Charter

The Lebanese American University (LAU) is chartered by the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York. The University of the State of New York is the sole entity authorized by the State of New York to incorporate higher education institutions and to authorize them to confer degrees.

In 1950, when LAU was known as Beirut College for Women, it was granted a provisional charter by the NY Board of Regents, and an absolute charter five years later. Since then, the charter was amended several times in response to the institution’s growth.

Institutional Accreditation

LAU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. NECHE is the regional accrediting association in the United States developing and regularly reviewing standards for educational institutions of all levels. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, NECHE accredits 241 colleges and universities in the six-state New England region as well as 11 institutions overseas.

Inquiries regarding the accreditation status by the Commission should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact:

New England Commission of Higher Education
3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 100, Burlington, MA 01803-4514
(781) 425 7785
E-Mail: info@neche.org

LAU was granted initial accreditation for a five-year period following a site visit in November 2009. In 2014, LAU underwent a comprehensive evaluation and was re-accredited for a ten-year period. The stages LAU has completed since starting the first rigorous process in fall 2005 have demonstrated the university’s commitment to academic quality.

Program Accreditation

For details on accredited programs, see LAU accreditation webpage.