American University of Rome

Infobox University
name = The American University of Rome
established = 1969
type = Private
president = Dr. Robert A. Marino
city = Rome
country = Italy
undergrad = 550|
website = [http://www.aur.edu/ www.aur.edu/] |

The American University of Rome is the oldest degree-granting American university in Rome. The school was founded in 1969, and has an undergraduate enrollment of 550.

The American University of Rome (AUR) is a private, independent American institution of higher education in Rome, Italy, offering liberal studies and professional courses in an international environment that promotes cross cultural understanding. The University offers American degree programs primarily to undergraduate students. It also serves study abroad students, graduate students pursuing their degrees at other universities, and people interested in ongoing professional development and liberal studies.

Founded in 1969, The American University of Rome is the oldest degree-granting American university in Rome. AUR is a coeducational university offering undergraduate degrees in six disciplines with student body of 550 students per semester (Spring 2007). [ [http://www.aur.edu/about/ AUR > About AUR ] ]

AUR is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) in the United States and is licensed by the Education Licensure Commission of the District of Columbia (Washington, DC, USA). AUR is incorporated in the District of Columbia as a nonprofit corporation.

Location

The University is in a prestigious area of Rome on the Janiculum, Rome's second highest hill, just a few minutes walk from the historic Trastevere district. The neighborhood surrounding AUR offers a full range of amenities, including restaurants, shops, cafés, and outdoor markets. Several bus lines connect it to the center of Rome. Located near the ancient Roman road Via Aurelia Antica and Porta San Pancrazio, AUR is just a few minutes from the heart of Rome.

Majors and degrees

The American University of Rome offers a strong undergraduate curriculum with an international perspective. The Associate of Arts degree is offered in Liberal Arts and International Business. The Bachelor of Arts degree is awarded in Art History, Communication, Interdisciplinary Studies, International Relations, and Italian Studies. A Bachelor of Science degree is awarded in Business Administration. The University also offers a study abroad program for students studying at other universities.

Academic program

All students must satisfy a general education requirement, of 42 credits, of which six may be also used toward a minor. Consistent with the mission of the University, the program aims to develop important skills, address social issues of diversity, multiculturalism and ethics, as well as to draw on the rich resources of the city of Rome as a learning tool. All students, regardless of major, should share a common dialogue. The objectives of The American University of Rome's general education program are: to develop and strengthen basic skills that will prepare students upon graduation for a modern working environment and that will be adaptable to a rapidly evolving economy; to cultivate an awareness of, and sensitivity to, cultural, ethnic and social diversity and its importance in personal and professional decision making; to expand the intellectual, cultural, societal, aesthetic and scientific horizons of students and enable them to discover not only the connections between academic disciplines but also the real life application of their knowledge; and, finally, to encourage active and responsible citizenship through knowledge of the forces shaping the actions of individuals and societies and through the development of critical thinking.

A student normally takes five courses (15 semester hours) each semester. A student is considered a sophomore after having completed 30 hours of credit, a junior once he or she has completed 60 hours of credit and officially declares a major field of study or enrolls in a degree program, and a senior after having completed 90 hours of course work.

One semester credit hour equals, at a minimum, 15 classroom contact hours of lectures, 30 hours of laboratory, and 45 hours of practicum. Internships also carry three semester credits and require 135 hours of practicum, as well as an on-site supervisor and a faculty member as project sponsor. An internship requires a daily log of activities. It also requires a final paper/presentation summarizing how goals were achieved and demonstrating the relationship of academic material to the work performed during the internship.

Academic facilities

The American University of Rome possesses a specialized library of course-related books and periodicals. The University also provides electronic library services to its students and faculty. These holdings are supplemented by a number of sizable libraries in the city which are available to all students, including the Library of the British Council, the Library of the Church of Santa Susanna, and the Centro Studi Americani. The University library can access a central catalog of the Italian National Library System and also participates in inter-library loan programs.

There are two computer laboratories on campus available to students. All computers are IBM compatible and have access to email, the Internet, and network printers. One laboratory is located in the library and is devoted principally to student research and term paper requirements. The other computer laboratory is open for general student use.

A multimedia projector and laptop computer are available for classroom presentations using computer images and the Internet. Wireless services are available to students and faculty from locations on and around campus such as the garden and terraces of the university buildings, as well as a café and park near campus.

In addition to overhead and slide projectors, an extensive slide collection, and various audio systems, The American University of Rome possesses tri-system videotape televisions for projecting films for cinema classes and other purposes. The videotape and DVD collection includes films that are essential to courses in Italian cinema and Italian opera, as well as general cultural programs.

