Gulf University for Science and Technology
Encyclopedia
Gulf University for Science & Technology (GUST) is the first private university established in Kuwait
. It has a dual-enrollment agreement with the University of Missouri–St. Louis
.
, the only institution of higher education in Kuwait at that time, and to serve the ever-increasing educational demands of the local society and the Persian Gulf
region. In January 1997, Kuwaiti Academic Group, composed of 41 faculty members from Kuwait University, was founded to lay the foundation for the proposed “University of the Future.” Their studies culminated in the vision of “Gulf University for Science & Technology.”
A strategic partnership was established with the University of Missouri at St. Louis (UMSL)http://www.umsl.edu/, the international counterpart university chosen to help bring the visualization of the projected university to fruition. The development was facilitated and shaped by the Private Universities Decree, No. 34, issued by the State of Kuwait in 2000, resulting in the establishment of a temporary campus with the necessary infrastructure in Hawally. The issuance of Emiri Decree No. 156 in 2002 completed the legal establishment of GUST as the first private university in the State of Kuwait and permitted the start of the first academic year in 2002-2003. During its eight years of operation, GUST has continually improved and expanded its educational and organizational capacities while steadily increasing its enrollments. At its first commencement ceremony in June 2007, GUST conferred diplomas on approximately four hundred graduates, many of whom were eagerly received by the leading business sectors in the state of Kuwait.
). Test scores must be no more than two years old at the time of application. Students who do not have a valid TOEFL
score must take the GUST English Placement Test.
Admission to GUST is on a competitive basis.
http://www.gust.edu.kw/library/
Digital imaging, video and audio, screen and interface design, website design, animation, as well as graphic design, including design of brochures, publications, booklets, logos, posters, illustrations and diagrams.
Currently, GUST offers athletic programs for men and women in the following sports:
GUST Falcons participated in many tournament but most important that they won the 4th annual UCC 2009 tournament that organized every year between university teams
The GUST Art Club also organizes annual on-campus art exhibitions for students and university staff. Additionally, the GUST Art Club has participated in a number of off-campus art exhibitions including the Kuwaiti Art Association Exhibition, the Youth and Sports Ministry Exhibition, Al-Qurain Exhibition and the National Assembly Exhibition.
The College of Business Administration comprises four departments: Accounting, Business Administration, Economics and Finance, and Management Information Systems (MIS), and six degree programs, each with a strong foundational component in general business competencies. Currently, GUST students are able to major in a number of specific business fields including:
It also contains an indoor Basketball and volleyball court with seating area and digital score board
The restaurants and cafes are:
technology. Every seat in every classroom, laboratory and auditorium has a hard-wired connection to the internet
. The wireless internet environment is provided throughout the buildings and external landscaped courtyards. By means of the IT set-up, faculty are able to control,
within each classroom, both the teaching media and the environmental conditions. The IT system also supports comprehensive building management and security facilities throughout the campus.
Computer laboratories
There are six computer laboratories located throughout the campus. These labs contain a variety of hardware, including printing and scanning capabilities, academic software, and high-speed access to the internet. A fiber optic networking infrastructure supports the computer labs and provides wireless network connectivity.
Information Technology Department Support Services
The Information Technology Department Support Services Division provides technical support for GUST students, faculty, and staff. The Division has the responsibility of maintaining GUST’s computer labs and network and determining GUST’s IT hardware and software requirements. It also manages GUST’s network security systems, oversees the wireless network system, and provides user accounts and e-mail services.
Kuwait
The State of Kuwait is a sovereign Arab state situated in the north-east of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south at Khafji, and Iraq to the north at Basra. It lies on the north-western shore of the Persian Gulf. The name Kuwait is derived from the...
. It has a dual-enrollment agreement with the University of Missouri–St. Louis
University of Missouri–St. Louis
The University of Missouri–St. Louis is one of four universities in the University of Missouri System. Established in 1963, it is the newest university in the UM System. , it is the largest university by enrollment in the St. Louis area with 16,548 students...
.
History
The University was to be a supplement to Kuwait UniversityKuwait University
Kuwait University was established in October 1966, five years after Kuwait's independence from British Colonization. KU started with only two faculties, namely the Faculty of Science, Arts and Education; and a Women's College. The university had 418 students enrolled and 31 faculty members. By ,...
