Academia's indentured servants

Sadly, this is one of the main reason that I am now teaching overseas, but there are other very positive reasons too. (click on link): Academia's indentured servants

"To work outside of academia, even temporarily, signals you are not "serious" or "dedicated" to scholarship," writes author [AP]

Graphic Design Teaching Position

Graphic Design (Position Code No. 13-101): Rank open; Successful candidates will teach Graphic Design courses at all levels in an expanding undergraduate degree (BA) program; contribute in area of specialization; advise students. The ideal candidate is well versed in graphic design theory and application, industry standards, and traditional and digital media. Degree Requirement: Terminal Graduate degree in Graphic Design (M.F.A. or above).

Application Instructions:


Application packages are to be submitted electronically to faculty@auk.edu.kw (attachments must not exceed 10 MB per e-mail). The package should contain the following:

1) Cover letter, detailing the candidate’s specific interest in AUK, and how the candidate’s past experience provides a suitable basis for performance in the position for which they are applying;
2) A current CV;
3) Statement on research and service and statement of teaching methodology, including curricular development that the individual has initiated and executed;
4.) Copies of teaching evaluations if available; and supervisor evaluations (as available).
5) The names and addresses, both electronic and postal, of three referees.
6) 10-20 digital examples of personal work and 10-20 examples of student work;

In completing your application, please quote position code number.  Incomplete applications will not be considered. For full consideration, applications should be reviewed by December 1, 2013.

Visit the AUK website (www.auk.edu.kw) to learn about the degree programs, university facilities, and campus life.

American University of Kuwait
Faculty Openings AY2014-2015

The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is a private university in Kuwait organized on the U.S. model of undergraduate liberal arts education. The medium of instruction is English. The University is accredited by the Council for Private Universities of the Kuwait Ministry of Higher Education. AUK also has a Memorandum of Understanding with Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH.  AUK admitted its first students in September 2004 and currently has approximately 2,000 students and over 120 UG faculty members. 

The University is seeking terminally qualified faculty committed to excellence in teaching, scholarly research, and service.  American education or teaching experience is preferred as is evidence of research activity. Outstanding communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and effective use of classroom media and technology are expected.  Faculty rank will be determined by the candidate’s degree and previous employment history. Successful candidates will teach undergraduate classes to majors and non-majors of diverse cultural backgrounds, participate in student advising, honor office hours, and serve on faculty committees.

AUK offers competitive compensation, as well as an attractive and comprehensive benefits package, up to a maximum of 50% of annual base salary. There is no personal income tax, and US citizens may be eligible to take advantage of the IRS foreign tax exclusion.  AUK is an equal opportunity employer, fully committed to becoming a model university of the twenty-first century in the region.

Contracts are normally issued for 2 or 3 years and are renewable. Visiting appointments may be available. The screening of applications will begin immediately. U.S. interviews will be held in Washington, DC.

In the AUK News!

A group photo for AUK faculty and staff (from Left): Raymond Farrin, Associate Professor of Arabic; Asmaa Al Kanan, Library Director; Antonia Stamos, Assistant Professor of Art History; Pellegrino Luciano, Assistant Professor of Anthropology; William Andersen, Assistant Professor of Studio Arts / Graphic Design; and Stephanie Cheng, Assistant Professor of Music

Click on the link to AUK: News

As part of Kuwait's celebration of Global Peace Day, an exhibition entitled 'In the Name of Peace' is showcasing interpretations of 'peace' by local and international artists. The exhibition is being held at the Contemporary Art Platform (CAP) and is featuring pieces by AUK Graphic Design Professors Maryam Hosseinnia and William Andersen, as well as pieces by AUK alumnus Faisal Mohammad. 

'In the Name of Peace' was launched on September 15th and will run through to mid-October. Part of the proceeds collected from sold items will be donated to Khair Al-Kuwait, a non-profit foundation devoted to the concept of volunteerism, and Loyac, a non-profit organization working towards the overall development of the youth. The celebration of Global Peace Day also includes live music and activities for children, which will be held at the CAP Kuwait Warehouse on September 21st, starting at 5:30pm, as well as a 'Global Peace Ride' by the Kuwait Riders and Phoenician Riders from Costa Bedai on September 20th at 4:00pm. 

The AUK Art and Graphic Department invites you to participate and contribute....in the name of peace. 

Higher Education's Train to Nowhere

Paul Stoller

Professor of Anthropology, West Chester University; Author, 'The Power of the Between'

There is an alarming disconnect in contemporary higher education. As I have been saying in this space for more than two years, the university-as-corporation threatens to undermine the foundation of a world-class system of education and diminish the quality of our future social life.

One of the ramifications of university corporatization has been an increasing disregard for the intellectual dimensions of the professorial life. In the name of technological efficiency an increasingly bloated cadre of university technocrats flood our in-boxes with mindless minutia. These institutional requirements -- assessment outcomes, mission statements, five year plans, and so on -- have become so burdensome that there is precious little time for intellectual pursuit. During the academic year it is difficult to find the "leisure" to read current research reports, prepare grant proposals, design new courses, refine lectures, or write an article or a book? In the current environment of institutional reviews and performance assessments, who has time to think?

Read the rest of the article by clicking HERE