NewswireToday - /newswire/ - Kabul, Afghanistan, 2008/08/17 - The American University of Afghanistan (AUAF) today welcomed students, faculty, and staff to its campus for the beginning of its third academic year.

"The opening of the third year brings us significantly closer to our goal of graduating our first class," said Dr. Thomas Stauffer, President and Chief Executive Officer of AUAF. "It's also an opportunity to see both how far we've come in a relatively short period of time and think about next steps to confirm academic freedom and global standard higher education."

Sixty classes are being offered to students this semester. They include new courses in business administration, information technology, and liberal arts, including an 'Introduction to Law' class developed through a cooperative agreement between AUAF and Stanford University Law School in the United States.

New facilities available this fall consist of a larger academic library, classrooms, computer laboratories, and a science laboratory. New facilities, refurbished with support from the United States Agency for International Development, are designed to increase the quality and quantity of the University's offerings.

The past year has seen considerable growth and progress for the institution. Due to gains made in the spring and summer semesters, enrollment has more than doubled from a year ago. Total undergraduate enrollment stands at approximately 180, while total enrollment in all student categories is 350. During the same time period, AUAF’s Professional Development Institute has provided short-term professional training to over 400 individuals.

In June 2008, United States First Lady Laura Bush announced new funding for AUAF over the next five years. This $42 million (USD) funding package will account for over half of the University's projected operating expenses during this period. The grant will be supplemented by funds raised through donations, with emphasis placed on scholarships for deserving students.

The American University of Afghanistan is the country’s only private, not-for-profit institution of higher education, offering modern, internationally-supported degree programs and advanced general education. The university is open to all qualified students from Afghanistan and the region who seek to promote their country’s future through quality higher education.

Written by / Agency / Source: American University of Afghanistan (AUAF)

Availability: All Regions (Including Int'l)

Traffic Booster: [/] Quick NewswireToday Visibility Checker

Distribution / Indexing: [+]