Lebanese American University

Coordinates: 33°53′34″N 35°28′40″E / 33.89278°N 35.47778°E / 33.89278; 35.47778

Lebanese American University
الجامعة اللبنانية الأميركية
Former name
 American School for Girls (1835-1924)
Beyrouth University College (1924-1996)
Motto To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield
Type Private
Established 1835
President Joseph G. Jabbra
Provost George K. Najja
Administrative staff
 308 full-time and 487 part-time faculty; 610 full-time and 171 part-time Staff (Fall 2015)[1]
Students 8,348 (7,553 Undergraduate, 505 Graduate, 230 Doctoral-Professional) (Fall 2015)[1]
Location Beirut and Byblos, Lebanon[2]
Website www.lau.edu.lb

The Lebanese American University (Arabic: الجامعة اللبنانية الأميركية ) is a secular, private and independent American university and research institution located in Lebanon. The university is chartered by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York and is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (CIHE–NEASC).[3] It is composed of two campuses, one in Beirut and the other in Byblos, and offers programs leading to degrees in Arts, Business, Engineering, Nursing, Sciences, Pharmacy, and Medicine.

LAU is governed by a Board of Trustees[4] that oversees the primary functions of leadership, stewardship and audit. A Board of International Advisors[5] provides counsel on university policies and other matters to the Board of Trustees, president, and senior management.

History

With roots extending back to 1835 as the first school for girls in the Ottoman Empire, LAU started as a women’s junior college in 1924 and underwent several name changes as it expanded over the decades.[6]

LAU has seven schools on two campuses in Beirut[7] and Byblos.[8]

Campuses

LAU’s two main campuses — Beirut and Byblos — are located on hillsides near the Mediterranean Sea, around 35 kilometers apart. The campuses offer similarly structured programs in arts, sciences, and business. Programs in nursing and medicine, as well as junior and senior year courses in engineering and pharmacy, are offered exclusively in Byblos.

The 25,368-square-meter Beirut campus is within reach of the capital. The 159,424-square-meter Byblos campus was inaugurated in 1991 and has seen constant development — from two to ten buildings — since then.

Students on both campuses have access to libraries, gymnasiums, residence halls, theaters, wireless internet, computer centers, laboratories, and academic support services.

In 2013, LAU inaugurated its new headquarters in New York City[9] and a new Executive Center in downtown Beirut.[10]

Accreditation

Since 1949, the university has operated under a charter from the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York. USNY is a purely administrative body which, among other functions, accredits colleges and universities in the state.[3] In 2010 the university received full NEASC accreditation as per a letter sent to President Joseph G. Jabbra.[11]

The university's five-year Bachelor in Architecture program is accredited by the French government, which allows the graduates to practice in France and the European Union.[3]

The School of Pharmacy is a full member of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP).[12] Currently, the Doctor of Pharmacy program at the university is the only one outside the United States of America that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). The initial accreditation review took place in 2002, when full accreditation was granted. Hence, the university's Pharm.D. graduates are eligible for licensure to work as Pharmacists in most US states and provinces.

Most of LAU's School of Engineering programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). In the academic year 2006-2007, the school started laying out the groundwork for a self-study required by ABET. Full ABET accreditation was received during the Fall semester of 2011. In addition, the university plans to seek European accreditation for its engineering programs to expand the recognition of its degrees to a global level.[3]

The Department of Computer Science and Mathematics is ABET accredited, and is the first ABET-accredited Computer Science program in Lebanon.[13]

The School of Business is currently pursuing accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the oldest and largest business accreditation association in the world.

The Alice Ramez Chaghoury School of Nursing has received accreditation for its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

LAU and Partners Harvard Medical International have signed an innovative 10-year collaboration agreement that will significantly reinforce LAU's Medical School standing. The LAU Medical Center—Rizk Hospital allows students to practice in the clinical element of the program.

Academic programs

LAU’s many undergraduate and graduate degree programs are grouped into seven schools:

School of Architecture and Design

The school was inaugurated in Fall 2009 bringing together under its name all architecture, design and fine arts programs. The university's school of architecture and design is the only accredited American University that offers a B.A in Interior Architecture, and B.A in Interior Design.[14]

The Bachelor of Architecture degree is officially equivalent to the French Diplôme d’Architecture, which allows LAU graduates to practice in France and the European Union.[3]

The School of Architecture and Design offers the following degrees:[15]

Bachelor’s degrees

Bachelor of Architecture.

B.A. in Fine Arts, Interior Architecture and Fashion Design.

B.S. in Graphic Design and Interior Design.

Minors

Minor in Advertising, Digital Media, Fine Arts, Islamic Art and Architecture (IAAD) and Visual Arts.

School of Arts and Sciences

The Computer Science Program is the first program in Lebanon to earn accreditation by ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology).[13]

The School of Arts and Sciences offers the following degrees:[16]

Bachelor’s Degrees

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in: Arabic Language & Literature, Communication Arts, Education, English Studies, History, Philosophy, Political Science/International Affairs, Political Science, Psychology, Social Work and Translation.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in: Bioinformatics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Nutrition and Nutrition and Dietetics-Coordinated Program (CP).

