Girne American University

Girne American University

Girne American University (GAU) was founded in 1985 as an independent, non-profit institution of higher education. From its establishment, the university has focused on providing access to an American-style higher education to the widest possible group of motivated learners. In charting its course for the next century, Girne American University will continue to be guided by this special mission.  

To serve its central purpose, Girne American University uses a wide range of strategies: it fosters a variety of instructional approaches, it encourages scholarships, engages in collaborative community services, and empowers its constituents to become responsible citizens in an interdependent, pluralistic, global community.

Since 1985, Girne American University has grown in its understanding of itself, as a modern University. Although geographically dispersed, GAU is one University.

Today Girne American University has a clear identity as a Traditional University with a non-traditional set-up. Over the next five years, it will further transform itself into a knowledge age University. Programs at Girne American University will increasingly offer students the opportunity to experience and explore the interchange of theory and practice through technology and service-learning opportunities.

The Chancellor set out the vision of the University to live up to its potential of becoming the premier institution serving the educational needs of young academics so as to become the University of their Choice. Pursuit of this goal has made GAU distinctive, the University, will continue its efforts to cement its relationship with both young and adult learners, so that the University, and its programs are the first choice of students seeking education.

Girne American University has placed many of its programs online. It will also enter into partnerships with businesses and schools to provide tailored professional development online.

Girne American University recognizes that computer technology has made the home and the workplace the most convenient sites for education. This same technology provides the University with a newly established core value of access.

For the linkage to be meaningful, especially at work, these learning opportunities; must be available when the student wishes to access

Girne American University's goal is to become a University with and without walls, a University located in time and place but unhampered by constraints of either in the fulfillment of its mission. To do this, GAU must maintain constant awareness of the impact of technology and how it changes knowledge and learning. GAU will evaluate its courses, and programs to be sure the curriculum and learning strategies reflect these changes.