American University of Technology

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 Fidar campus located on the Byblos highway and built on an area of 23000 square meters,is undergoing a major expansion. It is convenient for students coming from North Metn, Kesrwan, Byblos and the North. Work to add 4 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 the use of a cafeteria, a sports court, a reading room, a lounge, access to an e-library and postal services on campus.

Traditional methods are revised and paradigms shifted in order to meet the challenges of 21st Century global markets. Individuals need to consider a multitude of 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 main 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 as well as at the workplace. AUT students will not only accumulate a wealth of information, but also learn to screen, analyse and transform this information into valuable knowledge.

What makes AUT different:

• AUT follows the Active Learning Method which is more compatible for the modern workplace than traditional methods
• AUT has integrated technology in the learning / teaching process. Students make use of computers, 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 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 continues in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the International Diabetes Federation and the Lebanese Diabetes Society. AUT has pioneered in the field of 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 members. All students at AUT are required to take a course in Human Rights Issues. AUT has established a financial aid office that processes applications submitted by students and takes decisions on whether applicants should benefit or not from financial assistance. The assistance consists mainly as unfunded discounts on tuition fees with some students participating in a work/study program. While it does represent a great humanitarian service to the local youth, the current practice of providing unfunded discounts is not a sustainable one and therefore financial aid funding is one of the focus areas for fundraising going forward.

Since traditional methods of education are no longer compatible with today’s requirements for success in professional life, AUT has adopted the student-centered active learning method of education which includes cooperative, team-based, problem-based and other innovative techniques of learning. This type of learning serves one of the goals stated in the Mission of the University as it promotes such skills as data search and analysis, critical and creative thinking, decision making and team work. AUT graduates who have studied under such methods of learning will not only acquire knowledge but will also work in a way that ensures a continued growth in knowledge and ability to apply what they know in order to gain a successful entry to the third millennium professional world.