News

RIT Kosovo mourns the passing of Dr. Bujar Bukoshi - a visionary statesman and one of the university’s founding champions.

As Chair of the UFORK, Dr. Bukoshi played a pivotal role in establishing and securing the initial funding for the American University in Kosovo, transforming a bold vision into a lasting institution that continues to empower generations of students.

RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) is proud to celebrate the exceptional achievements of the Honors Society Class of 2025. These outstanding students presented their senior capstone projects in front of faculty, fellow students, and guests during a special Honors Research Presentation Day held on campus.

Professor Debabrata Samanta, Program Head and Assistant Professor in the Department of Computing and Information Technologies at RIT Kosovo (A.U.K), was invited as a distinguished speaker at the Departamento de Lenguajes y Sistemas Informáticos, Universidad de Sevilla, Spain, on March 25, 2025. During his invited talk, titled “Revolutionizing Healthcare Through Real-Time Virtual Reality and Machine Learning Integration,” Professor Samanta explored how immersive technologies and intelligent systems are transforming the healthcare landscape.

We are delighted to share that the AI research team from RIT Kosovo (CIT) made a remarkable contribution at the 2nd edition of the Western Balkans Innovation Summit (WBIS 2025), held on April 17, 2025, and organized by Western Balkans University in Tirana, Albania. Dr. Debabrata Samanta was invited as a distinguished speaker at the summit, where he delivered an insightful talk on “AI-Driven Innovations: Bridging Challenges and Opportunities in Emerging Ecosystems.”

We are proud to share that the research paper titled “Cybersecurity in Space Exploration: Protecting Satellites and Space Missions” has been accepted for presentation at the 6th International Conference on Data Analytics & Management (ICDAM-2025). This international conference will be hosted by London Metropolitan University, UK, in partnership with WSG University (Poland), Portalegre Polytechnic University (Portugal), and SGGW Management Institute (Poland). The event will be held from June 13th to 15th, 2025, and the proceedings will be published by Springer and indexed in Scopus.

Erza Kelmendi and Korab Jashari, students in Computing and Information Technologies (BS) at RIT Kosovo (A.U.K), have successfully completed research on Deep Neural Networks: Improved Object Detection for Autonomous Vehicles, under the guidance of Dr. Debabrata Samanta.

We are excited to announce that the paper titled “Smart Finances: A Web-Based System for Personalized Financial Management” has been accepted for presentation at the upcoming 6th International Conference on Data Analytics & Management (ICDAM-2025).

The conference, hosted by London Metropolitan University, UK, and co-organized with WSG University (Poland), Portalegre Polytechnic University (Portugal), and SGGW Management Institute (Poland), will take place from June 13th to 15th, 2025.

Prishtina, Kosovo — May 2, 2025 — RIT Kosovo proudly announces that two of its academic programs have received the prestigious Certificate of Excellence from the Rochester Institute of Technology’s Student Learning Outcomes Assessment Committee.

RIT Kosovo is launching a global search for an enthusiastic and visionary leader to serve as President. This is an unparalleled opportunity to lead Kosovo’s premier American institution of higher education into its next chapter of growth and innovation.

Prishtina, Kosovo – April 20, 2025

RIT Kosovo is thrilled to share the inspiring journey of Erjona Neziri, a student in the Individualized Program, who recently returned from studying abroad at Windesheim University of Applied Sciences in Zwolle, the Netherlands.

Prishtina, Kosovo – April 18, 2025

RIT Kosovo is proud to announce the publication of a research study by Dr. Jeton Mehmeti, our Public Policy Professor. His latest work, titled "The Expanding Media Landscape, Decline in Journalists' Safety, and Low Media Literacy – The Future of the Media in Kosovo", provides an in-depth analysis of Kosovo's rapidly evolving media environment.

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Prishtina, Kosovo – March, 2025– RIT Kosovo is excited to announce that Mentor Nimani, a distinguished Public Policy Professor at RIT Kosovo, has recently published two important articles that delve into pressing issues affecting Kosovo’s development and migration trends.

RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) proudly hosted Maya Sapozhnikov, an exceptional undergraduate scholar from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) main campus, for a personal research project titled “Kosovo and Ukraine: A Comparison of Conflict and Reconstruction.”

RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) is proud to highlight the success of Debora Boletini, a fourth-year student who completed a Co-op internship at the Office of Former President Jahjaga.

Debora’s internship through the RIT Kosovo Co-op program provided her with a unique opportunity to observe and engage in the world of public life, advocacy, and leadership. During her time at the office of former President Jahjaga, she was able to witness firsthand how a former head of state continues to influence governance and national progress.

A remarkable research collaboration between RIT Kosovo’s Computing and Information Technologies (CIT) program has resulted in a significant academic achievement. Researchers Dea Lika, Dalina Canhasi, and the Department of Computer Science, CHRIST University, Bangalore, India, have made a notable contribution to the prestigious book Internet of Vehicles: Scope and Application of Artificial Intelligent-Based Technologies, accepted by Springer, Singapore.

We are excited to announce the release of the final newsletter for the WEBJOU project. This Erasmus-funded initiative has been dedicated to advancing knowledge exchange and fostering multidisciplinary innovation in teaching and learning across the Western Balkan region.

RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) proudly announces the publication of the Albanian translation of The Past as Refuge: Gender, Migration, and Ideology Among the Kosova Albanians (E kaluara si strehë: Gjinia, migrimi dhe ideologjia te shqiptarët e Kosovës), authored by Dr. Janet Reineck, an accomplished anthropologist and faculty member at RIT Kosovo.

RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) proudly highlights the inspiring journey of Bora Bokshi, a senior student pursuing Peace & Conflict Studies and Web & Mobile Computing (IT), who recently completed an exchange semester at HAMK University in Valkeakoski, Finland, during Fall 2024.

RIT Kosovo is proud to welcome Professor Chad Austin, a distinguished Professor of Law at the United States Air Force Academy and Fulbright Scholar, for the Spring 2025 semester.

With expertise in national security law, international humanitarian law, and negotiations, Professor Austin has taught courses such as War Crimes, Genocide & Human Rights and Law for the Air Force Officer. His scholarship focuses on teaching pedagogy and international humanitarian law, and he has presented on legal topics worldwide.

RIT Kosovo is proud to welcome Dr. Fisnik Reçica, an experienced economist and development professional with over 22 years of expertise in market systems development, financial sector analysis, and economic research.

RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) proudly celebrates the success of Era Ahmeti, a fourth-year student who turned her Co-op experience into a full-time position at Tive, Inc., a leading U.S. company specializing in real-time shipment visibility solutions.

As part of the Global Scholars program, RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) student Erza Suma, majoring in Peace and Conflict Studies with a minor in Psychology, is spending a full academic year at RIT’s Main Campus in Rochester, New York.

RIT Kosovo and the Kosovo Defense Academy are pleased to announce the launch of the Journal of Peace, Conflict & Security Studies.

The journal is led by Editor-in-Chief Dr. Leandrit Mehmeti, with Managing Editors Dr. Gent Carrabregu and Dr. Mentor Nimani. The team is preparing the inaugural issue, which is set for publication in July 2025.

RIT Kosovo is pleased to welcome Dr. Janet Reineck, an esteemed anthropologist and nonprofit leader, to our academic community. With a Ph.D. in Anthropology from UCLA, Dr. Reineck has conducted extensive research on Kosovo, focusing on cultural identity and societal structures.

We are proud to welcome Laura Brumleve to RIT Kosovo as a Fulbright Student Researcher for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Laura holds a B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology from St. Olaf College and a Master’s in Library Science from Indiana University. Her academic interests center on materials accessibility, emerging technologies, and collective memory.

Dr. Debabrata Samanta visited the University of New York in Tirana, Albania, to present his research on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare. This insightful session not only highlighted cutting-edge advancements but also shed light on the active involvement of students in leveraging AI to tackle real-world challenges within the healthcare sector. Building on this momentum, Dr. Samanta is set to return as an Invited Speaker at the Department of Computer Science, University of New York Tirana.

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) proudly announces the opening of its newest global location in Tirana, Albania, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to delivering world-class education and fostering global innovation. The launch event brought together distinguished guests, esteemed faculty, and students to celebrate the expansion of RIT’s academic network.

At the 2nd International Conference on Metaheuristics in Engineering and its Applications (METASOFT), held in Bhubaneswar, India, Professor Michael Hess, an expert in Peace and Conflict Studies at RIT Kosovo, played a pivotal role in guiding a groundbreaking research paper that was recognized as one of the best works at the conference. Titled "Towards an Autonomous Information: Network Algorithms & AI for Advocacy in the Sahel," the paper was published in the prestigious AIP Conference Proceedings, indexed by Scopus.

Prishtina, Kosovo – January 20, 2025

Genta Sadiku, an International Exchange Student as part of the ERASMUS+ program from RIT Kosovo pursuing Economics & Statistics and Management & Entrepreneurship, recently completed an exchange semester at HAMK University in Finland.

