American University of Technology

The American University of Technology was established in 1998 and received the first presidential decree number 2143 on July 14, 2000, then decree number 846 on January 18, 2008. The Finder campus, located on the Byblos highway and built on 23000 square meters, is undergoing a significant expansion. It is convenient for students coming from North Metn, Kesrwan, Byblos, and the North. Work to add four buildings started in April 2001. AUT has been ranked 5th among the 44 private universities in Lebanon by www.webometrics.info. AUT employs over 90 staff members and 110 faculty members. A medical doctor, a psychologist, and a spiritual counselor are on campus to assist students and staff. Students and staff enjoy using a cafeteria, a sports court, a reading room, a lounge, and access to e-library and postal services.

Traditional methods are revised, and paradigms shifted to meet the challenges of 21st Century global markets. Individuals need to consider many factors before making decisions of socioeconomic, geopolitical, technological, ecological, and cultural importance. Here a question poses itself. Is our Higher Education System paving the way for such an evolutionary shift? The answer lies with us.

AUT has already taken the mantle to prepare coming generations for the new era. Its primary focus is on promoting interpersonal and intrapersonal relations, leadership, and independent maturity. A hands-on application of knowledge complements a solid theoretical background. The eclectic nature of learning is emphasized in the classroom, on the web, in on-the-job training, and at the workplace.

What makes AUT different:

• AUT follows the Active Learning Method, which is more compatible with the modern workplace than traditional methods
• AUT has integrated technology in the learning/teaching process. Students make use of computers, the internet, and other technological innovations in their studies and can function effectively in the new millennium business environment
• AUT offers a sea of activities, both social and physical, to its students. Graduates will be well-rounded, critical, creative, problem-solving, team players, be ready for the new business environment of the 21st century
• AUT developed tripartite partnerships with highly reputed universities on the one hand and with industry and the public sector on the other hand, so students benefit from a model of learning that is best suited for professional success
• AUT maintains a low student/teacher ratio allowing for a better learning environment
• AUT offers constant support for students, with a dedicated Center for Student Success to help with their every need (first in Lebanon)
• AUT placement office assists students with finding internships and jobs in Lebanon and abroad
• AUT keeps a close watch over employment trends in Lebanon and the world, and its programs are often modified in order to adapt to the ever-evolving requirements of the workplace

The mission of AUT is to provide an innovative, technology-rich, entrepreneurial, experiential university research and learning environment that produces civically active and market-ready graduates.

AUT launched the Blue Caravan initiative for diabetes screening and awareness in 2013 and examined 5,000 patients throughout 40 different locations. Its action collaborates with the Ministry of Health, the International Diabetes Federation, and the Lebanese Diabetes Society. AUT has pioneered human rights by introducing this topic as a required course for all students in 2005, a step that was later on followed by other Lebanese and Arab universities.

AUT is a partner of the United Nations for the Arab Regional Camp for human rights. It is a member of the American Association of College Registrars and Admission Officers and presided the annual meeting of Arab ACRAO, of which it is an active member. All students at AUT are required to take a course in Human Rights Issues. AUT has established a financial aid office that processes students' applications and takes decisions on whether applicants should benefit from financial assistance. The assistance consists mainly of unfunded discounts on tuition fees with some students participating in a work/study program. While it does represent an excellent humanitarian service to the local youth, providing unfunded discounts is not a sustainable one. Therefore financial aid funding is one of the focus areas for fundraising going forward.

Since traditional education methods are no longer compatible with today's requirements for success in professional life, AUT has adopted the student-centered active learning method of education, including cooperative, team-based, problem-based, and other innovative techniques learning.