Chapter 3 - OUR INSTITUTIONAL CULTURE

Despite its young age, Al Akhawayn University has been able to put in place an institutional culture, i.e. a series of references, values, and practices that characterize and federate its faculty, students and administrative and technical staff. Our culture is cement that unites and reinforces our feeling of belonging to this institution.

3.1 Our History

Our University is the incarnation of the dream of a great King of Morocco. The idea of this project had a thought long cherished by late Hassan II, but was long delayed due to the scarcity of means to make AUI a reality, until the day when destiny brought a foreign tanker to leave its threatening oil spill near Moroccan shores. The accident bore with it the omen of the darkest ecological threat the country had ever witnessed.

Then in a gesture of grand generosity, late King Fahd of Saudi Arabia was quick to demonstrate his solidarity with his brother King Hassan by immediately sending a 50 million dollar check to stand by his brother King of Morocco to save pristine shores from the dark shadow of pollution. Destiny had, however, chosen otherwise. Provident winds blew strong chasing the dark danger deep into the ocean never to be seen again.

The check, token of brotherhood, was by then between the hands of King Hassan II who asked his brother King Fahd what he wanted to be done with it. King Fahd asked his brother to use it for the accomplishment of the dream he had long cherished and build his long hoped for university modeled after the American style. Since that very moment a chain of events had started unraveling and the efforts of the two kings joined hands to give birth to the crown jewel of the Middle Atlas, the pearl of Moroccan institutions of higher education, the University of the Two Brothers: AL AKHAWAYN UNIVERSITY IN IFRANE (AUI).

3.2 Our Mission

Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane is an independent, public, not-for-profit, coeducational, Moroccan university committed to educating future citizen-leaders of Morocco and the world through a globally oriented, English-language, liberal arts curriculum based on the American system. The University enhances Morocco and engages the world through cutting-edge educational and research programs, including continuing and executive education, upholds the highest academic and ethical standards, and promotes equity and social responsibility.

3.3 Our Rituals

Four major rituals characterize our yearly calendar and symbolize our mission:

ØRegistration days (when all the university is mobilized to welcome new and continuing students)

ØThe Graduation Ceremony

ØThe Fun Run (a day symbolizing the ongoing solidarity undertaken by the students for the benefit of the needy of the region).

ØThe Job Fair (organized by the Alumni Association for the benefit of the graduating students)

3.4 Our Symbols

ØThe logo of AUI

ØOur white flag with the AUI logo at the center

ØOur institutional green color, that of our logo

Our culture acquires its meaning thanks to its coherence, adaptability, evolution and acceptance by all, with a view to building a pleasant and efficient work atmosphere.