Dr. Rexhepi Mahmutaj earned a Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship and SME Management, with a double degree from the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis and University St. Kliment Ohridski Bitola. She also holds a Master of Science in Strategic Project Management through the Erasmus Mundus program and a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science from RIT Kosovo (A.U.K).

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Kosovo is proud to share the story of Sara Dumani, a student pursuing Management & Entrepreneurship, Peace and Conflict Studies, who had the opportunity to study at RIT Main in Rochester, New York during the Spring 2024 semester as part of the Global Scholar Program.

RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) in partnership with American Councils Kosovo, as the administrator of the United States – Kosovo Educational Exchange Board (USKEB) hosted the training program titled "AI and Education for English Teaching Assistants (ETAs)" on December 6, 2024. This event brought together 17 Fulbright English Teaching Assistants (ETAs) from Kosovo and the Western Balkans region, providing them with tools and insights to integrate AI into their teaching practices.

RIT Kosovo is proud to highlight the inspiring exchange experience of Rina Hasani, a Biberaj Foundation Scholarship recipient and Computing and Information Technology major. Rina spent the Spring 2024 semester at Rochester Institute of Technology in New York through the RIT Global Scholars Program, an initiative that allows students to gain academic and cultural experiences across RIT’s global campuses.

December 12, 2024
RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) hosted its annual gala, “Support Kosova’s Next Success Story,” at the Russian Tea Room in New York City, bringing together distinguished members of the Albanian American diaspora, philanthropists, community leaders, and supporters united in their commitment to raising funds for student scholarships. Mr. Michael Hess, Chair of the RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) Board of Trustees, welcomed the guests and introduced an impressive lineup of speakers, emphasizing the importance of investing in the next generation of leaders from Kosova and beyond.

This Giving Tuesday, RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) invites you to make a difference by supporting our student scholarship fund. Your donation helps empower the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers, ensuring that education remains a powerful tool for positive change.

Drit Dula, a third-year student at RIT Kosovo, is the founder of Light Networks, a company focused on providing tailored network solutions that help businesses optimize their operations.

Drit’s journey began with a vision to address challenges in connectivity and empower businesses through robust network infrastructure.

Earlier this year, Professor Agon Nimani won the prestigious Fulbright grant, embarking on an extraordinary journey at the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). His research bridges two transformative fields: preserving the past through advanced imaging techniques and shaping the future with artificial intelligence.

At RIT Kosovo, we take pride in providing students with real-world opportunities that shape their future careers. One such inspiring story is that of Lona Arifi, a TIVE scholarship recipient, whose life changed after participating in our Gala fundraising dinner in May 2024.

RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) proudly spotlights Kushtrim Aliu (BS '13), an exemplary alumnus who has risen to a leadership role as the Group Head for Central Operations, Information Technology, and Human Resources at Banka Kombëtare Tregtare (BKT) Kosova.

Enis, a Web & Mobile Computing student at RIT Kosovo, recently completed a transformative semester abroad at RIT’s main campus in the United States.

The ROAMING Project, an ERASMUS+ initiative focused on strengthening mobility frameworks in the Western Balkans, held its final conference last week at LOGOS University College in Tirana, Albania. This milestone event brought together educators, administrators, and ERASMUS+ partners to celebrate project achievements and discuss the way forward for sustained collaboration.

On October 16, 2024, Professor Debabrata Samanta, Program Head & Assistant Professor, Dept. of Computing and Information Technologies, RIT Kosovo (A.U.K), Rochester Institute of Technology – RIT Global Campus, Kosovo had the honor of leading an engaging open lecture at Mother Teresa University in Skopje on "AI-based Cybersecurity Essentials: Protecting Ourselves and Our Information." The session delved into crucial topics related to safeguarding digital assets in an increasingly interconnected world.

The internship program at RIT Kosovo is an essential part of students' four-year studies, providing hands-on learning and professional development. Viola Maksuti, a CIT student, successfully completed her summer internship at Radix, secured through the Career Fair 2024.

Pristina, Kosovo – November 2024: RIT Kosovo is proud to announce the appointment of Brigadier General (Ret.) Xhavit Gashi as the new Director of the Fred Cuny Summer Program. Mr. Gashi, an honorary Major General, recently retired from a distinguished career in Kosovo's public service, where he held pivotal roles in both military and diplomatic spheres. His background includes being Kosovo's first Security and Defense Attaché in Washington D.C. and serving as Consul General in Iowa, where he played a vital role in strengthening international alliances.

RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) proudly celebrates the achievements of Jeta Loshaj, who recently earned an MA in Russian and East European Studies from Indiana University Bloomington. Jeta’s multidisciplinary education at RIT Kosovo equipped her with the tools to thrive in international affairs and contribute to Kosovo’s development.

October 4, 2024 – Vaasa, Finland

Dr. Debabrata Samanta and sophomore student Linor Gashi from RIT Kosovo were key presenters during the CIT RITK team’s research visit to the University of Vaasa and the VAMK institution in Finland. The visit began with a tour of the Technobothnia Research Center, a collaborative hub operated by three Finnish educational institutions: VAMK, the University of Vaasa, and Novia University of Applied Sciences.

Hera Kurti, a promising sophomore student currently pursuing a degree in Computing and Information Technologies at the Rochester Institute of Technology in Kosovo, has made headlines with her upcoming research, "Exploring the Intersection of Engineering and Health: Leveraging 3D Solutions to Tackle Complex Medical Challenges," which was presented at the prestigious International Conference on Data-Processing and Networking (ICDPN-2024), organized by Institute of Technology and Business in České Budějovice, Near Prague, Czech Republic, Europe.

Majors: Management & Entrepreneurship, Economics & Statistics | Minor: Public Policy
In Spring 2024, I had the privilege of studying at RIT’s Main Campus, made possible through the generous support of RIT Kosovo and the Biberaj Family. One of the most impactful moments was working with local businesses in my Marketing Wine, Beer & Spirits course. Our group provided strategic recommendations to business owners, gaining valuable insights into their operations and challenges.

RIT Kosovo faculty member Sara Baxley recently participated in the SIAHDPC Consortium's final dissemination event in September 2024. The two-day event marked the culmination of the project’s efforts to integrate digital health services across multiple disciplines and promote sustainable development in higher education.

As part of networking and knowledge-sharing activities within the framework of the STEM for ALL (STEFORA) project, Professor Mimoza Polloshka from RIT Kosovo conducted a four-day visit to Linnaeus University (LNU) in September 2024.

On October 24, 2024, RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) proudly marked the 11th annual Women Entrepreneurship Week (WEW), joining the global initiative organized by the Feliciano Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Montclair State University.

Erion Vrella, a second-year student at RIT Kosovo, exemplifies how practical learning and entrepreneurial ambition can create real-world impact. From managing social media accounts alone to running a full-fledged digital agency, Erion’s story is one of passion, persistence, and growth.

Yllka Totaj and Alma Beluli, students in the Computing and Information Technologies BS program at RIT Kosovo (A.U.K), have successfully completed an innovative research project on sentiment analysis under the supervision of Dr. Debabrata Samanta and Dr. Blerta Prevalla Etemi. Their paper has been accepted and published at the 4th International Conference on Distributed Sensing and Intelligent Systems (ICDSIS2023), held in Dubai, UAE, on December 21-22, 2023.

October 17, 2024 – RIT Kosovo hosted the first regional workshop on artificial intelligence (AI) - "Shaping Tomorrow: The Impact of AI on Future Generations," in partnership with the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP). The event brought together prominent speakers from the field of technology, education, defense, and industry to explore the transformative potential of AI and its impact on society, with the keynote address delivered by Mr. Ylli Bajraktari, President and CEO of the Special Competitive Studies Project.

We are very sorry to hear of the loss of General Sir Mike Jackson, a key figure in the Kosovo conflict and a leader of peace efforts in the Balkans.
Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.

Korab Jashari, Jona Gecaj, Jona Berbatovci, and Artesa Qela, dedicated sophomore students from RIT Kosovo’s Computing and Information Technologies (CIT) program, have achieved a significant academic milestone by contributing to the prestigious book “Big Data Analytics and Intelligent Applications for Smart and Secure Healthcare Services”, which is indexed in Scopus. Their research, conducted under the mentorship of Dr. Debabrata Samanta, focuses on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technologies in reshaping agriculture, healthcare, and their broader socio-economic impacts worldwide.

We are proud to highlight the inspiring journey of Bonart Ajvazi, a distinguished RIT Kosovo alumnus, and the dynamic force behind Three60 Music and 360 Media, two thriving companies based in Prishtina. Three60 Music serves as a record label offering comprehensive support to artists, while 360 Media specializes in digital content distribution. Bonart’s unwavering passion for music drives his mission to empower artists with the necessary tools and guidance to succeed, all while ensuring they maintain their artistic authenticity.

