| Admissions
Statement. Equal Educational Opportunity policy |
I.A.U.
admits students of any age, religion, race, sex, marital
status, sexual orientation, ancestry, cultural background,
or national or ethnical origin to all of the programs, activities,
rights, and privileges generally accorded or made available
to students at the university. It does not discriminate
on the basis of these characteristics in the administration
of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship
and financial aid or other I.A.U. administered programs.
No qualified disabled person on the basis of disability
shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits
of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any
University-related program or activity.
Equal educational opportunity includes: recruitment and
admission; access to courses and facilities; access to counseling,
testing and tutoring services; financial assistance; health
and insurance services; and extracurricular programs and
activities.
The reserves
the right to make changes at any time in the regulations,
fees, class schedules and programs, that are considered
to be deemed and necessary.
The
provisions of this catalog are not to be regarded as an
irrevocable contract between the student and I.A.U.
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| Message
from the President |
Dear
prospective student,
Thank you for reading our catalog.
Please, accept our warmest welcome to some of our images,
ideas, commitments and personalities that make up this uncommon
and unique . We appreciate your interest in our comprehensive
academic and curricular programs and really feel eager to
share our project and goals with you.
Over the short but intense history
of our University, what has been developed is an acclaimed
community, rather intimate in size, with an exceptional
faculty, a staff of extraordinary commitments, and a student
body of very competitive, mission-oriented personality,
internationally minded and aiming to succeed through continuous
excellence.
We do hope your interest
in the Interamerican University will lead to a long
lasting and meaningful relationship with this small but
distinctive institution and will provide the encouragement
you seek to achieve the highest of callings in your life.
Thank you for being in touch. Contact us whenever you wish.
Dr. Angel L. Fernández
President
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| About InterAmerican University |
I.A.U. is an international
American institution offering on campus and off campus programs
and courses within the U.S. pattern of higher education.
I.A.U. is fully registered and incorporated in Washington,
D.C., U.S.A. as an 501 (c) (3) non-for-profit organization.
I.A.U. is the major sponsor of the IUNINS (InterAmerican
University International Network System).
I.A.U. comprises
seven different colleges called: the COLLEGE OF ARTS AND
SCIENCES with 2/4 year programs in Liberal Arts, General
Education, etc., THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
with 2/4 year programs in Business Administration, Travel,
Tourism and Hospitality, INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE OF LANGUAGES
with all types of courses in foreign languages, from beginners
through advanced, the COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND BEHAVIORAL
SCIENCES with courses in International Education, Psychology,
etc., the COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING with programs in Business
Technologies and Computer Engineering, among others, THE
COLLEGE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, specializing in Business
Law, International Relations, Politics, Diplomacy, etc.
and THE COLLEGE OF NATURAL MEDICINE AND HEALTH SCIENCES.
I.A.U. is the founding patron of IUNINS (InterAmerican
University International Network System) and is governed
by a Board of Directors. As an urban university, I.A.U.
provides a stimulating academic environment for its students,
including an innovative undergraduate education and excellence
in selected research areas and graduate programs. The academic
environment extends beyond the campus boundaries to encompass
the entire community.
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| IUNINS. InterAmerican University International
Network System |
Since
1999, students and faculty of InterAmerican University
have benefited from the University’s membership in
InterAmerican University International Network System, a
consortium of 25 agencies, colleges and universities. IUNINS
works with its member institutions to help their students
and faculty gain access to many options available worldwide;
to keep its members informed about opportunities for fellowship,
scholarship, and research appointments; and to organize
research alliances among its members.
The InterAmerican University International Network System
manages, undergraduates, graduates, post-graduates, as well
as faculty enjoy access to a multitude of opportunities
for study and research. Students
can participate in programs covering a wide variety of disciplines
including business, humanities, engineering, and mathematics,
among others. Appointment and program length range from
one month to four years.
Education is enhanced through exposure to diversity in
composition of the student body, faculty, staff, and administrators;
including women, minorities, individuals with disabilities,
and various age groups and religions. The University has
responded to the challenging responsibility of being located
in a culturally diverse region by developing a unique blend
of teaching, research, and service.
Teaching brings the benefits of scholarship and research
to students and through them to the people of the area.
IAU asserts that excellence in teaching traditional and
non-traditional students is its central responsibility.
A comprehensive undergraduate education, grounded in the
arts and sciences, develops intellectual, cultural, and
ethical qualities in its students. The innovative General
Education Program challenges students to develop the analytical
and critical skills necessary for life-long learning. IAU
offers advance standing degrees in selected graduate programs
as well as degrees in certain professional areas. Through
learning begins at any time, graduates compete in the global
intellectual community in which they live.