Master’s Degrees

Executive Master of Arts (E.M.A) in: Actuarial Science.

Master of Arts (M.A.) in: Comparative Literature, Education, International Affairs, Migration Studies and Women and Gender Studies.

Master of Science (M.S.) in: Computer Science and Molecular Biology

Special Degree

Teaching Diploma (T.D.) in:

Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education and various subjects in intermediate & secondary education.

School of Business

The School of Business offers the following degrees:[17]

Bachelor’s Degrees

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Business with seven concentration areas (specialization studies), besides the general (or no emphasis): Accounting, Banking and Finance, Family and Entrepreneurial Business Management, Information Technology Management, International Business, Management, and Marketing.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in: Economics and Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Master’s Degrees

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Applied Economics, Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Executive Master of Business Administration (E.M.B.A.), Blended Executive Master of Business Administration (Blended E.M.B.A) and Master of Laws (L.L.M.).

School of Engineering

The School of Engineering offers the following degrees:[18]

Bachelor’s Degrees

Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in: Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering and Mechatronics Engineering.

Master’s Degrees

Master of Science (M.S.) in: Civil and Environmental Engineering, Computer Engineering, Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management.

The Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine

The school opened in September 2009.

The school of Medicine offers the following degree: Doctor of Medicine (MD).[19]

The Alice Ramez Chagoury School of Nursing

As of 2013, the B.S. in Nursing is accredited by the U.S.-based Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.[20]

The school of Nursing offers the following degree: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Nursing.[21]

School of Pharmacy

The school is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP). LAU’s Doctor of Pharmacy is the only program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education outside the U.S.[12]

The School of Pharmacy offers the following degrees:[22]

Bachelor’s Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Pharmacy.

Doctorate Degree

Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.).

LAU Medical Center–Rizk Hospital

The university’s expansion into the field of medical education was buttressed by the acquisition of the LAU Medical Center–Rizk Hospital (LAUMC–RH). LAUMC–RH is designed to support LAU’s Schools of Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy by providing clinical facilities and services for teaching and training.

This large medical campus currently houses several centers, offering radiology and imaging, dialysis, endoscopy, dermatology, ophthalmology, IVF, and cardiology.[23]

LAU New York Headquarters and Academic Center

LAU’s New York Headquarters and Academic Center, located at 211 E. 46th St in Manhattan, was inaugurated in September 2013. The high-tech facility includes classrooms, business and admissions offices, a student lounge, and a library. It is also home to the LAU’s New York Advancement Staff. At the center, faculty offer courses in a variety of fields that include Islamic banking, peace education, gender studies in the Arab world, and the Arabic language. Regular international conferences and workshops, including public lectures from leading scholars on contemporary regional issues are hosted there as well. LAU has also initiated partnerships with U.S. universities allowing students to transfer credits for courses taken at the Academic Center.[24]

LAU Executive Center @ Solidere

LAU and Solidere have partnered to offer a new venue for courses, conferences and seminars in Beirut Central District, the reconstructed heart of the Lebanese capital.The LAU Executive Center @ Solidere hosts E.M.B.A. and M.B.A. courses, along with executive workshops and seminars. The center is located at 1301 Marfaa, Beyhum Street. It was inaugurated on August 23, 2013.[25]

Students

In Fall 2013, 20 percent of the student population hailed from outside Lebanon, with 78 nationalities represented in the population, as well as students from all of Lebanon’s diverse cultural backgrounds spread on both campuses.

In the fall term of the 2013–2014 academic year, a total of 8,146 students were enrolled at LAU.[1]

Student Life

Play Productions

The university has three theaters—Gulbenkian and Irwin in Beirut, and Selina Korban in Byblos—that are active year-round. Student productions are required of certain majors, and are presented throughout the academic year. The university also offers two major productions, in the fall and spring, and an annual international theater festival that attracts groups from other Middle Eastern universities. Participation in play productions at the university is open to students of any major.[26]

Varsity Sports

The basketball, football, handball, volleyball, tennis, table tennis, swimming, and rugby teams at university participate in various local, regional and international collegiate tournaments.[27]

Student Governance

Participation in university's Campus Student Councils and the University Student Council, as well as the Graduate Student Committees on both campuses gives students a voice in the decision-making sphere. Students choose their representatives during elections held in accordance with the respective bylaws.[28]

Libraries

At LAU’s Beirut and Byblos libraries,[29] comprehensive traditional print collections are supplemented by hundreds of electronic databases and thousands of full-text electronic serial titles, thus giving students, faculty and staff millions of scholarly articles, available at their fingertips.

Through agreements with institutions abroad, LAU’s libraries are able to secure in-demand materials otherwise unavailable in Lebanon.

The Riyad Nassar Library in Beirut houses a number of special collections relevant to women’s studies, education, Islamic art, and architecture, as well as the oldest collection of children’s books in Lebanon.