We are proud to feature Professor Xhevahir Kolgjini in our Faculty Spotlight series. A renowned artist and professor at RIT Kosovo, Kolgjini is making waves in the international art scene with his upcoming exhibition, New York, I Love You, at AGI Fine Art in New York City. This exhibition, running from October 9-15, 2024, showcases contemporary works that celebrate the rich cultural diversity of New York City.

Amela Kajtazi and Lea Krasniqi, dedicated sophomore students from RIT Kosovo pursuing degrees in Computing and Information Technologies (CIT), have achieved a major academic accomplishment by contributing a chapter to a prestigious book "Big Data Analytics and Intelligent Applications for Smart and Secure Healthcare Services” indexed in SCOPUS. Their research, conducted under the mentorship of Dr. Debabrata Samanta, delves into the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the healthcare industry, specifically in the Balkan region.

We are excited to invite you, along with your family and friends, to our annual fundraising event “Support Kosova’s Next Success Story”, on November 21, 2024, at the Russian Tea Room in New York City for an inspiring evening dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders through education.

Prishtina, Kosovo – September 20, 2024

RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) proudly hosted the Closing Ceremony of its first cohort of Alumni Mentorship Program on Friday, September 20th, 2024. This milestone event recognized the dedication and efforts of both mentors and mentees who participated in the program, which launched in March 2024.

RIT Kosovo announces a call for applications for mobility opportunities at Linnaeus University, within the framework of the Erasmus+ program for the Spring Semester of the 2024/2025 academic year.

RIT Kosovo announces a call for applications for mobility opportunities at  Häme University of Applied Sciences, within the framework of the Erasmus+ program for the Spring Semester of the 2024/2025 academic year.

RIT Kosovo announces a call for applications for mobility opportunities at Windesheim University of Applied Sciences, within the framework of the Erasmus+ program for the Spring Semester of the 2024/2025 academic year.

RIT Kosovo recently hosted a memorable Fireside Chat with Vedat Gashi, Chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators. Born in Kosovo and later fleeing to the U.S. as a child, Vedat’s story is one of resilience, public service, and a commitment to creating positive change. During the event, Vedat spoke about his journey from refugee to contributing to Kosovo’s state-building efforts, as well as his path into American politics alongside President Clinton.

Zana Idrizi (BS '14) is at the forefront of countering disinformation as an Information Integrity Specialist with the UNDP's Global Center for Governance. Her role involves providing policy and programmatic guidance to UNDP country offices worldwide, with a particular focus on safeguarding the integrity of information posed on  elections and democratic governance.

I have a great passion for teaching and a strong background in computing and information technology, therefore I am very excited at the possibility of contributing to your institution.

My academic journey began at the University of Prishtina where I studied mathematics, which I had to leave because of the war. In 1998, I went to the United Kingdom where I earned a bachelor`s degree in Business Information Technology and a master’s degree in Business Systems Analysis and Design from City University in London. 

Hasan is a Senior Manager of Software at Wasabi Technologies, a Boston-based unicorn known for its innovative S3 cloud storage solutions. He is also the co-founder of Formon, a Kosovo-based desktop 3D printer manufacturer. With over 15 years of experience in technology, Hasan brings a wealth of expertise backed by a strong academic background.

Elizabeth Gowing studied English Language and Literature at Magdalen College, Oxford, before training to be a teacher and working in education in London for a decade. She moved to Kosovo in 2006 and is the co-founder of Kosovan NGO, The Ideas Partnership.
She has published five books about her work and travels in the Balkans, and has given more than 300 lectures to groups in the UK about her work in Kosovo, as well as being a regular reporter from the Balkans on the BBC World Service and BBC Radio 4. She is a board member of Albanian fact-checking NGO, Faktoje, and with her partner, Robert Wilton, she also hosts the podcast, A Coffee in the Accursed Mountains, sharing stories of life and culture in Kosovo, Albania and Montenegro.

Krenar Kepuska has completed PhD research in Cyber Security as a Fulbright scholar at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs (UCCS) and at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). He is a PhD candidate in Cyber Security and holds a Master of Science in Engineering of Mathematics and ICT.

Mr. Kepuska pursued a U.S. Department of State Cyber Security Fellowship at Purdue University and the Military Program on Cyber Security Studies (PCSS) at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies.

Sonia Beikzadeh is joining the Science department at RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) as a full-time Lecturer, where she will be teaching Contemporary Science and Introductory Math. She holds a Master’s degree in Applied Chemistry and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Business Administration. With over a decade of teaching experience, Sonia has developed strong skills in engaging students, crafting comprehensive lesson plans, and employing diverse teaching methodologies to cater to various learning styles.

RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) is proud to announce that students Alba Cikaqi and Blinera Tola have been selected for a prestigious internship with the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP) in Arlington, Virginia. This opportunity was made possible through the ongoing partnership between RIT Kosovo and SCSP, funded by an SCSP grant aimed at fostering educational excellence and enhancing capacities and collaboration in the field of AI.

RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) is proud to highlight the successful completion of the National Security Challenges in the Age of AI: Research and Solutions, an innovative course funded through our partnership with the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP) based in the United States. This semester-long course combined academic insights and real-world projects, enabling students to research complex topics at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and national security.

RIT Kosovo had the distinct honor of hosting Sir Geoffrey Nice as a distinguished guest lecturer for our Fred Cuny Peace and Conflict Summer Program. In an informal conversation, Sir Geoffrey walked us through his remarkable career, culminating with an important message dedicated not only to RIT Kosovo students but to all higher education institutions.

Our professor, Dr. Fadil Sahiti, has contributed Chapter 8 to the book "Public Policies in Transition Economies - An Institutional Perspective," published by Routledge.

RIT Kosovo (A.U.K.) hosted its annual fundraising event, "Support Kosova's Next Success Story," on May 23, 2024, at the Venus Hotel in Prishtina. This year’s event, dedicated to raising funds for student scholarships, was particularly special as it marked the 20th anniversary of RIT Kosovo (A.U.K.). Approximately 400 attendees, including dignitaries, corporate leaders, alumni, and supporters, gathered to celebrate this milestone.

Today, RIT Kosovo proudly hosted Emina Cunmulaj Honorary Consul of Albania to Florida, philanthropist, and founder of Emina’s Hand, and H.E. Atifete Jahjaga, former President of Kosovo and founder of Jahjaga Foundation,  for an inspiring discussion on empowering communities through philanthropy.

After successfully organizing the first edition of MUN Conference, first of its kind in the Republic of Kosovo, the RITK MUN Club came back with a second conference on April 27-28 which has now become an annual event anticipated by students from Kosovo and beyond. 

RIT Kosovo proudly announces the remarkable achievement of Diar Haxhimehmeti and his exceptional team, Greentech, who emerged victorious at the Digital Skills Festival 2024 hackathon, organized by ITP Prizren.

Prishtina, Kosovo – RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) College proudly hosted a visit from Eileen Devitt, the Mission Director for the USAID Mission in Kosovo, on Wednesday, May 8th. Mission Director Eileen Devitt was joined by Mr. Alex Albertine, Director of the Office for Economic Growth in Kosovo, Mr. Eric Guetschoff, Private Enterprise Officer, and by Ms. Merita Teliqi-Devaja, Project Management Specialist at USAID Kosovo. The visit included a series of engaging discussions and a campus tour, underscoring the collaborative efforts between USAID and RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) for inclusive and accessible higher education and technology in the region.

Artesa Qela, a freshman student at RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) pursuing a degree in Computing and Information Technologies (CIT), has achieved a remarkable milestone after an intensive five-month research journey under the mentorship of Dr. Debabrata Samanta and Dr. Blerta Prevalla-Etemi.

We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of three workshops as part of the STEFORA Project, coordinated by the RIT K Faculty Development Center. These workshops served as follow-up activities, where our faculty who participated in the Advanced Training activities with EU partner institutions in Sweden and Ireland, shared their insights with faculty, and administrative staff in our institution.

On May 2, 2024, RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) had the pleasure of hosting Ms. Cynthia Cook, Deputy Political Economic Chief at the U.S. Embassy in Pristina, as a guest speaker in the Rhetoric of Terrorism Class taught by Ms. Teuta Avdimetaj, Adjunct Professor at RIT Kosovo (A.U.K). 

RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) organized the annual Alumni Children's Day event, welcoming over 150 alumni and their children for a day of fun-filled activities and memorable experiences. Held on the campus, the event brought together generations of RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) alumni and their families for a day of celebration and connection.

The President of RIT Kosovo (A.U.K), Dr. Kamal Shahrabi offered a warm welcome to all participants for their continued support and involvement in the RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) community.

Korab Jashari, a Freshman Student, pursuing a degree in Computing and Information Technologies (BS), has successfully completed research on Intelligent Systems with Design Patterns and Data Integrity under the guidance of Dr. Debabrata Samanta and Dr. Blerta Prevalla-Etemi at RIT Kosovo (A.U.K), in collaboration with an Indian researcher.