Costs

The comprehensive tuition fee at the American University of Rome for the current academic year for full-time undergraduates is 12,000 Euros. A non-refundable tuition deposit of 500 Dollar/Euro is required from all new students, payable by the deadline indicated on the acceptance letter. The tuition deposit is deducted from the final tuition payment, prior to the commencement of the semester. Some courses require travel or attendance at cultural events as required by the course instructor. The cost of these events and travel are not included in tuition and must be borne by the student.

Financial aid

The American University of Rome is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in Title IV student financial assistance programs. Eligible students may apply to participate in the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP). The American University of Rome is considered a foreign school and therefore it is not authorized to award federal grants.

The University is committed to assisting students whose financial need and academic merit warrant support. The University aims to give every student the opportunity to take advantage of a high quality AUR education and, therefore, offers scholarships.

Funds awarded must be applied to tuition expenses. Assistance is awarded for no less than one semester. The value of a single scholarship will not exceed the cost of one year's tuition.

Faculty

The American University of Rome has an international, culturally diverse faculty. Thirteen countries are represented in their full-time faculty. Nearly 75% of the full-time faculty members have doctoral degrees and all professors either work professionally in their field or are active in scholarly research. The majority is bilingual and all faculty members act as teachers as well as advisers. The University also invites visiting professors from other universities for short-term residencies.

tudent government

Students are encouraged to take an active role in the student government as a way of contributing to the continued growth and development of the University. Elected officers of the student government meet regularly with the University administration to discuss matters of administrative and academic relevance. They also take responsibility for directing a variety of student social activities, athletic tournaments, club activities, and cultural events. The student government maintains funds for these activities, and the student officers enjoy a wide degree of autonomy in managing these financial resources.

Admission requirements

Admission to The American University of Rome is highly selective. Students are selected without regard to age, race, sex, creed, national or ethnic origin, or handicap. Requests for financial aid do not affect decisions on admission.

Candidates for admission must show evidence they have completed or anticipate completing a level of education equivalent to four years of high school. Applicants for admission from high school or a secondary school are required to submit: a completed application form accompanied by a non-refundable application fee; an official transcript of high school work; official university transcripts (for transfer students) from all institutions attended; one academic recommendation from the principal, a guidance counselor, teacher or professor; results of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT), which are only required for high school students graduating from a U.S. High School system, whether in the U.S. or abroad; and a 200–500 word personal statement where the candidate indicates how a study experience in Rome will help further his or her career and life aims.

Each applicant is reviewed individually. Leadership, motivation, academic improvement, the level of the high school program's difficulty, involvement in activities, and potential for growth are important considerations in the application review process.

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit scores from TOEFL or another English language proficiency exam. The English language proficiency exam requirement may be waived for applicants who complete high school at English-speaking institutions.

Advanced standing

Advanced standing may be granted for academic credits earned at institutions outside the university system of the United States. Candidates in possession of credentials from European lyceums, such as the Italian maturita’, the International Baccalaureate, the British GCSE A levels, and other equivalent programs will be evaluated and advanced credits granted on the basis of evaluation. In most instances, the first year of college (equivalent to 30 semester credits) may be granted. Students applying for advanced standing must submit official records of the last year of lyceum and a copy of the diploma if granted. If the records are not written in either English or Italian, the admissions office requires a certified translation into English.

Transfer students

The American University of Rome welcomes transfer students. Upon submission of complete transcripts of all college and university courses previously taken, the university shall evaluate the credits earned and determine the number of credits to be accepted. Credit is granted only for courses completed with a grade of C or above. Transfer credits may be applied to no more than 50% of a student's major degree requirements. Students must complete at least 30 semester hours at The American University of Rome for an associate degree and at least 45 semester hours at The American University of Rome for a bachelor's degree. Transfer students with an equivalent of 60 semester credit hours of university study may seek a waiver for SAT and high school transcript requirements.

Application and information

Applicants are notified of the admission decision two to four weeks after the application, supporting credentials, recommendation letter and the application fee are received.

Prospective students are encouraged to visit the campus. An application for admission and further information may be obtained by contacting The American University of Rome at either its U.S. or Rome address.

Areas of study

Associate of Arts degrees

*Liberal Arts
*International Business

Bachelor of Arts degrees

*Art History
*Communication
*Interdisciplinary Studies
*International Relations
*Italian Studies

Bachelor of Science degree

*Business Administration

References

External links

* [http://www.aur.edu The American University of Rome]