, the only institution of higher education in Kuwait at that time, and to serve the ever-increasing educational demands of the local society and the Persian Gulf
Persian Gulf
The Persian Gulf, in Southwest Asia, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.The Persian Gulf was the focus of the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War, in which each side attacked the other's oil tankers...
region. In January 1997, Kuwaiti Academic Group, composed of 41 faculty members from Kuwait University, was founded to lay the foundation for the proposed “University of the Future.” Their studies culminated in the vision of “Gulf University for Science & Technology.”
A strategic partnership was established with the University of Missouri at St. Louis (UMSL)http://www.umsl.edu/, the international counterpart university chosen to help bring the visualization of the projected university to fruition. The development was facilitated and shaped by the Private Universities Decree, No. 34, issued by the State of Kuwait in 2000, resulting in the establishment of a temporary campus with the necessary infrastructure in Hawally. The issuance of Emiri Decree No. 156 in 2002 completed the legal establishment of GUST as the first private university in the State of Kuwait and permitted the start of the first academic year in 2002-2003. During its eight years of operation, GUST has continually improved and expanded its educational and organizational capacities while steadily increasing its enrollments. At its first commencement ceremony in June 2007, GUST conferred diplomas on approximately four hundred graduates, many of whom were eagerly received by the leading business sectors in the state of Kuwait.
Admissions
GUST follows a uniform policy with regard to admitting first-time students. Applicants are reviewed based on high school performance and achievement on the GUST English and Mathematics Placement Tests. Applicants are encouraged to submit the results of a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFLTOEFL
The Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL , evaluates the ability of an individual to use and understand English in an academic setting....
). Test scores must be no more than two years old at the time of application. Students who do not have a valid TOEFL
TOEFL
The Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL , evaluates the ability of an individual to use and understand English in an academic setting....
score must take the GUST English Placement Test.
Admission to GUST is on a competitive basis.
Scholarships and Student Employment
- Kuwait Ministry of Higher Education (Private Universities Council) Scholarships
- GUST Scholarships
- GUST Summer Scholarship (for Study at UMSL)
- Student Employment
Center for Career Services and Alumni (CCSA)
The Center of Career Services and Alumni http://www.gust.edu.kw/ccsa/ provides holistic comprehensive career-planning services to GUST students and alumni.e-Learning
The E-Learning Center of Excellence (ECE) at GUST was developed to initiate the transition of the country toward an e-culture.A. M. Al-Refai Library
Individual study areas and discussion rooms are provided on the lower level of the Library for women and upper level for men. There is a reader's corner for daily newspapers. Bulletin boards are used in the Library to exhibit notes, internet sites, and announcements to assist Library users in accessing information. Computer stations are available throughout the Library.http://www.gust.edu.kw/library/
Multimedia Educational Unit
The unit is involved in the following activities:Digital imaging, video and audio, screen and interface design, website design, animation, as well as graphic design, including design of brochures, publications, booklets, logos, posters, illustrations and diagrams.
Office of Student Affairs
By providing all necessary resources and facilities, the goal of the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) is to support the educational and personal development of students at GUST and to encourage students’ personal growth. By participating in a wide variety of programs, services and activities, students are able to grow in a nourished environment, developing culturally, emotionally, socially, academically and morally. The OSA is a main source of information regarding University policies and procedures that can affect students’ university lives.GUST athletics
GUST FALCONSCurrently, GUST offers athletic programs for men and women in the following sports:
- GUST Men Football (soccer) and GUST Women Football (soccer)
- GUST Men Handball
- GUST Men Volleyball and GUST Women Volleyball
- GUST Men Tennis GUST Women Tennis
- GUST Men Table Tennis and GUST Women Table Tennis
- GUST Men Basketball and GUST Women Basketball
- GUST Men Squash.