Our Dean of Faculty, Albina Balidemaj Basha, will be a keynote speaker at the 3rd Annual Global Behavioral Health Symposium, organized by RIT Global in collaboration with the Behavioral Health Department at Rochester Institute of Technology! 

Thrilled to announce the release of  “Law on Arbitration and Arbitration Procedure”, authored by Iset Morina and Robert Muharremi. Dive into the realm of arbitration law with this comprehensive guide, offering a detailed look at Kosovo’s arbitration law and procedures alongside insightful analyses of relevant case law.

Prof Sahiti's newest book focuses on the economies of Albania, North Macedonia and Kosovo; explores the industrial policies currently implemented in these economies and compares their effects with the situation in Slovenia, which is used as a reference country. The book provides a brief overview of some new approaches to industrial policy and proposes a new framework for these policies. The new framework aims to develop the national innovation system through increasing the efficiency of the use of industrial technology, its continuous upgrading, as a basis for sustainable social and economic development.

The CIT-RIT K Team recently undertook a collaborative research visit to St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences in Niederösterreich, Austria on April 8, 2024. This visit featured a series of engaging activities aimed at fostering academic exchange and innovation. Prof. Alexander Adrowitzer, the Academic Director of Digital Innovation and Research at St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences, extended an invitation to the CIT-RITK Research Team. Led by Professor Debabrata Samanta, the team included two exceptional students, Dea Tahiraj and Dijar Hashani, from the Department of Computer and Information Technologies (CIT).

Congratulations to Genta Sadiku from RIT Kosovo for winning the prestigious Excellence in Student Life Award!
Genta, a senior student at RIT Kosovo, has been incredibly involved in many extracurricular activities through student clubs and Student Government initiatives. 

Congratulations to Lorine Bajrami from RIT Kosovo for winning the prestigious Excellence in Student Life Award!
Lorine, a senior student at RIT Kosovo, has demonstrated outstanding academic excellence and inspirational leadership skills during her time at RIT Kosovo.

In the distinguished gathering of the 5th ISSIP Symposium on 'Image and Signal Processing', amidst a sea of talented individuals from 15 teams and 76 participants in these competitions, two groups of students have ascended to the pinnacle of recognition. The coveted Best Paper Award has been conferred upon the exemplary teams from Codecraft and Cybermetic, whose outstanding contributions have left an indelible mark on the academic landscape.

In a monumental celebration of academic brilliance, the prestigious Springer Symposium on "Image and Signal Processing", hosted at RIT Kosovo, honors 29 exceptional students for their remarkable research contributions.

The 2024 Fifth International Symposium on Signal and Image Processing (ISSIP 2024) marked a significant milestone in the field of technological advancement. Hosted by The Rochester Institute of Technology Kosovo (A.U.K), Kosovo, Europe, on March 25-26, 2024, the symposium garnered widespread attention and participation. Sponsored by esteemed organizations including the IEEE Computational Intelligence Society, Kolkata Chapter, IEEE CIS Kolkata Chapter, and the Asia-Pacific Artificial Intelligence Association (AAIA), Kolkata Branch, ISSIP 2024 aimed to foster the field of signal and image processing.

The Erasmus+ Student-Run Interdisciplinary Allied Health Digital Practice Center (SIAHDPC) project, in collaboration with consortium partners Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, JAMK University of Applied Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle & Univations, Heimerer College, Klinika Digjitale, Kadri Zeka University, and RIT Kosovo (AUK), is a joint international project aimed at enhancing practice-oriented education in allied health sciences through virtual and mixed reality technologies.

The Department of Computer Science at the University "Isa Boletini" in Mitrovica, Kosovo, recently hosted a captivating open lecture showcasing innovative computational projects by talented RIT faculty and students. Held on March 19, 2024, the event provided a platform for Lead faculty and students to present their work and share insights into their projects.

Meet Behare Hallaqi (BS ’13), currently working as the Country Manager for Kosovo and Albania at Euro Jet Intercontinental, a leading provider of ground handling services in aviation across Europe and Asia.

In her daily role, Mrs. Hallaqi works with executive jet operators, corporate jets, commercial passenger airlines, cargo, and military airlines, ensuring the delivery of all requested flight support services.

RIT Kosovo is thrilled to announce an upcoming conference dedicated to the field of economics, aimed at fostering networking opportunities and exchanging ideas among economics students across Kosovo. This event is a call to bachelor students specializing in economics to showcase their innovative ideas and research.

Location: Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Information Technology, Universiteti "Aleksandër Moisiu", Durrës, Albania The Department of Mathematics at the Faculty of Information Technology, Universiteti "Aleksandër Moisiu" in Durrës, Albania, had the distinct privilege of hosting a thought-provoking open lecture titled “Hands-on Workshop on SciLab” today. The esteemed guest speaker for the event was Professor Debabrata Samanta from the Rochester Institute of Technology Kosovo (RITK).

On March 7, 2024, RIT Kosovo and the Institute for Crimes Committed During the War in Kosovo signed a Memorandum of Understanding. On this occasion, the Director of the Institute, Dr. Atdhe Hetemi, held a guest lecture on the functions and work of the Institute.

The Board of Trustees, President, and RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) community, invite you, your family, and friends to join us at our annual fundraising event “Support Kosova’s Next Success Story” on May 23, 2024, at Venus Hotel, Prishtina, Kosovo.

His journey towards his dream career started at RIT Kosovo (A.U.K), where he graduated with High Honors in 2014. While pursuing his studies, he had already begun his career in the tech industry by joining a Swiss company as a Software Developer working on the SAP platform.

RIT Kosovo FDC on its recent faculty development session (February 23) explored the topic “Critical Thinking Applications: A tour to AI and ChatGPT”. The session was conducted by Dr. Jennifer Schneider, the Eugene Fram Chair in Applied Critical Thinking, Office of the Provost of RIT Rochester campus. It was a great success as it gathered faculty from all RIT campuses.

In a testament to academic excellence and scholarly dedication, the Computer and Information Technology Faculty of RIT Kosovo, proudly presents a compilation of insights and reflections from its esteemed members and students. This collection encapsulates the remarkable journey of two exceptional scholars, Korab and Rona, who recently represented the faculty at a prestigious seminar held in India.

To kick off Women’s History Month, we are excited to introduce WiSTEM - Women in STEM student club at RIT Kosovo!  Founded by passionate CIT students and human rights activists: Viola Maksuti, Nisa Çavdarbasha, Delfina Kukaj, Alma Beluli, Olsa Rama, Yllka Totaj, and Anduena Shasivari, WiSTEM’s goal is to champion gender equality, foster an inclusive community for women and girls in STEM and support the advancement of science in education. 

Albulena Basha (BS ’15) is currently pursuing a PhD degree in the field of agricultural economics at Iowa State University’s Department of Economics, which is ranked as the world’s third-best university agricultural economics department.

In partnership with Iowa State University, the third annual Cyber Security Defense Competition (CSDC), the International Cybersecurity Exercise 2024, has once again set a benchmark for nurturing global cybersecurity talent. This year's #ISEAGE event went beyond mere competition, providing a vibrant platform for collaboration, learning, and international camaraderie. The event was a memorable experience for all participants.

Our alumna, Krenare Thaci Cobb (BS ’08 & MS ’11), currently holds the position of Vice President of Demand Generation within the Portfolio Operations Group at Sunstone Partners.

In this role, she serves as a core subject matter expert in B2B demand generation, offering guidance in the execution of demand generation efforts. Her primary focus is on supporting Sunstone-backed companies in creating high-performing marketing and demand generation functions across their portfolios.

Petrit Kelmendi (BS ’09) works at Microsoft where he plays a pivotal role in defining growth strategies, product business models, and pricing for various Microsoft Power Platform products, including the launch of new generative AI features.

He is passionate about pricing and has been a featured speaker at numerous pricing-focused conferences, including the upcoming "For Big Pricing Wins" conference by the Pricing Professional Society in Dallas, Texas. Petrit is also a co-founder of the Pricing Academy, which empowers North American pricing talent to achieve their full potential and transform their companies into profit powerhouses.

As part of the STEFORA Project activities, RIT Kosovo team participated in the Digital Citizenship training for STEM faculty and administrators that was held at Maynooth University in Ireland on January 24-26, 2024.  The training covered topics such as Digital Citizenship, Digital Safety and Higher Education Institutions, Security Awareness, Digital Literacy, and Responsible Online Behavior.

Pristina, Kosovo – [January 31, 2024] – In a significant stride towards fostering inter-ethnic understanding and collaboration, the American University in Kosovo Foundation and RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) are honored to announce the inauguration of the Educational Partnership Hubs (EPH) for Inter-Ethnic Collaboration. This initiative, supported by a generous grant from the USAID's American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) program, signifies a pivotal advancement in educational integration and excellence.

