American University Catalog 2026-2027 American University Catalog 2026-2027 |
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The American University Catalog is published annually, and this edition includes the undergraduate and graduate regulations, academic-related policies, academic programs of study, and approved courses effective Fall 2026 for Academic Year 2026-2027.
Limitations on Catalog Provisions
American University (“American University,” “AU,” or “university”) publishes this catalog for informational purposes, and it does not create a contract between the University and any person. American University reserves the right, at its sole discretion and at any time, to amend the programs of study, courses, policies, academic calendars, delivery modality and other information contained in this catalog, with or without prior notice. Changes are effective when posted to official university sources and/or publications. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain the most current information regarding programs of study, courses, and related university policies and to comply with applicable requirements; the University will provide advance notice of such changes when practicable. For assistance with understanding covered policies and procedures, please contact the Office of the University Registrar at record_services@american.edu.
In the event of an emergency, including events beyond its reasonable control, or other disruption of normal campus operations, American University will implement contingency plans to support academic continuity and essential services, subject to safety, legal, and operational constraints and in accordance with applicable university policy. Should the university be required to close for a period, the university will make reasonable efforts to continue delivery of its educational programs. These actions may include, for example, adjusting academic calendars and schedules and/or changing the delivery modality of a course, including (face-to-face), online, hybrid, or other alternative methods to complete essential instruction. Specific approaches may vary by course and program, depending on the format of the course and the timing of the emergency or other disruption of normal campus operations. Faculty will communicate class-specific information to students via AU e-mail and Canvas (or other applicable medium or technology platform), while students are required to inform their faculty immediately of any absence. Students are responsible for checking their AU e-mail regularly and keeping themselves informed of emergencies or other disruptions of normal campus operations. Communications sent to a student’s official AU email address and posted to official university platforms are deemed received. In the event of an emergency or other disruption of normal campus operations, students should refer to the AU Student Portal, the AU Web site (www.american.edu/emergency) and the AU information line at (202) 885-1100 for general university-wide information, and contact their faculty and/or respective dean’s office for course and school/college-specific information. To receive emergency alerts from American University, text AUALERTS to 226787. For more information, visit the AU Alerts page www.american.edu/emergency/AU-Alerts.cfm. These channels constitute the University’s official means of notification for such circumstances.
Nondiscrimination
American University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, sex characteristics, sex stereotypes and pregnancy or related conditions, age, marital status, genetic information, personal appearance, matriculation, family responsibilities, political affiliation, disability, familial status, source of income, place of residence or business, veteran status, or any other protected basis and prohibits discrimination in any program or activity that it operates, as required by federal or local laws and their implementing regulations and university policies, including in employment and admission. Inquiries about Title IX and American University’s nondiscrimination policies may be referred to the university’s assistant vice president for equity and Title IX coordinator, US Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, or both. The Assistant Vice President for Equity and Title IX Coordinator may be contacted at the Office of Equity and Title IX, 3201 New Mexico Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016, equityoffice@american.edu, or 202-885-8080.
American University’s nondiscrimination policies and grievance procedures can be located at the university’s policy webpage (https://www.american.edu/policies/) or the Office of Equity and Title IX webpage (https://www.american.edu/equity-titleix/). To report or make a complaint of discrimination, including sex discrimination, please use the online reporting form located at https://www.american.edu/equity-titleix/.
Responsibility for Personal Property
Faculty, students, staff, and guests (“AU Community Members”) are responsible for their personal property. The university does not insure the personal property of any AU Community Member. The university is not responsible for theft, damage, destruction, loss, etc., of any personal property, including but not limited to money, valuables, equipment, or any personal property whatsoever belonging to or in the custody of the AU Community Member. This includes losses resulting from intentional or negligent act or failure to act outside of the University’s control or natural causes, fire, or other casualty. The university is not liable for the failure or interruption of utilities or conditions resulting from such failures or interruption, and may take reasonable steps to restore services or mitigate impact. AU Community Members are advised to carry an insurance policy for their personal property.
Publication Information
American University Catalog is published by the Office of the University Registrar:
Juanita Womack, University Registrar
Michael W. Giese, Associate Registrar for Catalog and Curriculum/Editor
Elizabeth O’Connor, Assistant Registrar for Catalog and Degree Audit
Monica Morin, Catalog and Degree Audit Coordinator
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