Lebanese American University

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. Najjar
Students	8000+
Location	Beirut and Byblos , Lebanon
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). 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 that oversees the primary functions of leadership, stewardship and audit. A Board of International Advisors 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.

LAU has seven schools on two campuses in Beirut and Byblos.

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 and a new Executive Center in downtown Beirut.

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. In 2010 the university received full NEASC accreditation as per a letter sent to President Joseph G. Jabbra.

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.

The School of Pharmacy is a full member of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP). 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.

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

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 & Design
• School of Arts & Sciences
• Adnan Kassar School of Business
• School of Engineering
• The Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine
• The Alice Ramez Chagoury School of Nursing
• School of Pharmacy

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.

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.

The School of Architecture and Design offers the following degrees:

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).

The School of Arts and Sciences offers the following degrees:

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:

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:

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).

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.

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

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.

The School of Pharmacy offers the following degrees:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Libraries

At LAU’s Beirut and Byblos libraries, 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:

• Print Books 480,202
• e-Books 111,080
• Print/microform serial subscriptions 718
• e-Journals (Full text) 59,736
• Non-print (e.g., maps, videos, slides) 12,158
• Online databases 153
• Open Access databases 30
• Media materials 16,554

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)

Established in 1973.

IWSAW established a Master’s degree in Women’s and Gender Studies, which LAU launched in 2013.

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).

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.

Alumni

Alumni chapters

• Abu Dhabi, UAE
• Aleppo, Syria
• Athens, Greece
• Bahrain
• Beirut, Lebanon
• Beirut College for Women
• Byblos, Lebanon
• Damascus, Syria
• Detroit, USA
• Dubai & Northern Emirates, UAE
• Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
• Ghana
• Houston, USA
• Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
• Jordan
• Kuwait
• London, UK
• Montreal, Canada
• New England, USA
• New York/New Jersey, USA
• North Florida, USA
• North Lebanon, Lebanon
• Northern California, USA
• Oman
• Ottawa, Canada
• Qatar
• Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• School of Engineering
• School of Pharmacy
• Seattle, USA
• South Lebanon, Lebanon
• Southern California, USA
• South Florida, USA
• Switzerland
• Toronto, Canada
• Washington, DC, USA

Notable Alumni

• Emad Abshenass, Writer & Senior Iranian Journalist, Editor-in-Chief of Iran Press, Iran Diplomatic, Iran Daily NewsPaper, SefroYek and TorshoShirin newspapers and magazines,Persian Sputnik news Agency, Manager of Chortkeh Technical and Vocational Training Institute and APM Cultural corporation, Leader of journalist and Technical and vocational Training NGO Syndicates (Class of 1991).
• Lamis Mustafa Alami, Current Minister of Education in the Palestinian Authority (class of 1964).
• Saloua Raouda Choucair, Lebanese painter and sculptor (class of 1938).
• Selim El Sayegh, Former Lebanese Minister of Social Affairs (class of 1983).
• Tamirace Fakhoury, Lebanese poet and professor at LAU (class of 1999).
• Lara Habib Chamat, Senior Business News presenter on Al-Arabiya News channel (class of 2004).
• Laury Haytayan, MENA officer in the Natural Resource Charter framework, and civil activist in Lebanon.
• Zaven Kouyoumdjian, Lebanese talk show host, television personality, media consultant, and author.
• Rima Maktabi, TV presenter, news anchor and journalist at CNN and Al-Arabiya.News channel (class of 2003).
• May Nasr, Lebanese singer and musician (class of 1988).
• Octavia Nasr, a former CNN journalist and current cohost of MBC’s “Kalam Nawaem” (class of 1987).
• Nadine Wilson Njeim, Miss Lebanon 2007, actor and TV presenter (class of 2012).
• Mounira Solh, founder of Al Amal Institute for the Disabled and one of the first Lebanese women running for parliament (class of 1933).
• Majed Sarieddine, Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer, PepsiCo Corporate & Global Functions (class of 1985).
• Sethrida Geagea, Member of the Lebanese Parliament (class of 1994).
• Vick Vanlian, founder of interior design company Vick Vanlian / V World SAL.

External links

• Official website