The Faculty Development Center at RIT Kosovo recently hosted the 'Paper Publishing Strategies Workshop' as part of its ongoing activities, taking place on January 26, 2024. The session centered around the crucial theme of finding the right publication venue for academic papers, offering practical insights into locating the most suitable journal.

As 2023 draws to a close, we proudly reflect on our special fundraising event held in early November, in support of scholarships for bright students with limited financial means. Our annual fundraising event “Support Kosova’s Next Success Story” was held on November 1, 2023 at The Russian Tea Room in New York, gathering esteemed members of the Albanian-American diaspora, philanthropists, alumni, supporters, and friends of RIT Kosovo (A.U.K).

At the 2nd International Conference on Cyber Intelligence and Information Retrieval (CIIR 2023) held on December 14-15, 2023, the distinguished Best Paper Awards was awarded to Prof. Debabrata Samanta, Ph.D., who serves as the Program Head & Assistant Professor at the Department of Computing and Information Technologies, Rochester Institute of Technology, Kosovo, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the research community.

Are you ready to embark on an incredible journey into the world of computing and information technologies? Look no further than the Department of Computing and Information Technologies at Rochester Institute of Technology, Kosovo, Europe.

 🚀 Ignite Innovation with Us:

At RIT Kosovo, we are committed to fostering the next generation of tech innovators, problem solvers, and digital leaders. Our department offers cutting-edge programs and resources tailored to empower students and professionals to thrive in the rapidly evolving world of technology.

Dr. Fadil Sahiti's new publication explores the intricate relationship between macroeconomic and microeconomic policies and their impact on entrepreneurial dynamics during the transition from planned to free-market economies. Comparing two transitioning economies to a developed counterpart, the study reveals that, although macroeconomic policies may not explicitly target entrepreneurship, they wield a significant influence on entrepreneurial dynamics. Conversely, microeconomic policies are strategically crafted to actively promote and enhance entrepreneurial activity.

Dardan Hajrizi (Student Life Coordinator) and RIT Kosovo's Student Government representatives, Rron Ahmeti (Vice President) and Donika Gjini (Secretary) attended the Student Government Consortium which was held on RIT Dubai's campus this year.

Dr. Kamal Shahrabi, President of RIT Kosovo, hosted BRIDGE graduates during the closing ceremony, with the notable presence and address of His Excellency, the U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo, Mr. Jeffrey M. Hovenier. The event included the participation of U.S. Embassy Representatives, Partners, and RIT staff. The focal point of the day was the distribution of certificates to program graduates, a moment marked by enthusiasm as the students' accomplishments were celebrated. The pinnacle of excitement and pride was reached during the presentation of Bridge Awards to outstanding groups from each municipality, contributing to an atmosphere charged with positive energy. The ceremony concluded with remarks from Ms. Kelsey De Rinaldis, the U.S. Embassy Deputy Public Affairs Officer, and Dr. Ines Bula-Bunjaku, the BRIDGE 1 and 2 Project Manager at RIT Kosovo.

ERASMUS+ CAPACITY BUILDING PROJECT

The STEFORA project as part of Erasmus+ capacity building project adopts a comprehensive approach centered around three broad project objectives. Firstly, it prioritizes digital citizenship to overcome institutional barriers. Secondly, it integrates universal design principles into both formal and non-formal learning activities, extending to physical premises. Thirdly, it embraces norm-critical approaches to enhance cultural awareness and promote gender-sensitive education, particularly focusing on encouraging women's engagement in STEM fields in Kosovo and Albania.

In this paper prof. Muharremi elaborates how strategic narratives determine the understanding of politics and justice, and how such narratives can be deliberately constructed to achieve political ends through judicial means by instrumentalizing international criminal law and courts. The concept of strategic narratives is discussed through an inter-disciplinary perspective exploring the impact on international criminal justice. 

In the series of #ErasmusDays2023 events, RIT Kosovo – beneficiary of four Erasmus+ capacity building projects and several international credit mobilities organized the Everyone in Everything event which gathered several stakeholders at our premises. We had the honor to host the Mayor @Perparim Rama from @Municipality of Prishtina, and @Mimika Dobroshi, the head of the @Kosovo Erasmus+ Office, among our students, and faculty members.

RIT Kosovo’s partner institution, METU will be able to host one exchange student for the Spring Semester 2024 within the Erasmus + KA171 Program. All RIT Kosovo students have already received an email for this opportunity with the required documents and are encouraged to apply.

The deadline to apply is November 20^th.

Good luck, tigers!

RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) celebrated the 10th Women Entrepreneurship Week (WEW) 2023 on October 18, 2023, as part of the global celebration organized by the Feliciano Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Montclair State University in New Jersey, U.S.

As part of this celebration, RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) organized an engaging panel discussion which brought together current students, alumni, faculty, and staff with the topic: “Exploring Innovation: Kosovo Context,” highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities for women entrepreneurs in Kosovo. The panel consisted of three successful women alumni contributing to entrepreneurship in Kosovo:

Following a robust search, RIT Kosovo President, Dr. Kamal Shahrabi, announced the appointment of Dr. Albina Balidemaj as the new Dean of Faculty, effective October 19. 

"Dr. Balidemaj's extensive experience, firm passion for education, and commitment to RIT Kosovo's mission will undoubtedly pave the way for the advancement of cutting-edge education at our institution, which stands as an example of excellence in Kosovo," stated President Shahrabi. “I am delighted that Dr. Balidemaj will lead our academic affairs. RIT Kosovo students, faculty, and staff will continue to benefit enormously from her academic guidance and esteemed expertise. Albina has an excellent understanding of the mission of RIT Kosovo and the potential of each of its departments,” said President Shahrabi of his successor. “I have great respect for her judgment and perspective, and I know that she will guide academic affairs skillfully”.

The RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) Development Department successfully organized the highly anticipated Alumni Homecoming event, gathering more than 300 alumni. This event represents RIT Kosovo (A.U.K)’S dedication to fostering a strong sense of community and recognizing exceptional contributions.

The Alumni Homecoming kicked off with opening remarks from the Chief Development Officer, Ms. Teuta Avdimetaj and continued with a welcome message from Dr. Kamal Shahrabi, President of RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) - who emphasized the transformative power of education and encouraged alumni to leverage their knowledge and experiences to drive positive change in their communities.

The Biberaj Foundation Inc. has awarded fourteen (14) scholarships to the third cohort of students for the academic year 2023/24 to obtain a Bachelor’s degree at the Rochester Institute of Technology in Kosovo/American University in Kosovo Foundation (“RIT Kosovo (A.U.K”). The Biberaj Foundation Inc. have pledged a $1.16 million fund to support a total of 40 scholarship awards, granted over four years, to students with strong academic records and demonstrating financial need. In the previous two cohorts 26 students were awarded this scholarship, while this year’s group fills the total number of awardees to 40 students.

The Board of Trustees, President, and RIT Kosovo (American University in Kosovo Foundation) community, invite you, your family, and friends to join us at our annual fundraising event “Support Kosova’s Next Success Story” on November 1, 2023, at The Russian Tea Room, 150 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019.

The United States-Kosovo Educational Exchange Board (USKEB) Program Coordinator Ms. Nora Nimani-Musa was hosted by RIT Kosovo on 19th September to hold an information session on Fulbright Program opportunities. She informed the RIT Kosovo academic staff on two programs: The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program and Fulbright Faculty Development Program.

Fidan Hallaqi (BS ’08) is an accomplished entrepreneur and a proud graduate of RIT Kosovo (A.U.K). Since his graduation in 2008, he has made significant contributions in various fields, including business consultancy, international development projects, and more recently, entrepreneurship.

Throughout his career, Fidan's passion for innovation and his unwavering commitment to creating a positive impact on his community have been driving forces throughout his career. He actively participated in numerous international development projects in Kosovo through the Kosovar Civil Society Foundation (KCSF) for over a decade.

Congratulations to our alumni brothers, Gojart Shaqiri (BS ’08) and Drenas Shaqiri (BS ’11), for bringing the renowned French brand GiFi to Kosovo, marking its debut in Southeastern Europe in November this year.

Gojart and Drenas began their entrepreneurial journey while still students at RIT Kosovo (A.U.K), leading to the establishment of five companies with diverse portfolios, contributing significantly to Kosovo's economic landscape. They are also the leading force behind some of the most well recognized companies in Kosovo: Aztech, Galeria Shopping Mall, Greyder, Entertainment Kosova, Euro 1.

Experiential learning has become a cornerstone of modern education, emphasizing the importance of gaining practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge. Recognizing this significance, RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) provides its students with the opportunity to embark on co-op experiences, enabling them to gain professional exposure at prestigious private and public companies, as well as institutions. This commitment to experiential learning has yielded remarkable success stories, such as the experiences of Viola Osmani and Jolanda Sekiraqa, who are currently working for Solutions25.