As a research university, IAU develops, integrates, disseminates,
and applies knowledge. IAU Faculty maintain on-going programs
of basic and applied research or creative activities appropriate
to their disciplines. The University's international environments
provide a rich opportunity for research and creative scholarship,
and for the use of that scholarship in the intellectual
and cultural development of the region. The University's
commitment to fostering a research and creative environment
harmonizes with the other aspects of its mission. IAU fulfills
its outreach mission through its contributions to professional
organizations and to the needs of the community.
The University promotes intellectual, cultural, and community
development of the region through, for example, its artistic
programs, lecture series, technical assistance, continuing
education, and intercollegiate athletic programs.
I.A.U., through its research, teaching, and outreach
roles, responds to individual needs and addresses broader
issues as well, for instance, K-12 education, economic development,
environmental initiatives, international programs, computing,
and telecommunications.
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The InterAmerican
University International Network System, a 501(c)(3) non
profit organization, was established to support I.A.U.’s
mission. The Organization is governed by a volunteer Board
of Directors and Committees, including an Investment Committee,
review the foundation’s financial position quarterly. An
outside consultant also advises the Investment Committee
on portfolio management, the selection of investment managers
and allocation issues pertaining to fixed income and equities.
The InterAmerican University International
Network System is a major vehicle for developing and accepting
private gifts to I.A.U. I.A.U. desires that all private
support be made payable through the IUNINS. The Organization
manages a few endowment accounts and distributes income
to the University and its associated colleges, schools,
departments, programs and projects to promote academic enrichment.
Sources of funds to the foundation are contributed by alumni,
friends, parents, corporations and foundations. Outright
gifts, trusts and bequests are received by the foundation.
General accounts, as well as named accounts, are established
to provide: financial assistance to students, faculty support
and just about every need I.A.U. may have. All contributions
should be made payable to the InterAmerican University International
Network System. Any particular fund or department designation
can be noted on the memo line or on supporting correspondence.
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The I.A.U. mission is to anticipate
and respond to the needs and expectations of men and women
preparing to embark on management and operational careers
in the largest global industry, service and professional
working fields. Our multi-disciplinary programs focus on
the synthesis of values, knowledge, and competencies required
by a rapidly expanding and diverse community. The student
is central to the educational process at I.A.U., and we
strive to foster learning partnerships that utilize current
industry practices, and promote professional development,
and life-long learning.
Our mission therefore
is to provide comprehensive lower/upper-division general
education, occupational education, transfer education, counseling
and guidance, which meet the changing needs of students
for academic, occupational preparation, citizenship, and
cultural understanding.
In pursuit of this
mission, we endeavor to:
n
promote equal opportunity for participation;
n
maintain appropriate standards for academic achievement;
n
provide support services which contribute to instructional
effectiveness and student success.
n
affirm the importance of multi-cultural, international,
and inter-cultural collegiate experiences that foster individual
and group understanding.
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I. The Origin
The roots of I.A.U. as a consortium date back to 1978, with
the establishment and beginning of classes at the U.S. and
European campuses, which provided for the training of high
school graduates in E.F.L. and college General Education
Requirements. However, the seeds for the normal school's
creation were sown five years later, when the Board of Directors
decided to create the InterAmerican University International
Network System.
The college expanded its liberal arts curriculum, and the
name was changed to InterAmerican University. The undergraduate
program was reorganized into seven schools and a graduate
school was then added.
II.
The Academic Program
Each year I.A.U.
brings together an international group of students, as well
as a challenging and intensive curriculum in various subjects
of general interest in the arts and sciences. Most courses
offered are credited toward the Associate, Bachelor and
Master of Arts or in Science Degrees, including courses
leading to degrees at other American universities.
I.A.U. has assembled
an outstanding and experienced international faculty in
each field. Students joining I.A.U. will have the opportunity
to engage in collegial lectures and discussions based on
leadership issues confronting today's scholars.
At our academic
program, they have the opportunity, both formally and informally,
to meet with all members of our distinguished staff and
discuss shared issues and interests, at the highest professional
level.
They also have access
to all I.A.U. facilities internationally. At the conclusion
of the program, they may receive an official certificate/diploma
and transcript of completion from the College or School
they have attended.
III. Locations
I.A.U. is presently located in the
U.S., Latin America, the European Union, Egypt, Malaysia,
Singapore, China, Indonesia, the Philipines and Pakistan.
