INTRODUCTION:

American University is a non-profit institution of higher education that offers associates’ and bachelors’ degrees in Business Administration, Education, Communication, and Criminal Justice in its Bayamón and Manatí campuses. The academic year is organized in both the semester and quarter systems. The latter was created as a more flexible alternative for the adult student who works and is interested in pursuing higher education.
American University also offers a master’s degree in Criminal Justice and is planning to develop other graduate programs in Education and Business Administration so as to increase and diversify the opportunities for development available to the community it serves. As such, the University distinguishes itself as an institution with an accessible and flexible admission process, as well as one with personalized services supported by modern technology.

Philosophical Framework
American University is a liberal arts college committed with the integral development of its students and to encouraging their outstanding performance in all aspects of life.
To fulfill this commitment, American University bases its actions on the philosophical principles of humanism and constructivism and their understanding of education as a personal and individualized process. The learner is thus viewed as the center of any intellectual activity, and knowledge as the product of the student’s reflective and critical thinking process. We strongly believe that learning happens as a product of different contextualized personal experiences from which the learner builds upon and tests solutions for the different situations posed by the environment.
From this perspective we value and visualize the learner as the active participant and knowledge-builder in the learning process. Faculty in turn, are considered facilitators of that knowledge-building and creation process. Our aim is to create a community of active learners.

Mission
To provide liberal and humanistic education that promotes integral personal development and life-long learning.

Vision
To be recognized as a leader in higher education in Puerto Rico.

Mission’s basic principles
The following mission principles guide our actions and express our philosophical view.
- Integrate a liberal and humanistic education with the application of knowledge within a flexible, innovative, and high-quality academic environment.
- Maintain equal opportunities through the open-door policy and an environment of intellectual and moral integrity, dignity, and respect for others.
- Promote a critical, and leadership attitude while facing the changes and challenges of the labor market and society.
- Promote critical, scientific, and creative thinking within the framework of the university.
- Maintain a responsible and respectful environment within the academic and external communities.
- Value the commitment to public and community service, continuing education, and activities that enhance the quality of life of our communities and Puerto Rico in general.

Strategic Goals
1. Potential students seeking a college degree will select AUPR because its academic programs are responsive to their professional interests and needs, as well as to those of the society in which they will become employed.
2. Each program curriculum will provide the necessary skills for the academic development of the students.
3. Our quality support services will take into account the academic, psychological, economic, social, and cultural needs of our students.
4. Teaching and administrative personnel will provide services of excellence and will be satisfied in working at American University.
5. We will continue to serve our communities as a private, and academically demanding institution that offers quality services and a responsive administration.