Lebanese American University

Academic Update

Dear students,

It is becoming evident that the interruptions due to the COVID-19 crisis will continue beyond the end of the Spring 2020 semester. Therefore, as promised in my previous message, I would like to inform you about a number of important academic decisions that the Council of Deans took last Wednesday, March 25 with the approval of President Joseph Jabbra to offer you flexibility, alleviate your anxiety about exams and grades, and most importantly allow you to focus on your learning and well-being.

1. Flexible Grading System for Undergraduate Courses: Undergraduate students will be able to choose the Pass/No Pass (P/NP) as a grading option, on a course-by-course basis, by the withdrawal date of April 30, 2020. Otherwise, the default letter grading system will be applied. As defined in the University’s undergraduate academic rules and procedures, an NP grade indicates a failing performance, i.e. equivalent to a grade of F, in courses taken on a P/NP basis. No credits will be added to the student’s record, nor will the average be affected. It has no quality points.
   
   You will soon receive a form to select which course(s) you would like to be graded as P/NP.

Read on to see the rest of the nine new academic measures.  » More

Message from President Jabbra re LAU Medical Center-Rizk Hospital Covid-19 Emergency Fund

No LAU asset is as important to us as the trust and support of Lebanese society. Over a century and a half we have been together working hand-in-hand for a better future.

The Covid-19 menace has placed the patient-care part of our mission under unprecedented stress as can be expected. With the engagement of the Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of medicine, our LAUMC–RH, has been at the forefront of our collective societal response to the virus. Our effort includes readying new hospital floors, acquiring new equipment, stocking on PCR testing kits, and mobilization of specialized personnel. Funding all these pressing needs goes well beyond what our limited resources allow.

To that effect, we are launching a Covid-19 Emergency Fund to garner the resources needed in our challenging fight against the evil Coronavirus. Gifts in any currency will be gratefully accepted and acknowledged online.

We are grateful in advance for your generosity and honored to have you join us in defeating this evil pandemic and providing all Lebanese with a healthier and better tomorrow.

Further details on how you can help can be found on our web page.

For Lebanon you can contact Mr. Saad El Zein - Special Assistant to the President: saad.elzein@lau.edu.lb; mobile: +961 3 121613

For North America you can contact Mrs. Nadya Mikdashi - Assistant Vice President for Development: nadya.mikdashi@lau.edu; mobile: +1 646 420 0706

With Gratitude,

Joseph G. Jabbra, Ph.D.
President