About University
Girne American University was founded in 1985 as an independent, non-profit institution of higher education. From its establishment, the university has focused on providing access to an American-style higher education to the widest possible group of motivated learners. In charting its course for the next century, GAU will continue to be guided by this special mission.
To serve its central purpose, GAU uses a wide range of strategies: it fosters a variety of instructional approaches, it encourages scholarships, engages in collaborative community services, and empowers its constituents to become responsible citizens in an interdependent, pluralistic, global community.
Since 1985, GAU has grown in its understanding of itself, as a modern University. Although geographically dispersed, GAU is one University.
Today GAU has a clear identity as a Traditional University with a non-traditional set-up. Over the next five years, it will further transform itself into a knowlege age University. Programmes at GAU will increasingly offer students the opportunity to experience and explore the interchange of theory and practice through technology and service-learning opportunities.
The Chancellor setout the vision of the University to live up to its potential of becoming the premier institution serving the educational needs of young academics so as to become the university of their choice. Pursuit of this goal has made GAU distinctive, the University, will continue its efforts to cement its relationship with both young and adult learners, so that the University, and its programmes are the first choice of students seeking education.
GAU has place many of its programs online. It will also enter into partnerships with businesses and schools to provide tailored professional development online.
GAU recognizes that computer technology has made the home and the workplace the most convenient sites for education. This same technology provides the University with a newly established core value of access.
For the linkage to be meaningful, especially at work, these learning opportunities; must be available when the student wishes to access
GAU’s goal is to become a University with and without walls, a University located in time and place but unhampered by constraints of either in the fulfillment of its mission. To do this, GAU must maintain constant awareness of the impact of technology and how it changes knowledge and learning. GAU will evaluate its courses, and programs to be sure the curriculum and learning strategies reflect these changes.
As a knowledge - age University, GAU will strive to empower its graduates in the new workplace. Through their educational programes, students will maximize their abilities to confront a problem when faced with unfamiliar situations and to work effectively towards a solution, and to apply knowledge to complex situations. Graduates will be encouraged to actively relate new ınformation to previous knowledge and experience, to search for patterns and underlying principles, and to check for supporting evidence when arriving at a solution.
As successful knowledge workers, who practice lifelong learning, our graduates will view the University as their constant partner.
GAU understands that change is persuasive, and the University by design is positioned to accept challenges and competition, associated with higher education in the 21st Century. By being open to continuous environmental changes, the University will achieve its goal of being the prominent University serving young leaders.