Anila Qehaja (BS ’15) who works as Information Management Specialist at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in New York.

She works on crisis response and recovery, mainly evaluating the impact of conflicts and disasters on people, livelihoods, and infrastructure. She supports governments and UNDP country offices with real-time data for rapid decision-making to assist affected populations.

RIT Kosovo, as one of the partnering Higher Education Institutions in the Erasmus Project ROAMING, is the lead university in terms of Dissemination and Exploitation of the knowledge gathered and generated throughout the project lifecycle.

The ROAMING Project aims to Strength International Staff & Student Mobility Offices in the West Balkans, especially so to better serve members from underprivileged communities.

RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) is delighted to extend a warm welcome to the esteemed Ambassador of Israel to Kosovo, Her Excellency Mrs. Tamar Ziv as we strengthen the ties between our nations. Our Acting President, Dr. Mike Hess, alongside the RIT Kosovo’s Associate Dean of Students, Dr. Albina Balidemaj and the Chief Administration Officer, Mr. Lavon Bajrami joyfully embraced the Ambassador, further cementing our institution's unwavering commitment to promoting intercultural understanding, fostering academic growth, and facilitating diplomatic dialogue.

In a momentous celebration of innovation, resilience, and profound human connection, RIT Kosovo students organized the highly successful TEDxRITKosovo event on June 13th, 2023, at the AMC Hall in Prishtina. With the resounding theme of "Xpression," this captivating event unfolded as a beacon of inspiration, leaving a lasting impact on attendees and setting the stage for transformative ideas worth spreading.

Bleron Menzelxhiu works as Advisor to the Mayor of Tirana, where he provides strategic guidance on matters related to public affairs and public policy development.

From 2019 to 2021, Bleron was a Lecturer of Political Analysis and Public Choice at Riinvest International, offering international programs in collaboration with the University of London and academic direction from the London School of Economics in London, United Kingdom.

On May 22, 2023, RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) held its annual commencement ceremony, the communication of academic achievement and years of hard work and deciation. The event was marked by the presence of esteemed Commencement Speaker, Mr. Ylli Bajraktari, President and CEO of the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), as well as the participation of honorable guests, H.E. Albin Kurti, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Ms. Alyson Grunder, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Prishtina, Ms. Nancy Y. Bekavac, Chair of the RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) Board of Trustees and other distinguished guests.

On May 23, 2023, RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) hosted the highly anticipated "Support Kosova's Next Success Story" fundraising gala event at Klan Arena – with the goal of raising scholarship funds for talented students with limited financial means.

The gala event featured a lineup of influential speakers who shared their insights and highlighted the significance of investing in the future of Kosova's youth. Mr. Ylli Bajraktari, President and CEO at the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP) joined RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) as the event’s Keynote Speaker.

RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) organized the highly successful "Spring Career Fair 2023", which took place on the 26th and 27th of April, 2023.

The fair provided an excellent opportunity for CIT and AAS students to network with some of the most reputable companies in Kosovo. This year's event was one of the largest career fairs on our campus, with 50 companies in attendance and over 160 students participating.

The RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) Development Department was excited to welcome alumni and their families back to our beautiful campus for Alumni Children’s Day on Saturday, April 29, 2023. This exciting event was a wonderful opportunity for alumni to reconnect with their alma mater while also making lasting memories with their children.

RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) has the distinct honor to announce that Mr. Ylli Bajraktari, CEO of the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP) in the United States will be joining us as our Keynote Commencement Speaker on May 22, 2023 and Keynote Speaker at the Gala Dinner on May 23, 2023. Ylli is a successful and established Albanian-American executive in the field of national security in the U.S., leading the SPCP which is a non-partisan initiative chaired by Dr. Eric Schmidt, the accomplished technologist and former longtime CEO and Chairman at Google.  At SCSP, Ylli is spearheading efforts to strengthen America’s long-term competitiveness as artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies reshape the national security, economy, and society.

RIT Kosovo (A.U.K.) has recently started a Cross Campus teaching collaboration initiative, which involves teaching across RIT global campuses within the same academic community. RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) students are taking a variety of courses from professors at RIT Rochester, RIT Dubai, and RIT China. This type of collaboration has become increasingly important in today's academic landscape as it allows scholars, researchers, and students to combine their skills and expertise to tackle complex problems and advance knowledge in new and innovative ways.

The Board of Trustees, President and RIT Kosovo (American University in Kosovo Foundation) community, invite you, your family, and friends to join us at our annual fundraising event “Support Kosova’s Next Success Story” on May 23, 2023, at Klan Arena, Prishtina, Kosovo.

Co-op & Career Office: Knowing the importance of Experiential Learning (CO-OP) for our education system at RIT Kosovo, students are given a chance to gain a professional experience at private, and public companies, and institutions.  We are very happy to announce the recent collaboration with the US Embassy in Prishtina has allowed students to gain first-hand work experience within US Embassy departments. This is the second semester that RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) students are part of the Political/Economic Section and the USAID Economic Growth Unit.

RIT Kosovo, along with six other higher education institutions from the Western Balkans, has embarked on a partnership to strengthen staff and student mobility internationally. The goal of this collaboration is to increase the number of less privileged students, staff, and faculty involved in international mobilities.

RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) – Co-Op & Career Office organized the "Mock Interview Day", which focused on giving the students a new insight into the interviewing process. The students were very interested; they gained new experience for their future interviewing possibilities and got feedback from the entire panelists. A great way to practice for job interviews.

The RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) President, Kamal Shahrabi and RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) Faculty, Albina Balidemaj, Robert Muharremi, and Venera Demukaj participated in the Global Governance Summit held at RIT Dubai. 
The event gathered representatives from the Academic Senates and the Presidents from the Rochester Campus in New York and the global campuses in China, Croatia, Kosovo, and the United Arab Emirates.  

Gender equality is an important issue in Kosovo as in many other countries around the world. Despite important progress made in recent years, challenges persist for the equal participation and representation especially for women. This International Women’s Day, RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) Alumna, Dafina Prekazi (BS ’13), Program Manager at Kosovar Gender Studies Center (KGSC) spoke to us about current obstacles that our society faces in achieving gender equality as well as some recommendations how these can be overcome. 

Congratulations to RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) students, Anyla Zogu, Agnesa Bexheti (Biberaj Scholar), Tringa Isufi, Anesa Jakupi (Biberaj Scholar), and Ali Idrizi (Biberaj Scholar) who - under the mentorship of Prof. Xhevahir Kolgjini - have been selected among the winning teams with their project “Digital Weaving” at the “Imagine RIT- Creativity and Innovation Festival” contest. 

Faton Aliu (MS ’10) is the Founder and President of PECB, one of the world’s leading personnel certification bodies. Headquartered in Montreal (Canada), PECB is a global provider of training, examination, and certification services offering its expertise in multiple fields, including, but not limited to, Information Security, Privacy and Data Protection, Business Continuity, Quality and Service Management, Risk Management, Health and Safety, and Sustainability.

Meet our Alumna, Learta Hollaj (BS ’12) who is the new Deputy Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic of Kosovo, H.E. Vjosa Osmani. Learta was initially engaged as the Chief Advisor for Sustainable Development and Partnerships where she was responsible for the portfolio of energy, environmental and development policies, foreign policies as well as projects and initiatives in the field of gender equality.

The President and Dean of Faculty, Dr. Kamal Shahrabi was pleased to receive at a meeting Mr. William G. Walker, former U.S. Ambassador and former head of the OSCE Kosovo Verification Mission. During the meeting, President Shahrabi thanked Ambassador Walker for his important role in supporting RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) in different capacities throughout the years.

Imagine RIT is an annual festival of innovation and creativity held at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in Rochester, New York. The festival features interactive exhibits and demonstrations of cutting-edge technology, art, and design created by RIT students, faculty, and staff.

Meet our Alumnus, Fitor Murati (BS ’12) who is a Diplomat of the Republic of Kosovo currently stationed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora in Pristina, Kosovo. During 2018 to 2022, he served in the Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo in Brussels working tirelessly towards advancing Kosovo’s interest in the city with the largest international diplomatic community in the world.

Knowing the importance of experiential learning (Co-Op) for our education system at RIT Kosovo (A.U.K), students and alumni are given the chance to gain a professional experience at companies which we as an institution have partnered with.

RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) students presented the results of a Pilot PeaceTech Survey (Phase I) as part of their Capstone project in collaboration with 2022-23 US Fulbright Scholar Dr. Marcia Byrom Hartwell. 

Erita Çunaku, Jona Ndrecaj and Shkurte Berisha, students of Computing and Information Technologies BS received Best Paper Award in the session Track-6: Information Retrieval of 1^st International Conference on Innovations in Data Analytics (ICIDA 2022)” on November 29-30, 2022 at Eminent College of Management and Technology (ECMT), India.

