President Dwight D. Eisenhower urged the founding of schools of international affairs. It happened during the height of the Cold War. His initiative called together thirteen university presidents. Among them was AU’s Hurst Robins Anderson. He encouraged them to create human-focused international affairs programs. These programs would prepare practitioners for foreign policy beyond the U.S.-Soviet rivalry. In response, the School of International Service was founded.
Here we are at the School of International Service. It is also known as SIS. It is American University’s school of advanced international study. It covers areas such as international politics. It also studies international communication and international development. SIS also studies international economics, and peace and conflict resolution. International law and human rights are also important. Global environmental politics and U.S. foreign policy are studied here too.
The School of International Service was established in 1957. It boasts an alumni network of over 20000. SIS enrolls more than 3000 students. These students come from over 150 countries. The school uses the academic and governmental resources of Washington D.C.. The School of International Service consistently ranks highly. It is among international relations programs. SIS is a member of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs. SIS has partnerships with schools. One example is the Balsillie School of International Affairs.
In 1958, the School of International Service admitted its first full-time class. It replaced AU’s Department of International Relations. The class had 85 students. They represented 36 countries. In 1967, SIS added its International Communications program. It was the first such program offered by an American university. In 1981 SIS inaugurated the Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies. It addressed concerns that American universities lacked a venue. This venue would explore Muslim-Western understanding. In the 1990s, SIS established dual degree programs. These were with Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan. There was another with Korea University in Seoul, Korea.
In 1991, SIS added the Center for the Global South. In 1995 came the Mohammed Said Farsi Chair in Islamic Peace. In 2000 there was a joint program. It was on National Resources and Sustainable Development. It was with the United Nations University for Peace. New degree options were implemented in 2010. These include the Global Scholars Program. It is a three-year B.A. program. There is an M.A. program in Social Enterprise. Also, in partnership with the U.S. Peace Corps, a Master’s International degree. This combines a Peace Corps assignment with SIS academic work.
In 2004, plans began for a new academic building. It covers 70000 square feet. Architect William McDonough designed it. It was completed in spring 2010. It is a LEED Gold-certified building. It features 3230 square feet of photovoltaic solar panels. It has low-flow faucets to reduce water consumption. Three solar water heating systems also feature.
American University’s School of International Service prepares students to serve the global community. It helps them become emerging leaders. They will wage peace and build understanding. The world needs such leaders today. Since its founding in 1957, SIS has remained committed. It answers President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s call. The school prepares students of international affairs to “wage peace.” SIS believes the world needs leaders ready to serve.