It is widely believed that American education is synonymous with “quality”. This belief is particularly prevalent with regards to American education at the university level. Several factors are judged to explain this excellence: a curriculum that imparts general knowledge but allows for significant specialization; faculty who frequently contribute to scholarship in addition to exercising their classroom duties; teaching methods that develop in students strong skills in critical reasoning and accurate and persuasive self-expression; the maintenance of high academic standards via clear and consistent policies; and instilling in students an appreciation for life-long learning.

The American University in Dubai seeks to duplicate this American recipe for success. Syllabi and textbooks are often the same as those used in similar courses taught in the United States. In addition, the predominance of American and American-trained faculty further ensures that the university be American in substance as well as in name. Expectations of academic performance either match or exceed those prevailing on a “typical” American campus.

But as with any institution of higher learning, The American University in Dubai – although working within an American framework – has developed a character of its own. This is in large part inspired by its sensitivity to the needs of the student populace of the Middle Eastern terrain in which it operates. While the university’s faculty tend to be more teaching- than research-oriented, they often enjoy a professional status uncommon among academics.

AUD’s curricula across its degree-granting disciplines are skill-directed and career-oriented. Everything, from academic advising to the approach to faculty-student interaction in- and outside the classroom, in addition to career counseling, is implemented with attention to the needs of the individual student. It is for this reason that class sizes are relatively small, and all faculty follow an “open door” policy with regard to consultation. Finally, the globalization of business and communications makes it imperative that the university’s educational programs be delivered with an international perspective and that a tolerance for cultural diversity be promoted through both curricular and extra-curricular activities.

The American University in Dubai remains convinced that since its opening in 1995, it has made great strides towards developing a culture of excellence by combining the heritage of traditional American education with those perspectives it has matured locally. The university looks forward to further collaboration with the local community in its continuous search for relevant educational programs delivered to global standards.

The university community believes it has a special commitment to support each individual’s goals. To this end, the university places emphasis on the educational, professional and personal growth of each student. AUD, as an international institution of higher education, encourages global understanding by providing an atmosphere of cultural diversity and opportunities for international education. Programs, policies and activities – which have been designed to implement this Philosophy and Purpose Statement – are evaluated periodically and changed, as necessary, to meet the needs of the student body and the institution.

In support of its Mission and Philosophy, AUD's Goals are as follows:

• To cultivate and reward excellence, especially as it affects the imparting, acquisition, and advancement of knowledge;
• To guide students in the use of their knowledge and skills for personal and professional fulfillment;
• To foster an appreciation of the history and on-going development of human culture;
• To develop critical thinking, effective communication and lifelong learning skills;
• To promote the value of ethical behavior, responsibility, and commitment;
• To provide academic programs, services, facilities, and technologies that offer diverse opportunities for learning;
• To recruit and retain a diverse faculty of qualified educators, providing them with the environment and opportunity to flourish;
• To foster intercultural understanding as a basis for preparing students as members of a global community;
• To contribute to the economic and societal development of Dubai, the United Arab Emirates and beyond.

• Enhanced standards and quality in program offerings;
• Greater diversification in program portfolio;
• Greater emphasis on the liberal arts;
• Ever more “American” in terms of the total educational experience;
• Strengthened integration with local community (university as a “point of reference”);
• Expanded facilities and technology application.

There are seven (7) Values that underpin AUD’s operations and development and that characterize its dealings with students, faculty, staff, and other constituents:

• Whole Person Education – AUD values the intellectual, personal and professional development of its students;
• Excellence – AUD values excellence in all that it does and is committed to continuous improvement in its educational offerings and services;
• Integrity – AUD values honesty and transparency and has high standards of legal-adherence, morality and ethics;
• Service – AUD values all of its constituencies and partners with its stakeholders in the achievement of their objectives and aspirations;
• Diversity – AUD values diversity in all its manifestations and recognizes its contribution to the quality of university life;
• Tolerance – AUD values respect and open-mindedness as proper responses to concepts, opinions and customs that are diverse, new or unfamiliar.
• Accountability – AUD believes that all members of the university community are responsible for fulfilling their roles in support of the institutional Mission and Purpose-related Goals and that evaluation of individual performance should be based on the degree to which this responsibility is satisfied.