Ed Shiner (far left), University Programs Manager in the New York office, and Abdallah Al Khal (center), Director of Alumni Relations, at an event to establish an alumni chapter in Florida, USA
LAU is proud of its alumni, and seeks to strengthen its relationship with them. Consequently, the Alumni Affairs Office developed a plan, which stresses the importance of the alumni to the University. As a result of the plan’s implementation, LAU has increased the number of events it organizes for its alumni every year. Also, the university launched “LAU Matters”, an e-newsletter to keep the alumni and the rest of the LAU community up-to-date on the university’s latest news. In addition, networking events for alumni with business leaders were organized. In an effort to satisfy the alumni’s post graduation educational needs, LAU organized a series of lectures covering a variety of topics. Finally, LAU established seven new alumni chapters in the first year of the plan’s implementation.
For the first time, LAU has developed a comprehensive fundraising plan. Historically, LAU has raised between $2.5 and $4 million per year, half of which has come from the U.S. Government. Under the new fundraising plan, LAU intends to increase the amount raised each year, and to diversify its sources of funding. The result will help control tuition increases and support capital projects and programs, such as the LAU Medical School.
LAU will achieve accreditation status with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) to assure the public that it meets high standards as an institution of higher education. It is a promise that LAU is providing the quality of education it claims to offer and assures the student that the institution operates on a sound financial basis, has an approved program of study, qualified instructors, adequate facilities and equipment, and approved recruitment and admissions policies.
Dr. Bernard BenSita with mentor Dr. John McGill
LAU developed the orientation and mentoring program to provide useful information and assistance to new faculty members in an effective and timely manner to enable them to become more effective teachers, researchers, and colleagues; introduce leading members of the University’s central administration; orient new faculty members to the campuses and facilities; convey the history and culture of the University and provide knowledge of University processes and procedures.
The teaching load reduction for active faculty allows for more engagement in creative and scholarly endeavor, more time for class preparation, more time for professional development, and more time to spend with students in academic and career advising.
LAU Faculty Senate
The Faculty Senate has empowered the faculty by creating a representative body through which the faculty can engage each other and the University Administration.
Staff Advisory Council
Consisting of elected staff members from each division, the Staff Advisory Council has an advisory role towards the University Administration. It seeks to involve all LAU staff in addressing their concerns in order to improve their welfare and working conditions.
Zeina Trad advising student with academic challenges
LAU developed a system for identifying students at risk, and recruited additional advisors to assist them, as well as “deciding” and transfer students. In addition, LAU created on-line advising and registration systems to assist all students.
More detailed information and resources are available on the internal Strategic Planning website.