IV. The I.A.U. Style
THE CLASSROOM
Our classroom scheme
may be different than what most students have previously
experienced. The relationship between professor and student
is usually informal. Professors welcome students comments
and questions; in fact class participation is often encouraged.
Examinations may occur several times during the course.
The class size may vary depending on the course and/or your
level. The average class size for undergraduates can range
from 10 - 20 students.
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
The academic year consists of two 16
week periods (semesters): the fall semester beginning in
late September or early October and ending in January; and
the spring semester beginning in February and ending in
May. A summer session is held between the end of the spring
semester and the beginning of the fall semester of the next
academic year.
FACULTY
The reputation of
any major college or university is based on the quality
of its faculty. At I.A.U. Ninety percent of the faculty
hold advanced qualifications. I.A.U.'s tradition of excellence
attracts a faculty of international stature.
STUDENTS
I.A.U. enrolls students
from all parts of the world, and look forward to an increasing
number of international students each year.
TESTING SERVICES
Various testing
programs for students are provided on-campus. A variety
of international exams for students such as T.O.E.F.L.,
S.A.T., G.M.A.T., G.R.E., A.C.T., C.L.E.P., University of
Oxford, University of Cambridge, Pitman, Trinity, etc. are
administered. Application and information for these and
other tests are available at the Office of the Secretary
General.
HOUSING
Housing is usually
provided at the International Residence Halls and eventually
with carefully selected local families, student hostels
or inexpensive hotels. In all circumstances, you will feel
truly comfortable and happy. Accommodation at the dorms
or with families include full room and board. All housing
packages at the hostels or hotels include a continental
breakfast each morning.
As a general policy, all international
students registered at on-campus programs are required to
stay in the International Residence Halls for at least one
academic semester.
THE CAMPUSES
I.A.U. is an international
consortium and therefore is spread all over the world, in
countries like Spain, Greece, Lebanon, Egypt, Malaysia,
Pakistan, Singapore, the Philipines, Indonesia, China, etc.
in all cases with facilities of the highest standard, including
computer labs, auditoriums, libraries, reading rooms, cafeterias,
restaurants, sport facilities, residence halls, etc.
GETTING A STUDENT VISA TO STUDY
AT I.A.U. in the U.S.
Students must go to the nearest American Embassy or Consulate
with the original and one photocopy of the following documents
which are to be presented:
1.
Passport valid for
at least 180 days.
2.
Application form
properly filled.
3.
4 color passport
size photographs.
4.
Letter of admission
into the university (i.e. evidence of having been admitted).
5.
Original receipt
of payment of fees from the university.
6.
Original receipt
of payment of boarding from the university.
7.
Evidence of sufficient
funds to cover stay and accommodation in the U.S. while
the program lasts).
8.
Medical certificate.
9.
Police certificate
(good conduct) only if you are over 18 years of age.
10.
Photocopy of the
first six front pages of your passport.
11.
Your international
health insurance.
12.
Original and photocopies
of your air ticket.
Important Notice: The submission of all documents does not necessarily guarantee
the issuance of the visa.
Immediately after the
visa has been granted, students must collect from the visa
officer all original documents and the pink copy of the
application form duly stamped by the Embassy or Consulate.
V. Admission Procedures
1.
Admission Form
Complete and mail the enclosed application
materials to:
The Office of Admissions
2710 Broadway
3rd Floor
New York, NY 10025
together with a $35.00 non-refundable application fee.
There are no exceptions to this fee.
Please, include a letter and a record or transcript from
your current school, indicating your level of education.
2. Placement Tests
All first-time-in-college, degree seeking freshmen, are
required to take the A.C.T., S.A.T. or equivalent. Results
of these tests are used in the academic advising process
to help place students into proper levels of English, Mathematics
and Reading courses and are not otherwise used for admission
to the college. Students should complete placement testing
prior to enrolling in classes and are to register in courses
as indicated by the results. Students with limited English
proficiency are required to follow a one/two semester intensive
program of English as a Foreign Language before they are
allowed to attend regular classes.
3. Acceptance
of Students
If the application
is approved, upon completion of all forms and assuming eligibility,
a certificate of acceptance will be immediately mailed to
you (this will not take longer than three days after reception
of your application).
4. Admission Policies
n
Persons who possess a high
school diploma or its equivalent meet the basic eligibility
requirement for admission.
n
Persons who do not possess
a high school diploma or its equivalent but who meet additional
criteria are also eligible for admission if in the judgment
of I.A.U. College Admissions Officer they are capable of
profiting from the instruction offered. Additional eligibility
criteria include:
Persons
who are eighteen (18) years of age.
n
Persons in grades K-12,
under special circumstances.
