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Building partnerships has been the cornerstone of the University of South Carolina Aiken since its inception in 1961. It was then that the Aiken community citizens voiced the need for a local institution of higher education. In a real demonstration of grassroots politics, the community rallied to show their support for a college founded in the area. A governing board was formed through state legislation, the Aiken County Commission for Higher Education, which continues to oversee the University's mission. Today, USC Aiken has ranked in the top three public baccalaureate colleges in the South by U.S. News & World Report's guide "Best Colleges" for twenty-one consecutive years. More than 3,500 students attend the University, and approximately 500 students graduate each year. USC Aiken provides bachelor's and master's degrees in 50 programs of study while delivering many of a large university's offerings on a small, friendly campus with intimate class sizes and personal attention. The commitment to continuing partnerships is woven into the fabric of the campus' culture. The University of South Carolina Aiken is a comprehensive institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and professional disciplines. All programs of study are grounded in a strong liberal arts and sciences curriculum. Its commitment to transformative teaching distinguishes USC Aiken through high impact learning practices, undergraduate research, small classes, and individual attention. The University encourages excellence in research and creative pursuits. It prepares students for success by challenging them to think critically and creatively, to communicate effectively, to learn independently, and to acquire breadth and depth of interdisciplinary knowledge. USC Aiken attracts students from South Carolina, the United States, and the world to form a diverse community of individuals engaged in educational experiences and services necessary to pursue meaningful work in an enlightened, inclusive, and economically vibrant society. A progressive hub for innovation, collaboration, and creativity, USC Aiken contributes to the community by enriching the region's quality of life through various activities, including the visual and performing arts, intercollegiate athletics, continuing and distance education, educational outreach, and leadership. A trip to Aiken means getting outdoors, experiencing history, meandering through beautiful parks, and bustling shopping. As you explore Aiken, you will notice a thriving downtown that has much to offer. Aiken hosts world-class events and festivals, showcasing music, dance, outdoor concerts, food, history, and much more. In Aiken, there is always something new to discover. The University of South Carolina Aiken is a comprehensive liberal arts institution committed to active learning through excellence in teaching, faculty and student scholarship, research, creative activities, and service. We offer degrees in the arts and sciences and the professional disciplines of business, education, and nursing. All degrees are grounded in a liberal arts and sciences curriculum designed to provide students with the educational background necessary to succeed in any chosen field. At USC Aiken, we believe deep learning and understanding are enhanced when students can connect disciplines. All of our undergraduate programs and majors are grounded in the liberal arts and sciences. This means that students begin their college education by taking classes in many different subjects and building skills geared toward more than just training in one profession. Exciting discoveries often come from where disciplines overlap, and concepts and solutions from one field of study are applied to problems in another. By studying the liberal arts and sciences, students develop healthy critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Students steeped in the liberal arts and sciences gain more excellent mental flexibly, learn to think across multiple domains and communicate effectively. These are skills employers say they value most. In today's labor market, career paths are changing, and new career options are being created at a dizzying rate. Thus, those graduates who can draw from various skillsets to adapt to challenges and capitalize on opportunities will have the most significant advantage. A commitment to providing significant fields of study in conjunction with a foundation in the liberal arts and sciences is at the heart of a USC Aiken education. At USC Aiken, learning extends well beyond the classroom. Through undergraduate research projects, real-world experience, international study opportunities, and engaged learning practices, USC Aiken students explore, understand, and master their interest areas in depth. This is an educational approach that prepares students for a successful life, professional success, global understanding, and civic engagement. The University of South Carolina Aiken is a comprehensive liberal arts institution committed to active learning through excellence in teaching, faculty and student scholarship, research, creative activities, and service. We offer degrees in the arts and sciences and the professional disciplines of business, education, and nursing. All degrees are grounded in a liberal arts and sciences curriculum designed to provide students with the educational background necessary to succeed in any chosen field. At USC Aiken, we believe deep learning and understanding are enhanced when students can connect disciplines. All of our undergraduate programs and majors are grounded in the liberal arts and sciences. This means that students begin their college education by taking classes in many different subjects and building skills geared toward more than just training in one profession. Exciting discoveries often come from where