Meet our Alumnus, Arbias Llolluni (BS ’17) who works as a Product Policy Manager at TikTok in Ireland, Dublin. He completed his Bachelor's Degree with distinctions majoring in Public Policy, Management, and a minor in Legal Studies at RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) graduating in 2017.

The training package consisted of two modules: the general module and the specialized module. The introduction module included the basics on software engineering, agile software development, project management, Linux, and Git. Regardless of the profile that the students have applied for, all of them attended the introduction module.

After a two-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) organized its annual fundraising event “Support Kosova’s Next Success Story” on November 1, 2022 at The Russian Tea Room in New York, gathering esteemed members of the Albanian-American diaspora, philanthropists, alumni, supporters and friends of RIT Kosovo (A.U.K).

Students of Computing and Information Technologies BS successfully completed research work on Digital-Social networks under the guidance of Dr. Debabrata Samanta, RIT Kosovo (A.U.K). Name of Students: Erita Çunaku, Jona Ndrecaj and Shkurte Berisha.

Meet our Alumna, Dora Musa (BS ’17) who is the Advisor to the President of Republic of Kosovo.
Her current role at the Office of the President of Republic of Kosovo falls in the sustainable development field with the sole intention of contributing to Kosovo’s pathway toward the establishment of sustainable economic, social, and environmental sectors.

At a meeting held in Louisville, Kentucky in the United States, the board of the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) approved the report of the visiting team for the accreditation of all degree programs offered by RIT-Kosovo.

On October 19, 2022, RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) celebrated Women Entrepreneurship Week (WEW) 2022 organized by Feliciano Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation part of Montclair State University in New Jersey, U.S.  This year WEW 2022 was the largest celebration as over 260 universities and colleges from around the globe joined Montclair State University to celebrate female founders in our communities.

On October 28, RIT Kosova organized the closing event of the project “Streamlining Curricular Development Processes and Establishment of the Task Force for Curricular Development”, funded by the U.S. Embassy’s University Support Grant Program. The project is administered by KUSA and implemented by RIT Kosova (A.U.K). 

The Biberaj Foundation Inc. has awarded ten (10) scholarships to the second cohort of students for the academic year 2022/21 to obtain a Bachelor’s degree at the Rochester Institute of Technology in Kosovo/American University in Kosovo Foundation (“RIT Kosovo (A.U.K”).

Ms. Bërdynaj-Shala is the Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to the Commonwealth of Australia. She is a career diplomat of the Republic of Kosovo and she has been part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo since June 2008.

During the month of September and October 2022, the RITK Second Year Seminar Course taught by Ms. Arlinda Hajdari, brought in-person speakers from three major IT companies in Kosovo. The topics included: Digitalization, development, data-driven, and product design.

The RITK Peace and Conflict Center was pleased to host Thomas Niblock, a retired U.S. diplomat and current Foreign Affairs Advisor to the Ministry of Defense of Kosovo, and two Ukrainian journalists, Iryna Synelnyk and Viktoriia Kaidash as guest speakers in the “Has the world helped Ukraine enough?” panel discussion.

Our campus is a place that brings people together. This time, our students in coordination with the Marketing Office, decided to make an event that would allow everyone to participate and enjoy multiple activities - the RITK Autumn Festival.

On August 30^th RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) along with the Bridge 2 Project team had the FIRST KICK-OFF meeting with all Bridge implementing and supporting partners and the US Embassy representatives whereby we all had the opportunity to meet and discuss how to best implement the Bridge 2 Project.

The Board of Trustees, President and RIT Kosovo (American University in Kosovo Foundation) community, invite you, your family and friends to join us at our annual fundraising event “Support Kosova’s Next Success Story” on November 1, 2022, at The Russian Tea Room, 150 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019.

On August 2, 2022, Dr. Kamal Shahrabi, President and Dean of Faculty at RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) met with H.E. Albin Kurti, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo to discuss cooperation opportunities between the Government and RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) through concrete projects in the field of higher education.

On July 22, 2022, RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) celebrated the graduation ceremony of eighteen students of the Frederick C. Cuny Peace and Conflict Summer School Program, Class of 2022.

RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) is delighted to partner with One Telecommunications in establishing the “One Scholar Program” which will provide financial support to students enrolling at RIT Kosovo (A.U.K). One Telecommunications has pledged up to 50,000 Euros in the form of scholarship funds to enable talented students, primarily from Albania, the opportunity to obtain a high-quality American education at the RIT Kosovo (A.U.K).

On July 12, 2022, RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) was pleased to host Mr. Armend Mehaj, Minister of Defense of the Republic of Kosovo, as a Guest Speaker at the Frederick C. Cuny Peace and Conflict Summer Program.

RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) is pleased to announce the establishment of the “TIVE Excellence Center” scholarship fund to enable talented students from economically underprivileged backgrounds the opportunity of obtaining a high-quality American education at RIT Kosovo (A.U.K).

On June 27, 2022, RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) held the renaming ceremony for the summer program in honor of Frederick C. Cuny, the American humanitarian and disaster relief specialist who is considered a foremost influential thinker, innovator, and practitioner in the humanitarian response field. Fred Cuny designed creative relief operations in more than 60 countries that almost always challenged the conventional wisdom on how to bring humanitarian assistance and how to change social and economic circumstances that affect disasters.

A panel discussion took place on June 23rd at RIT Kosovo among some of the Kosovo region’s key stakeholders to discuss the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Report (IPCC) report. The event was hosted jointly between RIT Kosovo and Helvetas, bringing together the climate change actors in Kosovo and abroad. 

On May 24, 2022, RIT Kosovo has organized a Workshop discussion with relevant stakeholders as part of the project “Streamlining Curricular Development Processes and Establishment of the Task Force for Curricular Development”, funded by the University Support Grant Program of the U.S. Embassy in Prishtina and administered by KUSA, and implemented by RIT Kosovo (A.U.K).

On May 20th, after months of hard work, RITK students hosted the TEDxRITKosovo event, and we are pleased to say that it was crowned with great success!
TEDx is a local initiative inspired by TED’s overall mission of discovering "ideas worth spreading". TEDx brings the TED spirit to local communities, allowing people from all walks of life to share and promote encouraging stories.

On the 18th of May, RIT Kosovo took part in the first-ever "International Cybersecurity Exercise: Defense Competition 2022 - Kosovo" organized together with Iowa State University (USA), the Kosovo Security Force (KSF), and Iowa Air National Guard (USA). Approximately 150 hackers and operators participated in this unique event.

The Madam Madeleine Albright project marks the pedestal of this year's achievements by RIT Kosovo students. The initiator of these works of art was Prof. Xhevahir Kolgjini and students from Visual Arts and American Painting Class.

RIT Kosovo has received an invitation to METU’s 6th International Staff Training Week (30th May-3rd June 2022).
The event focuses on exchanging experiences, making assessments of the partnership, sharing best practices, and learning from each other. They expect to host a wide range of institutions from around 20 countries among METU’s network, extending from Europe to the Far East, from Central Asia to the Americas.

The MUN is a simulation of the United Nations and how its organs, such as the Security Council operate. It includes drafting position papers and resolutions as well as intensive diplomatic negotiations related to current international relations topics.

CDO – Ms. Teuta Avdimetaj has been selected as the new Chief Development Officer at RIT-Kosovo. She will officially begin working with us in the second week of April.
CFAO – Mr. Faton Ramadani started working with us on March 15, 2022, as the new Chief Finance and Administration Officer.

On March 25, 2022, the project team organized the workshop with the representatives of the Higher Education Institutions in Kosovo, form the ICT and Energy sector, as part of the project “Streamlining Curricular Development Processes and Establishment of the Task Force for Curricular Development”, funded by the University Support Grant Program of the U.S. Embassy in Prishtina and administered by KUSA, and implemented by RIT Kosova (A.U.K).

On April 4th, 2022, RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) Co-op & Career Office organized the “Spring Career Fair 2022”. The fair was a great opportunity to network with the most prestigious companies in Kosovo. This year’s fair, came up to be a very successful event and one of the largest career fairs which brought over 40 companies to our campus. 
 

RIT Kosovo is proud to announce that its Alumni, Lieutenant Arbenita Haxholli-Grezda, officer from the Republic of Kosovo, graduated from the US Army Logistics University in Fort Lee, Virginia in the United States of America.

RIT Kosovo is honored to present its Alumni, Dr. Fjolla Kaçaniku and her outstanding achievement in Education.
 

RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) Alumni Elected to Join National and Local Government. RIT Kosovo (formerly known as American University in Kosovo) will be well represented by alumni in the national and local government administration in the region.

 

Our student, Alba Ajdarevikj, has been awarded with the Statesmanship Scholars Award, allowing her to attend and assist at the Center of Statesmanship, Law and Liberty at the RIT Main campus in Rochester, New York.