Information
regarding other eligibility criteria and/or admission procedures
is available in I.A.U. Office of Admissions.
The application
will be put through the normal process of using an International
Student Admissions Application which must demonstrate academic
qualifications and the ability to meet the financial obligations
of the program of study.
Upon admission, the
will issue the accepted student the necessary information
to obtain a visa for study at I.A.U.
5. Admission Requirements
Admission
Prerequisites - An applicant must fulfill the following
requirements before being considered for admission to I.A.U.:
n
Submit a transcript of
high school credits and of all previous college work. No
student who has been disqualified from attending another
Institution for reasons of conduct may enroll in classes
at I.A.U. An exception to this policy may be permitted after
one or more semesters of time have elapsed since the student
was disqualified. Such an exception will be determined by
the Assistant Dean of Admissions and Records.
n
Students whose mother tongue
is other than English must provide evidence of English proficiency,
either by means of the T.O.E.F.L. Test (a minimum score
of 450 is required) or other recognized examination. Otherwise,
they may be granted provisional admission, subject to the
participation in the intensive E.F.L. Program (English as
a Foreign Language) for a minimum of one full semester,
in our language institute, before they may be able to attend
the regular class schedule.
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| Applying Previous Education |
With few exceptions, post secondary education in
their own country will be applied toward the degree program.
It is very important to supply I.A.U. with a complete record
of previous education and to write a special letter asking
if courses from the home country will be counted toward
the American degree. Students may discover that only a few
of the courses will be accepted, but credit for them can
be very important in helping complete the American program
more quickly. Many students are pleasantly surprised when
virtually all of their previous courses are accepted by
an American institution.
Because of the general studies requirements, in American
higher education, even students who are making a great change
in field of study (such as from psychology to computer science,
or economics to engineering) will find that courses from
home will satisfy many general studies requirements and
can save as much as a year of time.
Foreign students often make serious errors when proceeding
from one level, such as a bachelor's degree at home, to
another level, such as a master's degree within the American
system of higher education, particularly when there is an
important change in major. Graduate American schools have
two basic requirements for graduate admission: (1) You must
have a bachelor's degree and (2) You must have an adequate
undergraduate background in your major. A student with a
bachelor's degree in economics from home does not need a
bachelor's degree in computer science to enter a graduate
computer science program in the American system. Instead,
the American university will require completion of certain
undergraduate courses prior to acceptance into a master's
or Ph.D. program (but not a second bachelor's degree). Students
who understand this and who ask many questions about academic
rules, may save as much as two or three years of study in
completing a graduate degree.
Not all bachelor's degrees from abroad are recognized
in the American system of higher education. This leads many
students to the false conclusion that the American institution
is rejecting the entire bachelor's degree program. One of
many examples is the student from India with a three-year
Bachelor of Commerce who will usually find that American
schools will not grant admission to a master's degree program
in business. American undergraduate schools, however, will
accept the Bachelor of Commerce courses toward a bachelor's
degree in business and will often grant nearly three years
of credit toward a four-year degree program.
Occasionally, foreign students will find that American
colleges and universities will reject all technical courses
when you are accepted into an academic program. For example,
an engineering school will accept a physics course in mechanics
but will reject an applied mechanics course covering manufacturing
machinery. On occasion, students may find that higher education
from home is not recognized at all by an American institution,
though this is not common. It is very important to ask about
"transfer credits". I.A.U. sets its own standards
for granting credit for study at other schools, American
or foreign.
Always apply at the appropriate level of education. If
student has completed two years of post-secondary education
in his/her home country, he/she probably should not apply
to an Associate Degree program and he/she certainly should
ask the school's advice before applying. If he/she has completed
a bachelor's degree program, he/she should contact the graduate
program to see if the requirements for admission are fully
met before applying to undergraduate programs. Graduate
and undergraduate admissions are often handled in separate
offices. Always address your inquiries to the Director of
Graduate Admissions when they have a bachelor's degree.
If additional undergraduate study is needed, the Director
of Graduate Admissions will explain the requirements.
VI.
Office of General Coordination
The Office of General
Coordination, located in Uptown New York City at the main
administrative section, serves I.A.U.'s student body and
visiting international faculty. The O.G.C. is a resource
center for information and consultation on matters related
to the international student and faculty/scholars. The staff
is prepared to help in any of the various areas of concern,
including academic problems, immigration questions, social,
health or financial matters, etc. The office also organizes
seminars and workshops on topics of interest to the college
community, including cross cultural communication, recreational
activities, etc.
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HEALTH INSURANCE