disciplines overlap, and concepts and solutions from one field of study are applied to problems in another. By studying the liberal arts and sciences, students develop healthy critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Students steeped in the liberal arts and sciences gain more excellent mental flexibly, learn to think across multiple domains and communicate effectively. These are skills employers say they value most. In today's labor market, career paths are changing, and new career options are being created at a dizzying rate. Thus, those graduates who can draw from various skillsets to adapt to challenges and capitalize on opportunities will have the most significant advantage. A commitment to providing significant fields of study in conjunction with a foundation in the liberal arts and sciences is at the heart of a USC Aiken education. At USC Aiken, learning extends well beyond the classroom. Through undergraduate research projects, real-world experience, international study opportunities, and engaged learning practices, USC Aiken students explore, understand, and master their interest areas in depth. This is an educational approach that prepares students for a successful life, professional success, global understanding, and civic engagement. View full university

For nearly 140 years, Middlesex University London and its predecessor institutions have been home to innovators and change-makers. We are a progressive London university that puts our students first and provides expert teaching informed by inspiring research and practice. We boast one of the most diverse, multinational, and multicultural communities of students and staff of any university in the UK, with almost 19,400 students and 1,900 staff from 140 different countries based at our modern north London campus in Hendon alone. Middlesex University London generates more than £280 million a year for the Barnet economy, supporting some 3,800 local jobs. We work with employers to make sure that what our students learn is what employers need, and we strive to transform our students' lives so that they have an excellent experience while they are with us and a solid foundation for inspiring careers when they leave us. Middlesex's flagship London campus combines modern facilities and expert teaching with the advantage of studying in one of the most diverse and exciting cities on earth. In recent years we have invested more than £200 million to transform our London campus into a state-of-the-art center for excellence, with facilities and equipment that rival those of the world's top universities. That investment included a new purpose-built center for art, design, media, and performing arts students and dedicated labs and studios for those studying science, technology, and health courses. Our most recent addition, the Ritterman Building, is an award-winning, environmentally-friendly development packed with the latest equipment and teaching facilities. Whatever you study at Middlesex London, you will have access to the best possible tools to help you achieve success in your field. Middlesex London is also a beautiful place to study. At its heart is the historic College building, centered around an expansive courtyard where students and staff can meet in a relaxed atmosphere. There are also many other open areas where you can socialize in exhibition spaces, cafes, and parks. A short journey on the Northern line will take you into central London, where you can enjoy all the historical, cultural, and social experiences unique to our great city. Ranked as the Top Modern University in London. - (Complete University Guide, 2017) £200m invested in outstanding facilities for learning and teaching. 91% of all our graduates are in employment within six months of graduating. 90% of our research is internationally recognized. - (REF, 2014) Ranked Top 3 in London by our students in half of our subjects. - (National Student Survey, 2013) Ranked in the Top 10 for Graduate Salaries in the UK. - (The Times Higher Education, 2011) We offer more than 300 Undergraduate and Postgraduate programs. One hundred forty nationalities represented by students at our London campus. View full university

The Lebanese American University is a leading, non-sectarian, private higher education institution in Lebanon. It operates under a charter from the Board of Regents of the University of New York. It is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Lebanese American University is committed to academic excellence, student-centeredness, civic engagement, the advancement of scholarship, the education of the whole person, and leaders' formation in a diverse world. In both plannings for its future and conducting its ongoing daily activities, LAU seeks to act in a manner that is guided by a deep-rooted sense of shared ethical values and aspirations. Built upon this foundation, Lebanese American University: Draws its fundamental inspiration from the devotion of its Presbyterian Founders always to seek the Truth, respect human dignity, promote gender equality, and be inclusive Provides educational opportunities as one university with multiple campuses, each with distinctive gifts and attributes Commits to academic and service excellence throughout the institution Demonstrates dignity and respect for and from the Board, faculty, staff, and students in word and indeed Celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of all members of the LAU community Succeeds because its people take pride of ownership and are held accountable for their actions Works together as an extended family community that reflects the highest ethical and moral standards Enables individuals to find their own spiritual and personal fulfillment while ever sensitive to the changing global village in which they live Promotes the students' social connectedness to the country of Lebanon and encourages their commitment to social justice and democracy. Its mission and values drive the Vision of Lebanese American University. The Vision for LAU will be carried out through: Providing access to superior education for diverse undergraduate and graduate students and lifelong learners Attracting and retaining distinguished faculty who excel in teaching, research, and community service Enrolling and retaining academically qualified and diverse students Embracing liberal arts in all curricula Creating opportunities for rigorous research and the dissemination of knowledge Developing a close-knit community that excels academically, is intellectually stimulating, and is religiously, ethnically, and socio-economically diverse Attracting and retaining a highly qualified staff committed to excellence in service View full university

The Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) is a private Catholic higher education institution founded by the Lebanese Maronite Order (LMO) in 1938. From that moment, these monks, who had been entrusted with a teaching mission for more than three centuries, have undertaken the management of USEK. Their remit was to provide university teaching in conformity with the labor market requirements and close association with scientific research. Being a national institution, USEK has brought its teachings and curricula into line with the Lebanese state's official requirements, which acknowledges the diplomas it delivers. Furthermore, USEK remains careful in achieving a synthesis of tradition and modernism in the educational options it offers while remaining true to a Christian humanism, which is imprinted on the general education it provides. Due to the pressure to democratize higher education, the University is deploying necessary efforts to fight exclusion and abide by a non-elitist policy, albeit without making any concessions concerning education quality. The establishment of decentralized regional centers (in Zahle, Chekka, and Rmeich) thus springs out of the wish to implement the right to higher education. USEK has adapted well in light of soaring socioeconomic development and has created new vocational specializations to diversify its education and meet the needs of the labor market. Nowadays, USEK welcomes more than 8,000 students across its twelve faculties and three institutes, i.e., fifteen academic units, which offer a broad array of diversified high-level education. Studies in USEK are based on the modular system of units, which are accounted for on a half-year basis, or "credits." Also, the adoption of such a structure enables students to enjoy flexibility on all levels for the prospective degree courses' academic and financial management. It also enables the Promotion of students' mobility in Lebanon and abroad: Credits can be accumulated and transferred from one University to another. Personalization of the students' training: Each student's academic course is adapted to his(her) personal and vocational project. Flexible Organisation of the semester: Students are allowed the freedom to choose the number of credits (while abiding by the minimum and maximum numbers set by the University) and the courses taken during the semester (out of a group of courses that are required for a given curriculum), thus enabling them to ameliorate how they set their schedule. Development of close pedagogical support: The teachers' follow-up and support are reinforced by the fact that thanks to this system, education is centered on the students. The offer of diversified courses to students promotes a multidisciplinary approach and exchanges within and among disciplines. Facilitation reorientation: Thanks to the establishment of links among the various education courses proposed, students can easily change their curriculum without losing all their achievements. USEK cultivates a strong feeling of belonging among its students, thanks to its welcoming student life and the multiple services. Hence, outside the framework of courses, student life in USEK takes several shapes and offers new occasions to develop new competencies and knowledge and build an extensive network of contacts: a student magazine, social associations, and clubs, pastoral work, cultural trips, student parties, etc. Since the University is keen on emphasizing the culture of the body and that of the mind, it also offers students a broad choice of sports activities. The program includes basketball, volleyball, football, tennis, table tennis, oriental dance, yoga, ski, etc. Also, USEK has several sports teams, which take part regularly in competitions among universities and national and international championships. USEK has always been interested in research activities, as proven by the international magazines published by the University (Melto, Parole de l'Orient), the annals and proceedings of high-level conferences and seminars held at USEK, in addition to the numerous publications, which are the result of individual or collaborative research works and which – by and large – pertain to a broad theme of diversification, namely that of the Lebanese and Near-Eastern heritage (musical, theological, liturgical, literary, legal, historical, architectural, technical, scientific, etc.). In this context, exchanges within and among disciplines are promoted, thus establishing links among USEK's faculties and institutes to achieve better collaboration. Moreover, the University has access to much resource equipment earmarked for research activities and put at the disposal of teachers/researchers and students. As higher education became widespread and the socioeconomic crisis in the country grew harsher, USEK has set the following objectives for itself: Make higher education accessible to all equally, without discrimination and, most importantly, without excluding economically deprived students Preserve the quality of its students' education and training to better live in society and their vocational sphere. Since its founding, USEK seeks, and by Article 92 of the Constitutions of the OLM (ed. 2012) and the Catholic Church's social teaching on universities, to contribute to all its students' development through quality educational programs and research in various fields of study. By providing a high-quality American-style education to its students, USEK intends to prepare future leaders for innovation, professional growth, and life-long learning, in Lebanon, within the Middle East, and throughout the world. USEK is committed to a faith-based educational development of its students rooted in the Catholic tradition, whereby spiritual values and ethics and respect for cultural and religious pluralism are promoted. View full university