Kalendari i trajnimeve per Vitin e Ri! Apliko tani https://www.rit.edu/kosovo/tdi Na kontaktoni përmes emailit auki@auk.org ose numrit kontaktues +383 49 774 112 / +383 66 00 00 New Year Festive Calendar! Apply now https://www.rit.edu/kosovo/tdi Contact us via mail at auki@auk.org or phone number +383 49 774 112 / +383 66 00 00

On December 14, team of the project “Streamlining Curricular Development Processes and Establishment of the Task Force for Curricular Development”, funded by the University Support Grant Program of the U.S. Embassy in Prishtina and administered by KUSA.

RIT K (A.U.K) faculty and students were part of the many events organized during the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2021. RIT K (A.U.K) faculty and students were part of the many events organized during the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2021.

On October 25^th a distinguished and diverse academic panel from Kosovo and Serbia addressed - ‘Albanians and Serbs - Pending Issues’ that builds on the excellent research published by the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Serbia.

In order to mark the Women Entrepreneurship Week (WEW), RIT Kosovo is organizing a panel discussion with two women entrepreneurs who are RITK Alumni. The topic of discussion will be on the perspectives of women entrepreneurship in Kosovo and future opportunities. 

Anesa Colakovic has founded the Educational and Cultural Learning Center - Peacebuilding Library in Mitrovica. Mitrovica has 38 schools with approximately 500-700 students per school and it did not have a Library for students. 

To mark this event RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) organized a launching ceremony with the keynote speakers: H.E. Albin Kurti the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, H.E. Mr. Nicholas J. Giacobbe, Chargé d'Affaires of US Embassy in Kosovo, the Honorable Ms. Edona Maloku Berdyna, Deputy Minister of Education of the Republic of Kosovo and the Honorable Mr. Qëndron Kastrati, Mayor of the municipality of Kamenica.

Prishtina, Kosovo – For five consecutive years, Meridian Express has been supporting student’s scholarship for freshmen students through the annual donation gift of 5,000.00€ to RIT Kosovo (A.U.K). The Meridian Express Scholarship provides financial support to freshmen students with exceptional academic talent from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Government of Kosovo has announced the new regulations in higher education in regards to Covid-19. Higher education institutions will be permitted to hold classes with 1.5m distance between students. In terms of RIT Kosovo, this means the following: 

The Student Government of RIT Kosovo Students has announced the production of Podcast Episode  3. The RITK student podcast was designed for our students, to provide help, information and entertainment throughout the academic year.

Our Support Next Success Story fundraising campaign is part of Global Giving Little by Little Initiative

Kalendari i trajnimeve për muajin Shtator! Apliko tani https://www.rit.edu/kosovo/tdi Na kontaktoni përmes emailit auki@auk.org ose numrit kontaktues +383 49 774 112 / +383 66 00 00 September training calendar! Apply now https://www.rit.edu/kosovo/tdi Contact us via mail at auki@auk.org or phone number +383 49 774 112 / +383 66 00 00

TOKA and RIT Kosovo were privileged to welcome The President of the Republic of Kosova, Dr. Vjosa Osmani to the campus garden.

Kalendari i trajnimeve për muajin Shtator! Apliko tani https://www.rit.edu/kosovo/tdi Na kontaktoni përmes emailit auki@auk.org ose numrit kontaktues +383 49 774 112 / +383 66 00 00 September training calendar! Apply now https://www.rit.edu/kosovo/tdi Contact us via mail at auki@auk.org or phone number +383 49 774 112 / +383 66 00 00

Kalendari i trajnimeve për muajin Gusht! Apliko tani https://www.rit.edu/kosovo/tdi Na kontaktoni përmes emailit auki@auk.org ose numrit kontaktues +383 49 774 112 / +383 66 00 00 August training calendar! Apply now https://www.rit.edu/kosovo/tdi Contact us via mail at auki@auk.org or phone number +383 49 774 112 / +383 66 00 00

RIT Kosovo launches the new Alumni web section. We aim to support our alumni by allowing them to stay connected with their alma matter as well as publishing their exceptional success stories, spotlights, businesses registry, volunteer work and continuedly supporting upcoming generations. The Alumni web section can be found by the following link: rit.edu/kosovo/alumni

Dillon Berjani completed his bachelor studies at RIT Kosovo in 2016. He completed his Master's Studies in 2017 at the University of Amsterdam and VU Amsterdam in the field of entrepreneurship. Today, Mr. Berjani is a fourth-year PhD researcher at VU Amsterdam and focuses on the impact of entrepreneurship on societies, with a special focus on entrepreneurial initiatives in emerging neoliberalist societies.

Kalendari i trajnimeve për muajin Korrik! Apliko tani https://www.rit.edu/kosovo/tdi Na kontaktoni përmes emailit auki@auk.org ose numrit kontaktues +383 49 774 112 / +383 66 00 00 July training calendar! Apply now https://www.rit.edu/kosovo/tdi Contact us via mail at auki@auk.org or phone number +383 49 774 112 / +383 66 00 00

RIT Kosovo held the “Scholarship Awards Ceremony” event in the Campus Garden. RITK welcomed 57 upcoming freshmen to be part of the first and second round of the “President’s Partial Scholarship”, where the total given amount was 167,000 EUR. We will be having a third round of Scholarships, were the amount of the awards / scholarships will be 53,000 EUR.

On June 18, 2021, the first group of RIT Kosovo Master Students, presented their Capstone Projects, which represented a culmination of their graduate program experience. As part of the Master Capstone project, students work over two semesters in identifying a real-world problem (The Capstone Proposal Stage), conducting research, and providing solutions and recommendations to the problem (The Capstone Development Stage).

The inspiring success stories of our students are one of the reasons why RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) has the epithet of being a continuous stellar university in the region. Our students are a valuable asset; thus, we assure to provide them with the right opportunities to express their extracurricular talents. By considering each contribution as a precious piece that makes our education a puzzle, we guarantee to keep our students inspired, by additionally promoting their projects digitally.

The Department of Economic Policy, Public Policy and International Financial Cooperation - Macroeconomics Division held a lecture with students of the Summer Group at RIT Kosovo, on the topic "Policy Making in Uncertain Times".

Kalendari i trajnimeve për muajin Maj! Apliko tani https://www.rit.edu/kosovo/tdi Na kontaktoni përmes emailit auki@auk.org ose numrit kontaktues +383 49 774 112 / +383 66 00 00 May training calendar! Apply now https://www.rit.edu/kosovo/tdi Contact us via mail at auki@auk.org or phone number +383 49 774 112 / +383 66 00 00

RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) is pleased to announce the establishment of the “Zagragja Family Scholarship”. This scholarship is made possible through a generous gift pledge of over 25,000 Euros by our Board Member and Alum (BSc ’08), Mr. Yll Zagragja.

By the end of each academic year, RIT Kosovo (RIT-K) organizes the Honors Students’ Presentation Day.
During this academic year, a total of eight Honors students successfully passed all requirements to become members of RIT-K Honors Society and presented their Senior Capstone Research Projects on April 29, 2021.

Shpend Thaqi is the co-founder of Sach L.L.C, a multi-million dollar business spread across the Balkans that started from a small pizzeria in the city center, and expanded to 17 locations, two countries and which now employs more than 360 people. Shpend was a master’s student at RIT Kosovo (A.U.K).

Celebration of Teaching and Scholarship recognizes RIT’s outstanding faculty, staff, and students for their excellence in innovation, teaching, and developing the next generation of leaders.

This project will make American university studies accessible to talented students with limited financial means from Kosovo. Your gifts in this project will help provide immediate scholarships to two freshmen students joining RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) in fall of 2021.

After careful consideration, it has been decided that this year’s Imagine RIT: Creativity and Innovation Festival will be fully virtual for safety and planning purposes. The date remains set for May 1, 2021.

RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) alumna leads one of the most influential think tanks to ensure transparency and accountability in Kosovo

The Biberaj Family Scholarship is made possible through the generous donation pledge of $1.16 mil by The Biberaj Foundation Inc. and participation of RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) and American University in Kosovo Foundation Inc.

The students of RIT Kosovo had the honor of hosting Dr. Chad Briggs and Brooke Binkowski, to talk about the way disinformation and fake news are impacting today’s public discourse

Students are being given the chance to gain a professional experience at companies whom we as an Institution have a partnered with.

RIT is offering an expanded version of Slack, the popular interactive software, with features to improve coursework and project collaborations.

RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Kosovo CSR Network.

As they say, in difficult times, we help each other. Our students reacted quickly and started various initiatives to make their contribution to the community. 

RIT Kosovo’s Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Kamal Shahrabi as RIT Kosovo’s new president on Monday, June 1.

I graduated with high honors in Economics/Statistics and Management and started my own company in tech while I was a full time student at RIT Kosovo (A.U.K). 

Coming from a family which always emphasized the importance of a good education, it was not difficult to decide which University I wished to pursue for my undergraduate studies.