Strategic Theme Three: Sustainability

AUS recognizes that environmental, societal and economic sustainability are key pillars that support our operations and endeavors.

As we grow into a comprehensive research university, a diversification of revenue streams will add to the strong foundation we have built over the first 20 years of our history and will further enable our institution to support research and education that meet the needs of current and future generations.

A commitment to an environmentally responsible campus will ensure that AUS can carry out its mission while protecting the community in which it is embedded. Through its research and educational mission, AUS, in collaboration with partners and alumni, is committed to leading the way on environmental sustainability issues and practices in the region.

Goals

1. The region’s leader in environmental sustainability through on-campus practices and research into the wider issues of human impact on the natural and man-made Gulf environment.
2. A socially responsible alumni body with a lifelong commitment to addressing societal challenges.
3.  Fiscal sustainability through the diversification and strengthening of revenue streams.

STRATEGIES

1. Align the university with international best practice in sustainability to advance efficiencies. Through the critical analysis of operational practices and the use of space and physical resources, implement energy saving and waste reduction initiatives.

2. Enhance awareness of environmental challenges within the AUS community through knowledge-sharing platforms. Collaborate with experts on Middle East sustainability to remain current on the methodologies and techniques required to work towards a zero- carbon footprint.

3. Infuse the curricular content and extra-curricular experiences with the tools to recognize and address societal needs

4. Expand undergraduate student recruitment into new markets to strengthen the tuition revenue stream, providing a sustainable financial position allowing for future growth in the pursuit of the educational mission.

5. Grow the endowment through international best practice in fundraising, strengthening our ability to offer merit and need-based scholarships. Through individual, family and corporate donors and sponsors, AUS will establish a culture of philanthropy that will aid in the future success of our student body.

6. Explore and implement a range of additional revenue streams including socially sustainable off-campus commercial ventures and start-up investment, expansion of professional programs and entry into the online education market.