bank in Kuwait where they attended several training sessions that instructed them on how to translate technically demanding texts related to banking procedures, documents and letters.
Post-doctoral Researcher at the English Department, Dr. Asmaa Alduhaim, said “This program is a practical introduction to the field of Translation Studies, and an amazing insight into a translators’ career. The internship program is an excellent opportunity to develop your translation skills, congratulations on the five students who completed the internship, a job well done.”
The Translation Internship Program introduces the students to the real-world experience and further gained a better understanding of their potential career and its challenges. The internship further provided students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom in a work setting.
GUST Faculty Member Noor Hamadah 8th to Attain Full Graduate Scholarship
GUST has awarded English Foundation Teaching Assistant, Ms. Noor Hamadah, its fully sponsored Graduate Scholarship to enable her to complete her higher studies abroad. Ms. Hamadah has officially been accepted at the University of Leeds to pursue a master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. She is the 8th GUST member to receive this scholarship.
GUST offers this scholarship to a selective number of alumni each year to encourage them to pursue their graduate degrees, in one of the top 100 ranked universities worldwide. The university has already funded seven of its students to pursue their graduate studies, among which are five recipients currently pursuing their degrees:
· Hala Al Mutawa, PhD in Curriculum and Instructions, Pennsylvania State University, US.
· Maryam Al Kandari, PhD in Computer Science, University of Manchester, UK.
· Maryam Al Muhanna, PhD in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, Arizona State University, US.
· Fatma Al Bader, PhD in Accounting, University of Edinburgh, UK.
· Mohammed AL Muraikhi, PhD in Finance, University of Leeds, UK.
Upon the completion of their degrees they will return to GUST as faculty members. This effort comes as part of GUST’s faculty hiring strategy to integrate its graduates as future faculty members.
The eligibility requirements for the scholarship include Kuwaiti citizenship, be at least 28 years of age, hold an undergraduate degree from GUST, and at least a B+ or a 3.30 GPA score. Applicants should also be able to demonstrate a strong command of the English language, and meet all academic requirements of the concerned universities.
International study has proven its benefits to the growth and development of individuals. GUST prides itself in its growing portfolio of international courses and programs, and strives to connect with renowned universities worldwide to deliver a well-rounded experience to its students and faculty.
GUST Sponsors Summer Scholarships to UMSL and GW for the 11th Time
GUST awarded today a group of its students with summer scholarships abroad for the 11th time since 2006. Six GUST students will be attending summer classes at the University of Missouri - St. Louis (UMSL) and four at George Washington University (GW) in the USA, bringing the total to 10 students. The aim of the program is to enrich students’ academic experience and personal development through international study.
A combination of factors are taken into consideration when choosing the candidates: the completion of at least 60 credit hours, a CGPA of 3.0 and above, a written personal statement, and a recent TOEFL score. After carefully assessing all the material and conducting one-on-one interviews with each candidate, the GUST Summer Scholarship Committee recommended 11 students to be awarded summer scholarships for the 2015/2016 academic year, recognizing their high academic achievements and personal merits.
GUST Vice President for Academic Services, Dr. Sabah Al-Quaddoomi, said, “This highly competitive scholarship is intended to recognize and reward outstanding academic accomplishments by our students. We are so proud of our 2016 scholarship recipients. Without a doubt, these students will be worthy ambassadors of GUST during their summer studies in the United States.”
After their nominations, Dr. Raghad Al-Kazemi, Dean of Student Affairs, and Mrs. Maria Fedorova, International Program Coordinator, met with the students to discuss different aspects of the scholarship procedures and details to prepare them for their trip.
The students who will be attending UMSL are: Razan Sifan, Mariam Alghanim, Mohammad Charrwi, Mustapha Bin Khadra, Raghd Al-Zagezoug, and Zahraa Al Ali.
Finance major and scholarship recipient to UMSL, Mustapha Bin Khadra, said, “I hope to share my personal academic skills that I’ve learned here with UMSL students. I want to leave a good impression of a successful GUST student who represented the university well.”
The students who will be attending GW are: Alia Attia, Nazeema Derbas, Sahar Ghobar, and Danah Alsabt.
Finance major and scholarship recipient to GW, Nazeema Derbas, said, “For GUST to give us an opportunity to have the experience of studying abroad is a chance that I wouldn’t miss. I am looking forward to having this experience and discovering how it feels like to study abroad, even if it is only for a short period of time.”
GUST summer scholarships are open to all eligible students from its College of Arts & Sciences and the College of Business Administration. The scholarships cover tuition for up to 6 academic credit hours, a round trip ticket to the United States, accommodation, and a support allowance.
GUST and KPC Announce Recipients for Sustainable Development Scholarship
Gulf University for Science and Technology announced last week that GUST alumni have been awarded the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) Sustainable Development Scholarship to the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom. The scholarship is the first of its kind for both institutions and is set to take place from November 23 to December 7. The scholarship covers all tuition fees as well as travel and subsistence costs and educational materials during the two-week training course.
The alumni were selected based on criteria set by the university and KPC. Notably, applicants had to have a GPA of 3.3 or above, graduated within the last two years, be Kuwaiti citizens, and be unemploymed throughout the duration of the program.
The selected alumni are: Lojain AlOmani, Sara AlMusallam, Samaa AlSaif, Ghadna AlKhamees, Munirah AlMailam, Shaikha AlMatouq, Budoor AlKhaledi, Bodoor AlZanki, and Yousef AlMunayes.
GUST President, Professor Walid Bouhamra, and KPC PR Manager, Jamal Al-Sanoosi met with the recipients to congratulate them and express their excitement for the program. Also present at the meeting were Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Fahed Al-Sumait, Vice President for Professional Development and Community Services, Dr. Ahmed Al-Darbas, Dean of the College of Business Administration, Prof. Antonis Simintiras, Head of the Business Administration Department, Dr. Ahmed El-Melegy, Initiative Members, Dr. Osama Al-Falah and Dr. Garvan Whelan, as well as International Program Coordinator, Nabae Asfar.
The students will be attending daily courses on Sustainable Development which crystallizes key concepts and provides the alumni with the opportunity to apply them to their geographical context of Kuwait and across various sectors, in particular, energy. All classes will be held at the Science Policy Research Unit at the University of Sussex.
The sessions have been assembled into an intensive course with a distinct and cumulative set of learning outcomes, and will be delivered through purpose-designed teaching and learning activities. The first week will include an introduction of the historical and contemporary debates on sustainable development as a whole, help the students understand the origin of sustainable development and its current manifestations in business, policy and politics; as well as apply a selection of economic and non-economic frameworks to understand and analyze sustainable development issues, in particular around the energy policy. The second week will focus on transformations to sustainable development where students will get to understand the systemic changes required to deliver the 17 sustainable development goals as set by the United Nations, the role of power and politics in their realization, and to develop an appreciation of the economic, social, and historical roots of social and environmental injustice.
By the end of the course students will be able to demonstrate a working knowledge and understanding of sustainable development concepts and frameworks, and have the ability to apply them at different levels and in different contexts.
Although this is the first scholarship for alumni, it is a valuable addition to GUST’s multiple study abroad programs available to its students. Other similar opportunities include the Summer Scholarship Program to the University of Missouri – St. Louis and George Washington University in the USA, and the MBA study abroad course which most recently took place at the Freie University in Berlin, Germany.