The University of Music and Performing Arts Graz (KUG) is an internationally renowned place of education - 17 institutes and two doctoral schools offer highly qualified training for artistic and scientific professions. Owing to its geographic situation, it knows to combine perfectly Austrian tradition in music and performing arts with the creative potential of Eastern and Southeastern Europe. With its consequently realized leitmotif, i.e., “Open for the New by Tradition,” its focus on contemporary arts and its unique living symbiosis between the arts and science, KUG has been able to shape its profile among universities in Europe. The thirteen disciplines, i.e., Stage Design, Performing Art (Drama), Composition and Music Theory, Conducting, Voice, Music Education – Voice and Instruments (IGP), Instrumental Studies, Jazz – the oldest academic place of education in Europe –, Catholic and Protestant Church Music, Music Education / Music Education – Instruments, Electrical Engineering – Sound Engineering (together with the University of Technology Graz), Musicology (in cooperation with the University of Graz), the Artistic and the Scientific Doctoral Study Program concentrate on essentials in the arts and science. KUG combines the development and unfolding of the arts (artistic research) and research with university education. Compared to other universities worldwide, the scientific aspect of education is quite well developed and benefits from the vivid practice of music. On the other hand, artists benefit from scientific reflection. A functional and state-of-the-art infrastructure and numerous guest lectures, workshops, and possibilities to appear in public, allow us to design studies in the best possible way. The artistic and scientific activities of some 500 renowned teachers interact directly with teaching and ensure excellent and practice-oriented education this way. Owing to this highly qualified personal attention, KUG can look back on a long list of very successful graduates. At KUG, students and teachers are considered partners in a standard cognitive process that animates the concept of “education through the arts and science.” Moreover, KUG supports the new generation of artists and scientists by opening up realistic job opportunities and career possibilities. To this end, the University’s own Career Service Center (CSC) had played a significant role since autumn 2008. Our students from abroad (approx. 45 percent) foster an intercultural diversity and, as a result, a creative climate at KUG. The lively activities encouraging international development and unfolding of the arts (artistic research), and the strong commitment concerning institutionalized contacts to foreign countries follow the conviction that the arts will gain intensity if they leave their national bonds. KUG does not only see itself as a place of education but also as a promoter of the arts. Among other things, this is noticeable to the broad public through subscription cycles, international competitions, and the CD series “Klangdebüts” with recordings made just by students. Every year, students perform in more than 1,300 events ranging from in-class presentations, drama performances, jazz, chamber music, and orchestra concerts to operas. Consequently, KUG has established itself as a vivid part of cultural life in Graz. To this end, it disposes of function rooms like historic “Florentinersaal,” multi-purpose “Theater im Palais” (T.i.P.), and the avant-garde “CUBE,” for instance. Since early 2009, KUG has been able to use MUMUTH, the House of Music and Music Theatre, as a new building for classes and events. This architecturally and acoustically extraordinary building allows us to improve practice-oriented education even more. The University Library is a unique library open to the public for free. After the presentation of a valid ID and registration form, users will receive a library ticket. With this ticket, users are authorized to use the collections in the room and to borrow them. The university library sees itself as a service provider offering an attractive infrastructure both in terms of collections and use. In the main, UBKUG procures all information carriers necessary for teaching and research and arts-based research. As for the structure of collections, the university library orientates itself by the strategic goals of KUG. Arts-based research can be understood as a counterpart to scientific research. In an international context, the concept of “artistic research” is sometimes used, juxtaposed to the concept of “scientific research.” Arts-based research focuses, in particular, on the gain of knowledge and the development of methods. This concept differs basically from academic disciplines such as literature, history of art, and musicology, which research into the arts with scientific methods. Arts-based research uses artistic methods that interact between artistic work and its reflection. Therefore, it primarily stands for the production of knowledge supported by a diversity of methods. View full university