American University of Phnom Penh

American University of Phnom Penh

សាកលវិទ្យាល័យអាមេរិកាំងភ្នំពេញ
Established	2013
President	Kenneth Dunn
Vice-president	Neil Farrell
Location	Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Campus	Toul Kork
Colors	Blue, Red, White
Website	aupp.edu.kh

The American University of Phnom Penh (or AUPP) is a private English-medium university founded in September 2013, with a campus in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.^[1] The university offers four-year American dual degree programs with majors in Business, Global Affairs, Computer Science, Law, Architecture, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Graphics Design, Organizational Leadership, Interior Design, Communications and English. ^[2]

History

The idea for AUPP originated with Dr. Kem Reat Viseth, the former Director of the School of Graduate Studies of the National School of Management and Dr. Kenneth Dunn, a Fulbright Scholar to Cambodia, who together conceptualized a new university that would embody international best practices and offer academic programs of the highest quality. AUPP was organized as a non-profit institution with the mission of contributing to the human resource development of Cambodia. In 2013, AUPP began operations with 40 students at a temporary campus in Toul Kork.

A Board of Trustees was formed to direct the course of the University and oversee its development. At the same time an International Advisory Board was created including experienced educators, administrators and business leaders from the U.S. and Cambodia. This Board was tasked with advising AUPP on its management, governance and academic structures, programs and services.

The U.S. Embassy offered its support with the following statement: “AUPP collaborates with the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia to enhance the academic, professional, and social opportunities for AUPP students”.

From the outset, AUPP offered a “1+1” transfer arrangement with Middlesex Community College (MCC) in Massachusetts, under which a student could complete one year of study at AUPP and transfer to MCC to complete an associate degree. In March 2014, AUPP took the further step of initiating a “2+2” transfer agreement with the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML), under which AUPP students could transfer to UML after two years of study at AUPP to complete a UML Bachelor’s Degree. AUPP has further solidified a "Micro Campus" agreement with University of Arizona and a "Dual Degree" agreement with Fort Hays State University. These agreements will for the first time allow Cambodian students to receive US degrees without having to leave Cambodia.

AUPP’s first President, Dr. Sharon Siverts, was appointed in July 2014.

AUPP's new President , Dr. Kenneth Dunn, was appointed in 2016.

Campus

AUPP currently occupies temporary premises in the Toul Kork district of Phnom Penh. A site has been acquired for a permanent campus and ground was broken in August 2015. The University expects to occupy the new campus in 2017. This modern facility has been designed to enhance and support a model academic teaching and learning environment, incorporating the newest technologies, a learning center library, and student services that will complement academic offerings. The environment will allow students to develop their full potential, and acquire the education necessary and relevant for 21st century competitiveness.

Academics

AUPP’s management is composed of qualified and experienced administrators with experience in American and other western institutions. AUPP employs highly qualified faculty members who have terminal degrees in their respective fields and international experience.

AUPP signed a Micro Campus agreement with University of Arizona and a Dual Degree agreement with Fort Hays State University at the AUPP campus in Phnom Penh, under which they will enter into a cooperative arrangement to deliver dual degree programs to AUPP students. This is the first time that a U.S. degree can be completed by Cambodian students entirely through education in Cambodia. The programs offered by AUPP with U of A and FHSU are “dual degrees”, meaning that students who finish four years of study at AUPP will receive one bachelor's degree from AUPP and another one from an American Partner University. This agreement also allows AUPP students to study abroad at U of A or at FHSU in the United States for one or two semesters depending on their choice of Major. ^{[3] [4]}

AUPP offers the following majors in partnership with University of Arizona or Fort Hays State University:

Bachelor of Science, Business (Management, Marketing, Finance, Accounting, International Business)

Bachelor of Architecture

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic Design

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Interior Design

Bachelor of Arts, Global Affairs

Bachelor of Arts, Law

Bachelor of Science, Tourism and Hospitality Management

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Communication (Public Relations and Advertising)

Bachelor of Arts, English

Bachelor of Science, Computer Science

Bachelor of Science, Organizational Leadership

Student life

Student learning and development are promoted inside and outside of the classroom. In addition to AUPP’s rigorous academic programs, meaningful out-of-classroom learning opportunities further AUPP’s mission of developing critical thinkers and socially responsible leaders. AUPP believes student involvement is a big part of the college experience and enhances students’ learning and preparation for successful careers.

AUPP’s student clubs include an IT club, yoga club, movie making club, football club and several others. Students are also involved in service-learning projects (social responsibility). The elected student government provides leadership opportunities, and field trips and a speaker series further round out students’ education.

AUPP’s internship program allows students to gain experience, build confidence and enhance leadership capabilities by working as interns in various local organizations or on summer internship opportunities overseas.

References

Coordinates: 11°34′37.7″N 104°53′35.49″E / 11.577139°N 104.8931917°E / 11.577139; 104.8931917