The Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane has been recognized as the first international member of the LearningWell Coalition, marking a global precedent in joining this prestigious academic alliance, which includes prominent American institutions such as Georgetown University, MIT, Tufts University, the University of Southern California, and Arizona State University.
This membership aligns with the university’s efforts to establish a distinguished educational model inspired by the American liberal arts and sciences philosophy, which the university’s administration regards as a historic milestone in its journey toward excellence and innovation.
Al Akhawayn University’s entry into the coalition is facilitated through its “Paths to Purpose” program, designed to empower students to construct well-rounded academic, professional, and personal paths through various activities. These include the Design Your Life approach in the first-year program, the implementation of an e-portfolio system, the integration of interdisciplinary courses, and the engagement in intellectual seminars and graduation projects with moral and social dimensions.
University President Amine Bensaid affirmed that this approach assists students in making informed choices from the outset of their university careers, thus reducing confusion that may arise later when transitioning into professional life.
The program has resonated widely in international academic circles, attracting the interest of Harvard University’s Human Flourishing Program. Keith Buffington, the executive director of the LearningWell Coalition, stated that Al Akhawayn University’s commitment to developing a comprehensive educational model based on values and rigorous assessment aligns perfectly with the network’s objectives.
