Saint Monica University Joins International Association of Universities

BUEA, Cameroon - Dec. 9, 2015 - PRLog -- Saint Monica University (SMU): The American International University today announced that it has become the first private university in Cameroon to be admitted into membership of the prestigious International Association of Universities (IAU). SMU is currently the only private university among the four higher education institutions in Cameroon to be granted membership of IAU.

In a letter, dated December 4, 2015, and signed by Dr. Eva Egron-Polak, Secretary General of IAU, the application for membership of IAU by SMU was accepted. However, the letter stated that as a young university, SMU will be given “Observer” status until it graduates its third cohort of students, which will be in May 2016. IAU is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)-based worldwide association of higher education institutions. Also known as the International Universities Bureau of the United Nations, it brings together over 600 higher education institutions and organizations from about 120 countries for reflection and action on common concerns and collaborates with various international, regional and national bodies active in higher education.

“Saint Monica University recognizes and fully endorses the commitment of IAU to uphold and advance the core academic values that the Association considers to be the defining features of universities and all other higher education institutions whose primary goal it is to pursue and disseminate knowledge,” said Professor Januarius Jingwa (JJ) Asongu, President and Chief Executive Officer of SMU . “While noting and respecting differences in context, culture and tradition, we acknowledge that through its work, IAU strives to achieve common higher education goals and shared ideals, and to transcend such differences as language, economic wealth, political ideology, religious beliefs and others.”

According to Mr. Marcelus U. Ajonina, SMU’s Associate Vice President for Institutional Research and Effectiveness, “our acceptance into IAU’s membership once more demonstrates that SMU is the leading private university in Cameroon. We are committed to the core and enduring academic values, identified in the IAU Constitution as underpinning and defining the role of higher education institutions, which are: academic freedom in the dissemination, creation and pursuit of knowledge; institutional autonomy balanced by social responsibility and responsiveness; excellence and merit as the standard measure of performance; opposition to all forms of discrimination based on gender, race, religion or ethnicity; respect for divergent opinion; promotion and development of intercultural dialogue and learning; freedom of academic mobility and enhancement of the internationalization of knowledge; and promotion of human rights, justice, freedom, human dignity and solidarity.”

About Saint Monica University: The American International University

Saint Monica University (SMU) is a leading private university in Cameroon. It is an American-style non-ecclesiastical Catholic institution, offering career-focused programs that are at the intersection of the liberal arts, science and technology. It is dedicated to providing educational opportunities for the intellectual, social, entrepreneurial and professional development of a diverse student population. SMU is focused on the student experience and helping our students achieve their educational and career goals, and contributing to a more sustainable society.  We offer various certificates and diplomas as well as bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees through the School of Arts, Education, & Humanities (SAEH); School of Business & Public Policy (SBPP); School of Health & Human Services (SHHS); and School of Science, Engineering & Technology (SSET). SMU is accredited in the United Kingdom by the Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges, and Universities (ASIC) with Accreditation No: AS22357/0614 and is listed on the UK Register of Learning Providers (UKRLP) with the UK Provider Reference Number (UKPRN): 10048183. SMU is also fully accredited in Cameroon by the National Commission on Private Higher Education at the Ministry of Higher Education (MINESUP) with the Ordinance of Creation No: E14/0028/MINESUP/SG/DDES and the Ministerial Letter No: 15-09643/L/MINESUP/SG/DDES/ESUP/SDA/MM authorizing SMU to offer over 60 undergraduate and graduate diploma and degree programs. SMU is a member of many international academic organizations including the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), Global Universities In Distance Education (GUIDE), the European Distance Learning & E-Learning Network (EDEN), and the Talloires Network. For more information about SMU, visit our website: www.smuedu.org or write to us at admissions@stmonicauniversity.com.