GUST Falcons participated in many tournament but most important that they won the 4th annual UCC 2009 tournament that organized every year between university teams
GUST Music Club
The GUST Music Club is composed of a group of GUST students who play a variety of instruments including the oud, guitar, tabla, piano, drums, organ and violin. During the past three years, GUST's Music Club has performed different genres of musical pieces including oriental, classical and traditional for the GUST and larger Kuwaiti community. The GUST Music Club also took part in the activities of the Halla February festival and performed at GUST commencement celebrations.GUST Art Club
The GUST Art Club offers a variety of non-credit classes to GUST students with an interest in developing their artistic abilities. Available classes include the following: painting (gauche, water color, acrylic and oil), drawing and painting (on glass, ceramic, silk and wood), sketching, decoupage and more. All classes are given in the North Campus. Required materials and equipment are provided by GUST.The GUST Art Club also organizes annual on-campus art exhibitions for students and university staff. Additionally, the GUST Art Club has participated in a number of off-campus art exhibitions including the Kuwaiti Art Association Exhibition, the Youth and Sports Ministry Exhibition, Al-Qurain Exhibition and the National Assembly Exhibition.
GUST IT Club
IT Club is envisioned to strengthen camaraderie among GUST students by providing activities that will help them improve their skills in technical areas relevant to the IT field.College of Arts & Sciences
College of Arts and Sciences has five departments:- Department of Computer Science
- Department of English
- English, LinguisticsLinguisticsLinguistics is the scientific study of human language. Linguistics can be broadly broken into three categories or subfields of study: language form, language meaning, and language in context....
-TranslationTranslationTranslation is the communication of the meaning of a source-language text by means of an equivalent target-language text. Whereas interpreting undoubtedly antedates writing, translation began only after the appearance of written literature; there exist partial translations of the Sumerian Epic of... - English LiteratureLiteratureLiterature is the art of written works, and is not bound to published sources...
- English Education
- English, Linguistics
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Department of Mass Communication and Multimedia
- Department Of Mathematics & Natural Sciences
College of Business Administration
- Undergraduate Degree Programs
The College of Business Administration comprises four departments: Accounting, Business Administration, Economics and Finance, and Management Information Systems (MIS), and six degree programs, each with a strong foundational component in general business competencies. Currently, GUST students are able to major in a number of specific business fields including:
-
- Accounting
- Business Administration with emphasis in one of the following areas:
- International Business
- Management and Organizational Behavior
- Marketing
- Finance
- Management Information Systems
- Graduate Degree Programs
- Master’s Degree in Business Administration
Buildings and grounds
The first phase of the Mishref campus was completed in 2007 and accommodates up to 3,400 students. Later phases will expand the University to accommodate more than 5,500 students. In Phase 2, the concourse will be extended for additional classrooms and other facilities including a multi-story structured parking garage.Lockers
Lockers are available near the classroom wings and in the Physical Fitness and Health Center. Lockers are accessible with student ID smart cards and may be reserved at a minimal charge.The concourse
The three-story concourse runs north-south [N1] and east-west [W1] and is accessed from the two parking areas and central VIP entrance. It provides covered access to all academic and social activities and is considered a focal point for gathering, information and social interaction.Ground floor
The Office of Admissions and Registration, Student Information Services (SIS), Public Relations and Marketing, and the University Library - Learning Resources Center are all located near the VIP entrance. Also close to the VIP entrance are two 125seat lecture theaters available for teaching as well as for small-scale special presentations. Prayer rooms are located near the main entrances.Parking and campus access
Limited covered parking is available for students near the north and west entrances. Part of the north parking lot is reserved for faculty and staff during regular university working hours. Other non-covered parking is also available. Access to the campus is provided from two main gates by means of smart cards.Sports facilities
The Physical Fitness and Health Center is connected to the north concourse at the ground and the first levels. The facility includes a 25m indoor swimming pool with an overlooking seating area for special events.It also contains an indoor Basketball and volleyball court with seating area and digital score board
Community Development and Training Center
