CAIRO: The American University in Cairo (AUC) welcomed a review team from the National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education (NAQAAE)to its New Cairo and Downtown campuses earlier this month as the final step in the NAQAAE accreditation process. AUC is the first university in Egypt to undergo the process of institutional accreditation through NAQAAE, the body established by the Egyptian government in 2007 to foster quality assurance in all educational institutions. At the news conference, AUC President David Arnold explained that AUC's decision to apply for the accreditation stems from the university's belief in the importance of quality. “AUC takes pride in meeting international as well as local standards of accreditation,” noted Ali Hadi at the conference. “As the second oldest university in Egypt and as an active member of the Egyptian community, AUC places high value on being accredited in Egypt,” he added. In expressing his appreciation for AUC's trust in NAQAAE and contribution to the advancement of higher education in Egypt, NAQAAE's president, Magdi Kassem, said, “By taking the lead in applying for the NAQAAE accreditation, AUC provides a roadmap for other national universities to follow, and also enables the NAQAAE to improve its tools and assessment practices.” The visit by the review team follows the university's submission of key documents to support its application for accreditation. To date, the NAQAAE team has received a copy of AUC's self-study report and extensive background material related to AUC's academic programs, student support services, finances and administrative operations. On earlier site visits to AUC campuses, NAQAAE review team met and interviewed AUC students, faculty, staff, trustees and alumni. The review team also met with a cross-section of leaders from the AUC community seeking insights into AUC's unique challenges, strengths, and opportunities. The NAQAAE accreditation review committee' assessment of AUC will evaluate three broad elements: the quality of education and the personal services the university provides to students and to the community; the university's financial stability and sustainability; and the university's governance and management. Reflecting on the accreditation practice, AUC Provost Lisa Anderson commented, “We value the advice and the assessment of our colleagues. AUC cherishes the feedback by the NAQAAE review committee, which includes highly qualified members and experts on education in Egypt and the U.S,” adding, “Feedback is central to AUC continuous improvement and success.” Moreover, Hadi explained that the accreditation is a symbol of excellence complementing AUC's reputation and history of academic excellence. “While AUC is not obliged to apply for the accreditation, AUC chose to take the lead, setting an example for Egyptian universities.” In addition to the accreditation it seeks from NAQAAE,AUC holds institutional accreditation from the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools in the United States (MSCHE /Middle States) as well as the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education and the Supreme Council of Universities. Specialized international accreditation bodies accredit most of AUC's programs and schools. The Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, the recognized accreditor for college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology, accredits the computer science program. Also the construction engineering, electronics engineering and mechanical engineering programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Moreover, AUC's School of Business is the first in Egypt and North Africa to be awarded accreditation of its business programs from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). The AACSB accreditation is considered the highest standard of achievement for business schools. BM
