The College of Business & Economics (CBE) at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) has just received news that its accreditation by AACSB (the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International) has been extended in both business and accounting. This includes all bachelor and master's programs offered at the College, as well as the new Master of Professional Accounting and Doctor of Business Administration.
The AACSB Accreditation Standards challenge universities to pursue excellence and continuous improvement throughout their business programs. Founded in 1916, AACSB Accreditation is much sought after worldwide as an indication of an institution's excellence in its business programs.
UAEU's College of Business and Economics was visited and evaluated by an international review committee of business school Deans with detailed knowledge of management education and accreditation standards. They described the College at UAEU as "having a well-designed, participatory strategic planning process, dedicated faculty and staff who go to extraordinary lengths to ensure the quality of the business programs at UAEU, and programs and activities that are well-aligned with its mission."
In its report, AACSB commended the CBE for "a highly functional and mature assurance of its learning programs that has resulted in a number of curricular refinements, along with a significant increase in scholarly output of the faculty over the past five years."
The accreditation was announced at the AACSB International Conference and annual meeting in Singapore, from 7th - 9th April. Professor Mohamed Albaili, the UAEU Provost, and the acting Dean, Professor Mohamed Madi, were at the conference for the announcement and presentation of the Certificate.
"UAEU is part of an elite group of business schools worldwide that have achieved accreditation from AACSB International. AACSB International accreditation is a testament to the high caliber of the Business School's faculty, staff and students," said Professor Albaili. "UAEU is committed to providing the highest quality education possible, and this accreditation is another indication that we are accomplishing that."
Dr Ali Al Noaimi, UAEU Vice Chancellor, said: "Our College of Business and Economics was first accredited by AACSB in 2000. UAEU was one of the first group of institutions outside the US to receive AACSB accreditation, and the first in the Middle East. This latest achievement signifies UAEU's commitment to high quality education and to continuous refinement and improvement. The College is to be congratulated for reaching this milestone in its long history of excellence, and their efforts will help ensure that UAEU remains a truly world-class institution."
AACSB Accreditation has been earned by less than five percent of the world's business programs. However, only 182 of these institutions have the additional specialized AACSB accreditation for their accounting programs. UAEU is one of only 10 business schools outside the US to receive this dual accreditation.
To maintain accreditation, a business program must undergo a rigorous internal review every five years, at which the program must demonstrate its continued commitment to quality standards relating to faculty qualification, strategic management of resources, interactions of faculty and students, as well as a commitment to continuous improvement and achievement of learning goals in degree programs.
UAEU is in good company! Among the US universities gaining extensions to their AACSB accreditation are the Arizona State University, the University of Florida and NYU. Among the international universities are the American University of Beirut and Yonsei University in South Korea.
Professor David Graf, who has recently retired from the position of Dean of the College of Business and Economics, said that CBE is recognized as one of the best business schools in the region. "During my 8 years as Dean, our efforts have been directed towards preparing students to enter the workforce and contribute to the development of the UAE, as well as building a strong research effort that is relevant to the needs of the UAE," he said.
He also reflected that the extension of AACSB accreditation rewards the College's efforts in maintaining effective internships with industry partners, providing hands-on learning opportunities with sophisticated technology, giving students good academic and career advice, and exploiting every opportunity to help students interact with business leaders.
Professor Mohamed Madi, Acting Dean of the CBE, thanked the all the faculty, students, alumni and staff of the College for their efforts in ensuring that CBE remains one of the best business schools in the region.
About the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) - The National University
Founded in 1976 by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, UAEU is a comprehensive, research-intensive university enrolling about 14,000 Emirati and international students. As the UAE's flagship university, UAEU offers a full range of accredited, high-quality graduate and undergraduate programs through nine Colleges: Business and Economics; Education; Engineering; Food and Agriculture; Humanities and Social Sciences; IT; Law; Medicine and Health Sciences; and Science. With a distinguished international faculty, state-of-the art new campus, and full range of student support services, UAEU offers a living-learning environment that is unmatched in the UAE.
As a research-intensive university of international stature, UAEU works with its partners in industry to provide research solutions to challenges faced by the nation, the region, and the world. The University has established research centers of strategic importance to the country and the region, which are advancing knowledge in critical areas ranging from water resources to cancer treatments. UAEU is currently ranked the number one research university in the GCC, number two in the Arab World, and #370 globally.
UAEU's academic programs have been developed in partnership with employers, so our graduates are in high demand. UAEU alumni hold key positions in industry, commerce, and government throughout the region. Our continuing investments in facilities, services, and staff ensure that UAEU will continue to serve as a model of innovation and excellence.
For further information contact:
Jean O' Neill, Communications & Marketing Manager
Tel: +971 (0)3 7135906
Email: media_enquiries@uaeu.ac.ae
© Press Release 2014
