History

THE AUA MISSION

As an institution of higher learning, the American University of Armenia provides teaching, research, and service programs that prepare students to address the needs of Armenia and the surrounding region for sustainable development, in a setting that values and develops academic excellence, free inquiry, scholarship, leadership, and service to society.

THE IDEA

Armenia was always famous for its outstanding academicians, scientists, professors and qualified specialists during Soviet epoch. However, on December 7, 1988 devastating earthquake and tragedy became a turning point for Armenian educational system. Armenia acknowledged the need of a new approach to engineering and technical solutions for its safety. After exceptional interactions with the Western specialists, Armenian scientists proposed collaboration and establishment of a new way teaching and Western type education system in Armenia, thus choosing and focusing on American graduate university model. The idea was greatly supported by the Armenian government, the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and the University of California (UC).

THE REALITY

AGBU agreed to assist with operational funding necessary to launch the University and the University of California supported and shared with technical and educational experiences by preparing cadre of faculty and participating in the development of academic programs. American University of Armenia (AUA) opened its doors on September 21, 1991; the day when Armenia declared its independence. Since that symbolic day, AUA has become the leader in providing of graduate education, competitive knowledge, research opportunities and highly qualified professionals in Armenia and in the region by creating the environment of mutual respect, intellectual openness, strong culture and by encouraging public service, collaboration, creative and critical approaches. Now AUA is affiliated with the University of California and has firmly positioned itself in Armenia as the most respectful university.

ACCREDITATION

During its activities, operations and growth AUA has faced many challenges, difficulties, achievements and recognition. However, one of the most important achievements of AUA is the accreditation by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) for seven years. This was the first time that WASC had ever considered a university outside territorial United States and qualified that AUA is consistent with Commission standards, offers its students on a satisfactory level the educational opportunities implied in its objectives and is likely to continue to do so. It took AUA nine long years for the accreditation process which required hard and consistent work by truly devoted people, professionals, staff, faculty and students. Today WASC accreditation assists students to become eligible to apply to a wide range of doctoral programs and assures that AUA's educational programs meet American normative standards of quality.