NEASC Accreditation
In May 2010, the Lebanese American University became fully accredited for a five-year period, effective November 2009, by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (CIHE–NEASC).
The Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of NEASC, which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, accredits over 230 colleges and universities in the six-state New England region as well as some institutions across the globe.
Below is a brief summary of the process LAU followed to attain accreditation.
Eligibility Visit
A team from CIHE–NEASC made an eligibility visit to LAU in April 2006. Eligibility status meant LAU had the minimum requirements to pursue accreditation.
This visit also provided guidance on the preparation of a self-study by an LAU steering committee and nine subcommittees, which had started their work in fall 2005.
Institutional Self-Study and On-Site Visit
LAU underwent a self-study process that culminated with a team visit from the CIHE–NEASC in April 2007.
The intensive self-discovery process involved all areas of the university and resulted in a report that identified what LAU needed to do in order to attain accreditation.
The academic year 2005–2006 was taken as a base for all descriptive material and data used in the report. The fast pace at which the university was evolving was sometimes reflected through updated figures and/or specific comments describing major changes taking place.
» Read the Institutional Self-Study 2007 in preparation for candidacy (PDF)
» Read the visiting team’s report (PDF)
Candidacy Status
LAU attained candidacy for accreditation on April 17, 2007.
The university established a roadmap and worked in earnest to complete specific tasks to meet the association’s Standards for Accreditation.
» Read the accreditation candidacy letter from the Commission (PDF)
Comprehensive Evaluation Visit
The university underwent a comprehensive evaluation visit in November 2009. The visiting team gathered evidence to assess the progress LAU had made since the university became candidate for accreditation in 2007 and the last site visit in April of that year.
The team specifically reviewed the thoroughness and accuracy of the self-study process in which LAU had been engaged since 2007, addressing the Commission’s Standards for Accreditation and also special areas that the Commission had asked LAU to concentrate on.
» Read the 2009 self-study in preparation for accreditation (PDF)
Accreditation Decision
On May 13, 2010, the NEASC Board of Trustees voted to grant LAU full accreditation, effective November 11, 2009, and officially informed the university of the decision.
» Read the accreditation letter from the NEASC Board (PDF)
Page revised June 15, 2010
Documents
Decision on Full Accreditation (PDF)
Decision on Accreditation Candidacy (PDF)
Visiting Team Report 2007 (PDF)
For further details on LAU’s accreditation efforts, please contact: Dr. George K. Najjar , Provost, or Dr. Elie Badr, Assistant Provost for Academic Programs