GUST’s Community Development and Training Center is connected to the main concourse and is easily accessible for the public. The center provides conference and training facilities for the community. It consists of two auditoria, one with 500 seats and one with 200 seats, with flexible committee rooms and ample space for exhibitions and events.Health services
GUST provides student health services at a clinic located in the Physical Fitness and Health Center and operated in conjunction with a local hospital. The clinic offers medical assistance for routine check-ups; however, students with any serious medical concern will be referred to a local hospital or specialized medical facilities.Security
GUST has a comprehensive security system related to fire prevention, fire-fighting safety advice and emergency evacuation procedures. The GUST campus is equipped with the latest safety equipment and security requirements which are monitored and reviewed on a regular basis. Entrance and exit of all people visiting GUST are monitored by security personnel, and identification is required to enter the premises. Campus facilities are also protected by closed-circuit television. All GUST students are provided with student identity cards which are used to access campus facilities, obtain books from the library, and pay University fees.Plasma screens
Plasma screens throughout the campus display notices of current events and are used to make official University announcements.Access for students with special needs
All campus facilities are equipped with access ramps and elevators.Bookstore
The GUST bookstore provides approved course textbooks, reference materials and other supplies.Food services
Several cafes and eating establishments are located along the concourse on the ground floor and offer a variety of meals, snacks, and beverages. GUST provides several vending machines located all along the campus and also there are six of the fine restaurants and cafes in Kuwait allocated in the campus, three in the North and three in the West area.The restaurants and cafes are:
- StarbucksStarbucksStarbucks Corporation is an international coffee and coffeehouse chain based in Seattle, Washington. Starbucks is the largest coffeehouse company in the world, with 17,009 stores in 55 countries, including over 11,000 in the United States, over 1,000 in Canada, over 700 in the United Kingdom, and...
- Caribou CoffeeCaribou CoffeeCaribou Coffee Company is a specialty coffee and espresso retailer, the second largest in the United States after Starbucks. Caribou sells coffee, tea, and bakery goods in 415 company-owned coffeehouses in 16 states and the District of Columbia, as well as 126 franchise locations worldwide.-...
- Altissimo
- Red MangoRed MangoRed Mango is a frozen yogurt and smoothie brand known for its all-natural frozen yogurt, fresh fruit smoothies, yogurt parfaits, and probiotic iced teas. There are currently more than 145 locations in 25 states in the United States. And in 2011, Red Mango was named the #1 Zagat Rated chain in...
- Subway
- The Crepe cafe
- Blend It
Shops
There are shops like:- Digits: electronic shop
- fono: mobile shop
Photocopying/printing
A photocopying center is available for students from 8am – 8pm. The library and all laboratories have access to networked printers for student use.Smoke-free environment
Reflecting a commitment to a healthy learning environment, the GUST campus is designated as smoke-free.Technology at GUST
The IT infrastructure has adopted Category 7 cableCategory 7 cable
Category 7 cable , , is a cable standard for Ethernet and other interconnect technologies that can be made to be backward compatible with Cat 5 and Cat 6. Cat 7 features even more strict specifications for crosstalk and system noise than Cat 6...
technology. Every seat in every classroom, laboratory and auditorium has a hard-wired connection to the internet
Internet
The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite to serve billions of users worldwide...
. The wireless internet environment is provided throughout the buildings and external landscaped courtyards. By means of the IT set-up, faculty are able to control,
within each classroom, both the teaching media and the environmental conditions. The IT system also supports comprehensive building management and security facilities throughout the campus.
Computer laboratories
There are six computer laboratories located throughout the campus. These labs contain a variety of hardware, including printing and scanning capabilities, academic software, and high-speed access to the internet. A fiber optic networking infrastructure supports the computer labs and provides wireless network connectivity.
Information Technology Department Support Services
The Information Technology Department Support Services Division provides technical support for GUST students, faculty, and staff. The Division has the responsibility of maintaining GUST’s computer labs and network and determining GUST’s IT hardware and software requirements. It also manages GUST’s network security systems, oversees the wireless network system, and provides user accounts and e-mail services.
External links
- Official website
- GUST Bulletin 2009-2010 University Bulletin |. Gust.edu.kw. Retrieved on 2010-10-21.
- Ministry of Higher Education, Kuwait Welcome to Ministry of Higher Education. Mohe.edu.kw. Retrieved on 2010-10-21.
- Private Universities Council, Kuwait http://www.puc.edu.kw/
- University of Missouri-St. Louis http://www.umsl.edu/