July 23, 2004

State Department Supports AUA Initiatives

Oakland, CA - American University of Armenia (AUA) President, Dr. Haroutune Armenian, announced that on July 19, 2004, the United States Ambassador to Armenia, the Honorable John Ordway, provided a grant of $284,000 to AUA to continue the final phases of the accreditation process, and $51,300 to plan and develop a regional student recruitment program. The amount of funding will be used over a two-year period.

AUA is seeking accreditation from the Western Association of Colleges and Schools (WASC), one of the six regional accrediting associations covering the United States. AUA began the process several years ago and reached an historic milestone when it received Candidacy status in the fall of 2002. This was the first time that WASC had ever considered a university outside territorial United States. Candidacy status indicates that the institution has achieved initial recognition and is progressing towards accreditation. The final phases of the process will culminate in site visits in October 2005 and 2006. The grant provides resources in several critical areas required for accreditation and which demonstrate institutional capacity. Research and evaluation of academic programs and various studies on AUA alumni will be expanded, in addition to updating information systems.

President Armenian noted that the University has been working with the U.S. Embassy on a number of initiatives critical to Armenia’s and the region’s development. He stated that, "collaboration and cooperation among Armenia’s institutions remains the key to overall success and that the confidence the Embassy and Ambassador have in the University speaks to the pivotal role AUA has in transforming a country where everyone enjoys the benefits of democratic institutions and free markets." Armenian also expressed his appreciation to the Congress of the United States for its continued support of University efforts. "The Armenian Caucus co-chairmen, Congressman Knollenberg and Congressman Pallone are especially supportive and recognize the link between education and economic progress. Senator Sarbanes, member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senator McConnell, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations, particularly continue to encourage AUA to achieve new heights," Armenian stated.

AUA Vice-President for Government Relations and Special Projects, Dr. Steve Maradian, will take the lead in the international recruitment effort. "Historically, the University enrolls 5-10 students from the region," stated Maradian. "This program will allow for expansion of enrollment while strengthening the academic programs. Most agree that the region is served best when people work together, understand each other’s cultures and values, and share common goals. Higher education is the ideal setting to accomplish these activities." The program is part of a companion effort to increase diversity in the classroom. The University is seeking student housing to support this project with the goal of creating learning communities in which students study, work, and live together.

"AUA has an important role in Armenia and the entire Middle East," Armenian noted, "including regional stability and cooperation. Accreditation will encourage students’ interest from the region and the Diaspora to come to Armenia, earn a graduate degree, and form lifelong linkages to Armenians and Armenia’s institutions. Nothing is more important for the University at this stage of its development."