Frequently Asked Questions
If your question isn’t answered here, you may search the LAU website or contact us.
General Information
Where is LAU? How can I learn more about LAU’s Beirut and Byblos campuses?
LAU has campuses in Beirut—Lebanon’s capital and largest population hub—and Amsheet—about 35 kilometers north of Beirut. Browse the campus pages for more information.
Are LAU’s campuses open to the public? Where can I find more about visiting LAU?
If you have an appointment with an LAU faculty or staff member, he/she should inform the security personnel about your visit ahead of time. You might be asked to produce some form of identification to enter. If your visit has not been arranged, you might be asked to leave your ID at the gate for the duration of your stay on campus. Here’s more information about visiting the Beirut campus and the Byblos campus.
Where can I find brief facts and figures about LAU?
A brief profile of LAU is available on the Facts and Figures page and on the Facts and Figures brochure issued yearly by the Marketing and Communications Department.
How many schools are there at LAU?
LAU has seven schools: Architecture and Design (Beirut and Byblos); Arts and Sciences (Beirut and Byblos); Business (Beirut and Byblos); Engineering (Byblos); Medicine (Byblos); Nursing (Byblos) and Pharmacy (Byblos).
How is the academic year divided at LAU?
The academic year at LAU starts around the end of September and is divided into two four-month regular semesters, fall (September–February) and spring (February–June), and two five-week summer terms. Check the academic calendar for important dates and deadlines related to beginning and end of classes, registration, advising, final exams, holidays, and so on.
When was LAU founded? How can I learn more about its history?
LAU’s roots go back to the American School for Girls founded by American Presbyterian missionaries in 1835. Read more in this page about LAU's history.
Who governs LAU?
LAU is a not-for-profit, private American institution governed by a Board of Trustees that derives its authority from the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York. The Board consists of 25 members, most of them American. More information is availabe in the Board Leadership page.
Who are the president and other officers at LAU?
Joseph G. Jabbra became president on August 1, 2004. Short biographies of all executive officers appear on this page.
What is the system of education at LAU?
LAU administers an American-type curriculum modified to local needs and meeting the standards of the U.S. chartering agency. Instruction is in English. In LAU’s 4.0 GPA grading system, each letter is associated with a certain number of quality points. LAU uses a credit-based system. Classroom attendance is mandatory. For more information, see the Academic rules and procedures.
Is LAU accredited? What is its chartering agency?
LAU is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and chartered by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York.
Some academic programs at LAU have also achieved, or are seeking, accreditation. For example, LAU’s Doctor of Pharmacy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
For more information, please see the Charter and Accreditation page.
How can I donate to LAU?
Informtion on how to support LAU is available on LAU's Campaign for Excellence website.
How can I contact LAU if I have general questions?
For general inquiries, contact us at the general LAU addresses, telephone numbers or emails.
Admissions Information
What are LAU’s admission requirements, and how to apply?
Please see the Admissions website to learn about requirements and procedures.
Academic Information
What degrees does LAU offer?
B.A., B.S., B.E., B.Arch., M.A., M.S., M.B.A., E.M.B.A., T.D., Pharm.D. and M.D.
What majors are offered at LAU, and on what campuses?
You can find information on the majors, minors and specializations on the lists by field of study or by school and degree.
Both campuses offer the same curricula in the arts, sciences and business. Junior and senior years in engineering, architecture, and pharmacy programs are completed on the Byblos campus.
Does LAU offer associate degree, non-degree, continuing education, professional development, or other special programs?
There are several special or non-degree programs.
In collaboration with the academic units, the Continuing Education Program organizes outreach programs for the Lebanese community at large. The office provides multiple academic, technical, and professional training opportunities.
The centers and institutes also offer a variety of courses, conferences, lectures, and trainings on specialized topics or fields.
What courses does LAU offer? Where can I find the class schedules?
The Academic Catalog, which is published annually, lists descriptions and other information on courses. The Banner system provides the current course offerings. The courses required for particular programs are listed on each academic program page (find all the programs here).
How can I register for classes?
The registration guide helps you understand what you should know before, during and after registration. Online registration is done through the Banner system on dates specified in the academic calendar.
Where can I find a calendar of seminars and conferences to be held at LAU?
The News and Events website provides a list of all upcoming seminars and conferences, as well as a calendar of events.
Student Life
How can I get involved in student activities? What student clubs and organizations are there at LAU?
The development of the “whole student” is a hallmark of education at LAU. There are plenty of opportunities for students to stay active and socialize outside the classroom: sports and fitness activities, regular lectures, workshops, conferences, exhibitions, and theater and other performances hosted by various schools; awareness campaigns and fairs. The Student Life website is the hub for online information about student activities.
Does LAU provide any guidance or other kinds of help to students?
Students can benefit from special services that include academic support, health care and education, career guidance, counseling, orientation for and assistance to new and international students, etc. Please visit the Student Life website for more information.
People and Facilities at LAU
How can I locate or contact a person working or studying at LAU?
Search the online directory to find contact information for LAU faculty and staff members as well as students. Some of the schools also provide faculty and staff listings.
What are the facilities available at LAU?
Students, faculty and staff benefit from a wide range of athletic, computer, educational, and other facilities at LAU. Please see the section about our campuses to learn more.
What kinds of information technology resources are available at LAU?
IT resources for LAU students, faculty, and staff include a local area network for all campus spaces, wireless Internet access on both campuses, e-mail and webmail accounts, videoconferencing, the Banner student information system for registration and academic records, the WebCT online course management tool, and the libraries’ online tools and services (catalog, databases, e-reserve, etc.).
What are the library resources at LAU? Who can use them?
At LAU’s libraries students, teachers and researchers can access thousands of print volumes and periodicals listed in the Library Catalog, as well as online databases, e-journals, e-books, and microfilms. Users who don’t hold LAU ID cards are entitled to in-library use only. Taking items outside the libraries, browsing the Internet and searching online databases is permitted to the LAU community only. For more information, check out the library-specific frequently asked questions.
Does LAU provide housing for students?
The residence halls in Beirut and Byblos provide students with well-equipped dorms. Fees vary depending on occupancy type, duration of stay, and campus.
Working at LAU
What faculty and staff vacancies are available at the moment?
Current employment opportunities for staff and faculty at LAU are listed online.
LAU Alumni
What services and benefits does LAU offer to alumni?
The Alumni website includes a list of services and benefits.
How can I learn about alumni-related news and upcoming events?
Visit the Alumni website, the Facebook page, and check these related news on the main LAU website.
Is there an alumni chapter where I live?
LAU has many alumni chapters around the world. Join the network now!