Thank you for your recent email.
DePaul University has read a number of misstatements in
various media outlets about our relationship with the American University of
Malta, Sadeen Education Investment Ltd.
In order to set the record straight, therefore, following are nine FACTS
that we hope will set the record straight regarding that relationship.
1. DePaul
University is not establishing a branch campus and will not be issuing degrees
in Malta.
2. The Sadeen
Education Investment Ltd (SEI) is seeking approval to establish the American
University of Malta ("AUM"). As part of this process, SEI contracted
with DePaul to provide initial curriculum materials for programs at AUM. More specifically, DePaul provided curricula
for 5 Bachelor degrees, 1 MBA, and 4 Doctoral level programs.
3. Such
curricula were delivered by DePaul, as agreed, and submitted by SEI to the Maltese
authorities on May 4, 2015, in order for SEI to receive a license to operate
the American University of Malta as an institution of higher education and,
subsequently, as a University.
4. DePaul is
willing to continue collaboration and cooperation with SEI and AUM, by
providing consultative academic support to the project (further program
development, policies and academic structures development). No agreement in
this direction has been signed yet. One is under negotiation.
5. DePaul has
not committed any financial resources to the land being used, building(s) being
built, infrastructure, programs, etc.
6. There is no
agreement in place to provide DePaul faculty or staff to AUM at the moment.
DePaul will not be involved in hiring faculty or staff for AUM and will not be
involved in AUM operations.
7. DePaul has
entertained no negotiation or discussion with the Maltese government in
relation to the American University of Malta project.
8. DePaul has no
involvement nor responsibility nor authority nor knowledge related to the
selection process for the site of the American University of Malta.
9. As to the use
of DePaul’s name, DePaul University only has authorized SEI/AUM to state that
its “academic programs were developed in collaboration with DePaul University.”
For any question that does not pertain to the involvement of
DePaul in the project, please refer inquiring parties to the spokesperson for
Sadeen Education Investment, Dr. Naser Zayyat, +356
7980 1117 n.zayyat@sadeeneducation.com with copy to legal counsel Mr.
Louai Twal l.twal@sadeeneducation.com