AUIB’s Summer Convocation Affirms Continuity and Resilience

With the return of faculty from their summer vacation and the commencement of the final preparations for the new academic year, the American University of Iraq-Baghdad (AUIB) held its Summer Convocation of faculty and staff, where AUIB President, Dr. Bradley Cook, affirmed the spirit of institutional harmony, continuity, and resilience in proceeding along the path of further developing the young university, its programs and international partnerships, as well as expanding its recruitment of students and enhancing the supporting infrastructure, despite the volatility that Iraq and the broader region are experiencing, and despite the many challenges that such circumstances pose.

“Ships are safe in their harbor,” but is it this idle safety of the harbor that ships are built for? Certainly not; and in the same manner, it is precisely in tough times when universities are needed most, said President Cook, answering his own rhetorical question. “Every original story isn’t easy… we’re in that original phase,” he added, recounting the many challenges that the university has faced and continues to face, beginning with a volatile political-security environment and not ending with economic hardship, “yet, here we are,” continuing to teach and graduate students, and always developing the university’s programs, initiatives, infrastructure, and partnerships, President Cook noted.

“Even with everything, what a remarkable year it has been… a year we can be proud of,” President Cook said, highlighting a 32% growth in student enrollment and a student retention rate of 93%; “a remarkable rate,” compared to established and renowned universities. “Our students are achieving” and the university is “going global,” creating international opportunities for students, faculty, and staff, and “investing in the student experience,” as it leads in attention to students’ mental health, building adequate infrastructure for students with physical disabilities, and helping the broader community with services such as the College of Dentistry offers to the general public.