AUB's Academics: the University adjusts some of its programs and diversifies its courses and enrollment
A New Ten-Year Plan in Place:
"The year 1937-1938 was further marked by the announcement of a "Ten Year Plan" to guide the development of the School of Arts and Sciences in the direction of the European conception of true university work. The first important step in this direction was taken in 1939 with the transference of sophomore year to International College...This permitted the Division of Arts and Sciences to concentrate on a limited enrollment in its three year curriculum. The move explains the considerable drop in registration apparent on the enrolment chart of the school of Arts & Sciences."
That they May have Life; The story of the American University of Beirut 1866-1941. Published by the Trustees of the American University of Beirut: P 245-246
New Honors Course System
"During the year 1939-1940 the School of Arts & Sciences completed its new system of "Pass" and "Honors" courses. The "Honors" course is designed for bright students, who have the ability to do very thorough specialized work in Junior and Senior years. It is not unlike the "Four Course" system in America and the "Honors" work at Oxford."
Report of the President of the American University of Beirut for the Seventy-Fourth Year, 1939-1940: p. 8
Co-education kicks off
"During the past year there were 57 women students, in addition to the girls who studied music and nursing. A few of them lived at the American Jr. College of the Presbyterian Board. A number stayed with relatives in the city and 17 lived in an attractive three story house, which was rented and equipped as a hostel. There were 11 Muslims, 4 Christians, 1 Jews and 1 Hindu in this hostel. They represented numerous nationalities: Palestinian, Syrian, Iraqi, Kurdish, Indian, French and Greek. Unless the war prevents progress in the Arab world, it is inevitable that women's education will become increasingly popular."
Report of the President of the American University of Beirut for the Seventy-Fourth Year, 1939-1940: P 17-18
Socio-economic and regional diversity at the University:
"...in 1939, there were sixty-three bursaries, representing six countries...In 1940-41, a total of one hundred and nine students were supported by seven governments. Iraq has always led in the number of bursaries granted...77 in 1940. Yet nearly every year the Iraq government has requested a larger number of graduates for government positions than the University can supply."
That They May Have Life; The story of the American University of Beirut 1866-1941. Published by the Trustees of the American University of Beirut: P 283
Some Restructuring: an "Intermediate section":
"In 1939-1940 the freshman class, the sophomore class and the Brief Business Course were separated from the School of Arts and Sciences and combined under one unit called the Intermediate Section."
American University of Beirut, Bulletin of Information, 1939-1940: P 83 [865]