The Libraries at the university comprise the following:

Centers and Institutes

Renowned faculty chair LAU’s many centers and institutes. Regular conferences, workshops, and seminars offer specialized knowledge and access to resources throughout the year. Centers and institutes provide specialized training to students, researchers, faculty, and professionals from around the world.

Special programs

University Enterprise Office (UEO)

LAU’s University Enterprise Office plays a strategic advisory and coordination role in the university’s projects throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). It oversees the management of the Iraqi Fellows (IF) program, and the Middle East Partnership Initiative’s (MEPI’s) Tomorrow’s Leaders (TL) and Leaders for Democracy Fellows (LDF) programs. The IF program is managed in coordination with the Embassy of Iraq in Beirut, and the LDF program is managed in partnership with Syracuse University in New York.

Institute for Women’s Studies in the Arab World (IWSAW)

The Institute for Women's Studies in the Arab World (IWSAW) was established in 1973 to pay tribute to LAU's rich history as a school for women. Today, IWSAW is a leading institution in women’s empowerment and gender equality in – and for - the Arab world. IWSAW's mission is to (1) Advance women’s empowerment and gender equality nationally, regionally and globally, through research, education, development programs and outreach (2) Integrate gender issues across all programs of study at LAU to build a knowledge base that promotes gender equality and human rights in the Arab world (3) Conduct pioneering research on women in the Arab world to amplify Arab voices in global discourses on gender, and turn theory into practice by engaging in development projects to promote women’s rights in the region. The Institute works on 5 key areas: Education, Research, Development Projects, Outreach, and LAU Engagement.

Faculty

LAU’s recently completed strategic plan significantly raised the bar of faculty qualifications. Out of 312 full-time faculty members, 73 percent hold doctorates or the highest degree in their field, earned from reputable institutions in the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia, Japan, Lebanon and other countries.

The university’s faculty is remarkably diverse: 48 percent of instructors are Lebanese, 39 percent are dual-nationals, and 13 percent are non-Lebanese foreigners. Forty-one percent of full-time faculty members are women. The approximate student–faculty ratio on both campuses is 18:1 (full-time equivalents for fall 2013).[1]

Staff

With 588 full-time staff members, LAU is among the largest private employers in Lebanon and one of the fastest-growing universities in the region. Key service areas include student development and enrollment management, information technology, advancement, administration, human resources, and marketing and communications.[1]

Alumni

Alumni chapters

[30]

Notable Alumni

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 http://www.lau.edu.lb/about/facts/index.php
  2. ↑ "LAU Endowment". Official LAU website. Copyright 2011, Lebanon. Retrieved March 10, 2012.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Charter and Accreditation LAU website 2014
  4. ↑ Board of Trustees Board of Trustees
  5. ↑ Board of International Advisors Board of International Advisors
  6. ↑ "http://www.lau.edu.lb/about/history/ History of LAU". External link in |title= (help);
  7. ↑ "http://www.lau.edu.lb/locations/beirut/ Beirut Campus". External link in |title= (help);
  8. ↑ "http://www.lau.edu.lb/locations/byblos/ Byblos Campus". External link in |title= (help);
  9. ↑ http://www.lau.edu.lb/news-events/news/archive/lau_opens_in_new_york/
  10. ↑ http://www.lau.edu.lb/news-events/news/archive/lau_unveils_executive_center_a/
  11. ↑ Accreditation decision
  12. 1 2 School of Pharmacy Accreditation School of Pharmacy
  13. 1 2 Computer Science and Mathematics Accreditation
  14. ↑ "http://publications.lau.edu.lb/documents/presidents-report-2012.pdf". External link in |title= (help);
  15. ↑ School of Architecture and Design degrees
  16. ↑ School of Arts and Sciences degrees
  17. ↑ School of Business degrees
  18. ↑ School of Engineering degrees
  19. ↑ School of Medicine degrees
  20. ↑ School of Nursing accreditation
  21. ↑ School of Nursing degrees
  22. ↑ School of Pharmacy degrees
  23. ↑ http://www.lau.edu.lb/about/related-entities/
  24. ↑ http://www.lau.edu.lb/locations/nyc/
  25. ↑ http://www.lau.edu.lb/locations/ecs/
  26. ↑ http://sas.lau.edu.lb/communication-arts/contact.php
  27. ↑ http://students.lau.edu.lb/athletics/
  28. ↑ http://students.lau.edu.lb/activities/student-governance/
  29. ↑ http://libraries.lau.edu.lb/
  30. ↑ Alumni chapters
  31. ↑ http://www.irdiplomacy.ir
  32. ↑ http://www.iran-daily.com/
  33. ↑ http://ir.sputniknews.com
  34. ↑ http://whoisshe.lau.edu.lb/expert-profile/sethrida-tawk-geagea-member-parliament
  35. ↑ https://www.linkedin.com/pub/vick-vanlian/28/56a/77b

External links

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