To the AUIB Board of Trustees, Community, and Friends of the University,
Academic Year 2025– 2026 marked one of the most significant periods in the history of the American University of Iraq – Baghdad. Throughout the year, the university continued its transition into a more mature, internationally aligned institution guided by strategic planning, operational discipline, innovation, and long-term ambition.
Dr. Bradley J. Cook
President
American University of Iraq – Baghdad
Institutional Vision, Strategy, Accreditation, Governance, and Financial Sustainability
During Academic Year 2025–2026, American University of Iraq – Baghdad continued advancing its transition from a developing institution into a mature, internationally aligned American-style university guided by strategic planning, institutional effectiveness, participatory governance, and international quality standards.
WSCUC Accreditation
A major institutional priority during the reporting period also involved continued advancement toward international accreditation through the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
AUIB Policy Project & Institutional Governance Modernization
During Academic Year 2025–2026, the American University of Iraq – Baghdad Policy Project became a major institutional initiative supporting governance modernization, operational effectiveness, institutional accountability, and accreditation readiness aligned with international higher education standards and expectations associated with the WSCUC.
Financial Planning & Governance
Significant progress was also made in long-term institutional financial planning and governance. The university developed and presented a comprehensive FY2026 operating budget, multi-year financial forecast, and structured budget development cycle aligned with international higher education best practices.
Enrollment Growth, Admissions, and Student Demand
AY 2025 – 2026 reflected continued enrollment growth, expanding institutional visibility, and increasing student demand across the American University of Iraq – Baghdad. Despite regional instability during portions of the year, the university maintained strong recruitment and admissions momentum across undergraduate, graduate, Academic Success Program (ASP), and English language programs.
Human Resources and Workforce Development
The university continues to strengthen administrative coordination and organizational effectiveness through clearer operational structures, increased professionalization of administrative systems, and improved integration between academic and administrative planning.
Academic Innovation, Student Success, and Teaching Excellence
Consistent with the Strategic Plan’s Student Success and Innovation themes, AUIB undertook several major academic and organizational initiatives designed to strengthen teaching quality, student support, academic progression, and institutional effectiveness.
Center for Teaching Excellence and Learning Innovation (TELI)
The university also approved the establishment of the Center for Teaching Excellence and Learning Innovation (TELI), a major strategic initiative aligned with the Innovation theme of the Strategic Plan.
Commencement, Traditions, and National Recognition
AUIB celebrated its second commencement ceremony, graduating approximately 150 students representing the next generation of Iraqi leaders, professionals, and innovators.
International Partnerships, Public Engagement, and Global Visibility
In alignment with the Strategic Plan’s Community Impact and Academic Excellence themes, AUIB significantly expanded its global engagement portfolio through new international partnerships, study abroad initiatives, diplomatic engagement, and academic collaboration agreements.
American Space — Public Engagement
The AUIB American Space continued to expand its role as one of the university’s most visible and impactful public engagement platforms during the 2025–2026 academic year.
Digital Transformation and Operational Modernization
Consistent with the Innovation and Academic & Operational Excellence themes of the Strategic Plan, AUIB achieved several important operational modernization milestones during the reporting period.
Campus Development and Student Support Infrastructure
AUIB continued expanding physical infrastructure and student support services to meet growing institutional needs and support the Student Success and Community Impact themes of the Strategic Plan.
Institutional Resilience, Crisis Response, and Academic Continuity
During a period of significant regional instability and conflict, AUIB faced one of the most complex operational challenges in its history. In response to evolving security conditions and disruptions associated with the conflict environment and airport closures, the university rapidly activated continuity and crisis-management protocols to protect students, faculty, and staff while sustaining core academic operations.
Looking Ahead
As AUIB looks toward the future, we do so with confidence, discipline, and a deep sense of purpose. The progress achieved during Academic Year 2025–2026 reflects not only institutional growth, but also the resilience and determination of a university community committed to building something enduring for Iraq and future generations.
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