News & Blog

AUAF President Ian Bickford speaks at Scholars at Risk 2024 Global Congress

July 17, 2024

AUAF President Ian Bickford was invited to share an update on AUAF’s progress during the Scholars at Risk 2024 Global Congress, held June 25-27 in partnership with the European Humanities University (EHU) in Vilnius, Lithuania. President Bickford emphasized AUAF’s success in educating young Afghan leaders.

“AUAF and EHU are spaces of great integrity, innovation, creativity, and imagination. Our students, against the grain, are able to communicate across differences and wrestle with complexity. Our faculty may be acclaimed researchers, but they think of themselves as teachers first, and of their teaching as a deep and meaningful activity,” President Bickford said while applauding the scholars’ commitment.

Dr. Victoria Fontan, AUAF Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, also spoke at the event and shared insights on the role of AUAF within the Alliance for the Education of Women in Afghanistan (AEWA), which she co-chairs. Dr. Fontan said, “The Scholars at Risk conference provided a diverse platform to discuss the transformative impact of AEWA’s collaborative efforts in empowering Afghan women through education. Our collective mission, initiated by AUAF, is to ensure that every woman has the opportunity to access and benefit from quality education, which is fundamental to fostering a more equitable and just society.”

The Scholars at Risk network is dedicated to protecting scholars and promoting academic freedom around the world. Its Global Congresses convene leading scholars, advocates, students and professionals to consider issues of academic freedom and related topics.

AUAF thanks Scholars at Risk and EHU for their partnership in our shared mission.

AUAF Holds Graduation Ceremonies for Class of 2024

June 26, 2024

On June 11 in Education City in Doha, Qatar, the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF) held its 13th annual commencement ceremony, celebrating thirty-six Doha-based graduates of the Class of 2024.
The ceremony included remarks by Dr. Ian Bickford, president of AUAF; Mr. David Sedney, AUAF trustee and former president of AUAF; Ms. Christiane Amanpour, award-winning journalist; Dr. Stephen Tremaine, vice president for network education at Bard College; Ms. Pashtana D., AUAF alumna and human rights activist; and Ms. Joanne Giesbrecht, Interim Chair, AUAF Business Department.
Other speeches noted the extraordinary hurdles the graduates overcame to earn their bachelor’s degrees in business administration, law, political science and public administration, and information technology, as well as master’s degrees in business administration. Graduates were aided in their studies through generous support from the U.S. and Qatar governments as well as other donors.
On June 14th, 90 AUAF undergraduate and graduate students celebrated their graduation with a virtual ceremony. The ceremony featured many distinguished speakers including Dr. Ian Bickford, president of AUAF; Amb. Said Jawad, president of the AUAF Board of Directors; Ms. Leslie M. Schweitzer, Founder and Chair of the FAUAF Board of Trustees; and Ms. Christiane Amanpour, award-winning journalist.
In her video remarks, Amanpour spoke about the graduates’ dedication and perseverance throughout their academic journey. “I wish you so much luck” she said. “I believe the world will be a better place when there are many, many more women in positions of leadership and decision-making, and around the peace table especially.”

FAUAF Founder, Leslie Schweitzer, Receives ISOA Lifetime Achievement Award

June 24, 2024

On June 20th, 2024, International Stability Operations Association (ISOA) honored FAUAF Founder and Chair, Leslie M. Schweitzer, with a Lifetime Achievement Award. The ISOA Global Impact Awards Gala, which took place at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, DC, gave out 14 awards to member companies in the following four categories: Vanguard, Support to Ukraine, Innovation, and Women, Peace, and Security. Oksana Markarova, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States, was an Honorary Award recipient and a keynote speaker at the event.

Highlights from AUAF’s 8th Annual IT Day

June 2, 2024

The STEM Division at AUAF convened its 8th annual IT Day, a program that showcased the remarkable achievements of AUAF’s IT students, with 150 enthusiastic participants. The session commenced with an inspiring video presentation, displaying the outstanding accomplishments of AUAF’s IT students. Dr. Jennifer Susan Cole, Associate Professor of Science, set the stage with her opening remarks, highlighting the profound significance of science and technology in addressing contemporary challenges. Subsequently, Dr. Umut Tosun, Associate Professor of IT and Computer Science, captivated the audience with insights into the dynamic world of IT and data science.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of five significant projects by AUAF’s IT students. These projects displayed a diverse range of skills and expertise, including the Advanced and Classic Encryption System Unit, Shinza Boutique, Barya Software Company Database, Information Technology-Cyber Security Project, and Personal Finance and Budget Management database system.

Dr. Sami Naji, AUAF’s Head of STEM division, awarded certificates to the top five projects in recognition of their outstanding achievement, recognizing their ingenuity and hard work. Along with that, the Computer Club team members awarded certificates of achievement to students who successfully completed one of the club’s three courses, further highlighting AUAF’s commitment to student success and skill development.

Overall, the 8th IT Day was a testament to the growing interest and importance of information technology, bringing together experts, students, and scholars to celebrate the advancement of the IT field.

Celebrating Innovation and Excellence: AUAF’s 8th Annual IT Day

May 9, 2024

SGA Hosts Eid Celebration for AUAF Community in Doha

April 11, 2024

On Apr 10, AUAF’s Student Government Association moderated an Eid celebration for the entire AUAF community based in Doha, where AUAF staff and students came together and celebrated Eid al-Fitr.

