AUS architecture program earns prestigious international reaccreditation

American University of Sharjah (AUS) has added another significant achievement to its roster of accomplishments. The Bachelor of Architecture program at its College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) has not only been reaccredited but also granted the maximum accreditation term of eight-years by the prestigious National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), based in the United States. The five-year, undergraduate BArch degree at CAAD / AUS continues to be the only NAAB-accredited program outside of North America.

Students who have graduated from a NAAB-accredited degree program may undertake the process to become a licensed architect in America. Students from the United States studying at AUS will have the same status toward professional licensure as any other student in America attending a NAAB-accredited program.

"This is indeed excellent news and proves the outstanding quality of our architecture program," said Dr. Thomas Hochstettler, Acting Chancellor. "It is always a source of great pride for us to see our hard work and commitment to academic excellence being recognized internationally." Dr. Hochstettler also congratulated the faculty, staff and students of CAAD on this achievement.

The decision to award reaccreditation to the program was made at a meeting of NAAB directors held last month in the US. The program, which received its initial accreditation in 2010, is scheduled for its next accreditation visit from the NAAB team in 2021.

Dr. R. Malcolm Richards, Acting Provost, said that this was an outstanding achievement for CAAD as well as the university. He said that NAAB's granting of the maximum accreditation term to the program was a significant accomplishment and a testament to the dedication of everyone at CAAD involved in this success.

"I am very proud of this singular achievement," said Peter Di Sabatino, Dean of CAAD. "Much work by many hands has gone into the reaccreditation effort. I want particularly to emphasize, as the NAAB Report clearly states, that our students-past and present-are a vital strength of the program. Beyond that, all of the faculty, administrators, and staff at the college merit strong recognition for their commitment to excellence each and every day. This is a collaborative achievement, and all involved in their various ways should be very proud."

"This has been a very good - and very busy - year for the department and college. Our Master of Urban Planning program was also reaccredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the UAE," he added.

CAAD is a full member of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA). The university has also signed an official agreement with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) that enables it to jointly offer advanced professional training courses for practicing architects in the region. Similarly, the university maintains close ties with the American Institute of Architects (AIA).