As part of its continued commitment to supporting professional growth, the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS) is pleased to announce the launch of its Capacity Building Program, an HR-led initiative designed to enhance key competencies among faculty and staff.
The inaugural session, titled “Effective Communication Skills in the Academic Environment,” took place on Monday, May 26. The workshop was facilitated by Dr. Rauf Mahmood, a well-respected expert in communication and a dedicated advocate for higher education.
Dr. Mahmood brought a thoughtful and dynamic approach to the session, guiding participants through practical strategies to improve clarity, listening, and responsiveness in academic and professional settings. The workshop focused on real-world communication challenges that faculty and staff encounter and offered tools for building more effective, respectful, and productive interactions.
Investing in People to Improve the Academic Experience
While this initiative is centered on faculty and staff development, its benefits extend far beyond individual professional growth. Strengthened communication among faculty, staff, and administration contributes directly to a more collaborative, responsive, and student-focused academic environment.
“Every improvement in how we communicate as colleagues ultimately enhances how we support and serve our students,” said Payam Jalil, Communications Staff. “Workshops like this help us build a more cohesive academic culture.”
By promoting open dialogue and skill-building across departments, the Capacity Building Program helps ensure that AUIS remains a place where both faculty and staff are empowered to do their best work. This, in turn, fosters a university environment where students can thrive.
Looking Ahead
The “Effective Communication Skills” workshop marks the first in a series of upcoming sessions that will address various aspects of professional development. The Capacity Building Program reflects AUIS’s commitment to investing in its people—recognizing that an engaged, well-supported team is essential to the success of the university’s mission.
The HR Department looks forward to continuing this momentum with future workshops and invites all faculty and staff to participate actively in the months ahead.