Girne American University was founded in 1985 as an independent, non-profit institution of higher education. From its establishment, the university has focused on providing access to an American-style higher education to the widest possible group of motivated learners. In charting its course for the next century, GAU will continue to be guided by this special mission. To serve its central purpose, GAU uses a wide range of strategies: it fosters a variety of instructional approaches, it encourages scholarships, engages in collaborative community services, and empowers its constituents to become responsible citizens in an interdependent, pluralistic, global community. Since 1985, GAU has grown in its understanding of itself, as a modern University. Although geographically dispersed, GAU is one University. Today GAU has a clear identity as a Traditional University with a non-traditional set-up. Over the next five years, it will further transform itself into a knowlege age University. Programmes at GAU will increasingly offer students the opportunity to experience and explore the interchange of theory and practice through technology and service-learning opportunities.