The event kicked off with a poem recitation by the students and the SGA team organized entertaining activities for the students. The purpose of holding this event was to gather all students for a friendly, memorable, and pleasant environment.

AUAF Community Celebrates Iftar in Doha

March 28, 2024

AUAF community joined an Iftar party hosted by the United States Mission to Afghanistan, based in Doha. The Iftar party was an opportunity to experience the spiritual and cultural significance of the holy month while connecting with Afghan supporters.

Charge d’Affairs Karen Decker shared her thoughts on AUAF fostering a community that celebrates learning, as she said “I want to thank AUAF that allows for world class education. It is not easy for you either and I am grateful for all you do to set these young human beings up for success.”

Students Travel to North Sedra Farm in Qatar

March 19, 2024

On February 24, a number of AUAF students based in Doha, had an enriching trip to North Sedra Farm in Qatar. The trip was a chance for the students to get more immersed in the natural world and learn more about Qatari culture. Many thanks to Spirit of America for sponsoring the trip!

Exploring Legal Opportunities: Education and Career

March 4, 2024

The Law Student Association at AUAF hosted a lecture on “Legal Education and a Legal Career in the US,” featuring a keynote speech by Margareth Etienne, Senior Associate Dean for Graduate and International Programs at Illinois College of Law. Her opening remarks shed light on the institution’s unique features, including its smaller class sizes and flexible bar exam options, setting the stage for an enriching exploration of the legal opportunities awaiting students.

Professor Etienne artfully highlighted the integrated classroom experience, where students are presented to a blend of theoretical perspectives and real-world skills, facilitated by a faculty comprised of graduates from prestigious institutions. Notably, she highlighted the LLM program’s international student cohort, diverse course concentrations, flexibility, affordability, and networking opportunities, along with the availability of partial tuition scholarships.

As the session concluded, the enthusiastic engagement underscored the attendees’ eagerness to further explore the opportunities presented and highlighted the valuable guidance provided by Professor Etienne and her colleagues. Overall, the session served as a valuable resource for students navigating their academic and career journeys in the dynamic legal landscape.

Canadian Embassy Team Visits AUAF in Doha

February 27, 2024

A delegation from the Canadian Embassy’s recently visited AUAF, this discussion highlights a partnership aimed at overcoming challenges and enhancing education in Afghanistan. The embassy’s commitment to support AUAF underscores our shared dedication to fostering educational opportunities in Afghanistan.

Curtis Stefaniuk, Senior Programming Officer for Afghanistan at Global Affairs Canada, has pledged its unwavering support for AUAF’s mission, recognizing the university’s pivotal role in leading Afghanistan through times of crisis and towards a brighter future.

AUAF Debate: Exploring the Advantages and Challenges of Online Education

February 26, 2024

On February 6th, AUAF organized a compelling hybrid debate competition between the AUAF Speakers Club and the AUAF Debate Club. This debate session was conducted by the SGA, AUAF Speakers Club, and AUAF Debate Club. Centered on the motion of the advantages and disadvantages of online education, the event was kicked off by the SGA President, who outlined the rules and set the tone for the discourse.

The AUAF Speakers Club passionately advocated for the benefits of online education, citing its accessibility, flexibility, and capacity to provide high-quality learning experiences. They emphasized its role in fostering a global learning community, promoting technical skills, and supporting environmentally friendly practices, ultimately securing victory in the debate.

Hasina from the Speakers Club, expressed her thoughts about the online education: “In terms of getting education, online learning emerges as a dynamic force, redefining how we acquire knowledge and skills. As we navigate through the digital age, the advantages of online education not only enhance accessibility but also revolutionize the way we approach learning.”

On the opposing side, the AUAF Debate Club articulated concerns regarding the drawbacks of online education, drawing from personal experiences and observations. Issues such as social isolation, lack of immediate feedback, and challenges in maintaining motivation and engagement were highlighted. Additionally, they underscored the advantages of in-person education, including increased interaction, timely feedback, and a sense of community and collaboration fostered through face-to-face encounters.

“Without in-person instruction, students will struggle to receive immediate feedback and clarification which would hinder their understanding of complex concepts.”
“The virtual nature of e-learning decreases the possibility of forming meaningful relationships between students and instructors to easily ask for their support and guidance in different situations.”, said Farhat.

After a lively debate, the judges announced the results, declaring the AUAF Speakers Club as the victors. The decision was based on the depth of their insights and the comprehensive nature of their presentation, as acknowledged by the judging panel. Members from both clubs, were awarded for recognizing their valuable contributions to the enriching debate experience.

Overall, the event provided a platform for robust discourse and unity among its participants. With 20 engaged individuals exchanging ideas in a hybrid format, the event exemplified AUAF’s commitment to fostering intellectual dialogue and community engagement.

As AUAF continues to navigate the evolving landscape of education, such events serve as invaluable opportunities for students to explore pressing issues and advocate for meaningful change, which is also supported by Qatar Fund for Development

AUAF’s Computer Club Gathers for Games and Activities

February 20, 2024

AUAF’s Computer Club arranged a joyful gaming event. The session commenced with an insightful exploration of IT concentrations, offering students a glimpse into the vast possibilities within the department.

Later, teams united for lively community games, embracing the camaraderie through activities like charades. Strategic minds faced off in intense board game battles, and the gaming arena buzzed with energy during thrilling PlayStation matches. Laughter and friendly competition echoed throughout the campus, making it a day to remember.

We would like to thank Spirit of America for providing the support to organize such lively events and programs at AUAF’s Doha campus.