American Jewish University

American Jewish University is a thriving center of Jewish resources and talent built upon core values of Jewish Learning, Culture, Ethics, Leadership andPeoplehood. In 2007, the University of Judaism acquired with the Brandeis-Bardin Institute, creating a landmark entity, from then on known as American Jewish University. This new organization now boasts two campuses, a single vision and a shared future. Today, American Jewish University is one of the largest and most innovative Jewish institutions in the country.

Heartened by our vibrant Jewish community, we continue to add faculty, expand our curriculum and develop innovative academic programs that prepare undergraduate, graduate and rabbinical students for rewarding lives – as leaders in the Jewish community as well as society at large. Our graduates are making a difference in the world.

Our role as a leadership training ground is matched by our commitment to provide the broader community with a variety of substantive educational experiences. Our lectures, symposia, special institutes, center for continuing education classes and a wide array of cultural offerings are enhancing thousands of individuals’ understanding of Judaism, and expanding their knowledge about the history, traditions and languages of this glorious ancient heritage.

The Division of Finance, Administration, and Technology provides Finance, Human Resources, Insurance, Risk Management, and Technology services to every facet of the University and its support community. On a daily basis, our team provides an array of services that touch everyone connected to AJU. We strive to provide the highest quality and supportive service possible. In the materials that follow, we will share with you more detailed information on the many service points, employment at the University, and how you can contact us for more information and assistance.Whether you are a student at AJU, a friend and supporter, a member of our staff or faculty, or a member of the community, the staff in our division is here to make your relationship with the University as positive as possible.

In the past few years, AJU has made rapid gains in its use of technology. This has included merging Brandeis-Bardin Institute network and applications, improving security to our networks, upgrading our main student management system, deploying new web management tools, and developing our social networking appearance. We manage our e-mail systems, host internally our extensive website, and continue to enhance our infrastructure including wireless abilities.

Accounting and Financial Management work group handles all financial functions and transactions. Besides the day-to-day accounting transactions for the University, this group is also responsible for cash management, investment management, compliance with federal and state regulations, managing payroll services, and independent Audit.

The student Billing Office deals with all financial matters regarding students. In this office we also assist students with payment plans to meet their financial obligations to the University.

With a total work force approaching over two hundred full and part-time employees, the University has its own employee classification system, maintains a competitive salary and benefits program, personnel policies, and employee support program. AJU is proud of its dedicated staff – many of whom have been with us for a decade or more. AJU strives to provide part-time work on the Familian campus for our students and also operates a work study program.

Our staff plays an integral role in developing the master plan for both campuses and in the strategic planning of how we can maximize the resources that we have for the benefit of the community.

For more than 30 years, we have been the nation’s leading center for welcoming those seeking to convert to Judaism, interfaith couples, and all those who want to learn more and find a home in the Jewish community.Our signature INTRO course explores Jewish history, tradition, ideas, and culture. Our vibrant INTRO 2.0 community comes together to celebrate, learn, and explore. together. Our INTRO Teaching Network extends across North America, linking together communities who share a common belief in open doors and open hearts.

American Jewish University draws students from a broad geographic region, reflecting a population diverse in culture, background, religion, values and perspectives.In 1947, the University of Judaism (UJ) was founded in Los Angeles, based on the vision of Dr. Mordecai Kaplan, author of Judaism as a Civilization, who advocated the creation of an educational institution incorporating diverse elements of Jewish civilization and culture.

Six years earlier, BCI (the Brandeis Camp Institute) was founded by Dr. Shlomo Bardin to respond to assimilation of young American Jews by making “the great ethical heritage of Judaism” relevant to them. This effort was located for brief periods of time in Amherst, NH, Winterdale, PA and Hendersonville, NC before finding its home in 1947 in Simi Valley, California.

The UJ had several homes before moving to the Familian campus in Bel Air in 1977. Thanks to the foresight and leadership of the founding president, Dr. Simon Greenberg, his successor Dr. David Lieber, and first Chairman of the Board, Dore Schary, the UJ became well known early-on for its outstanding teacher training and adult education programs and highly regarded as a Jewish affiliated academic institution that welcomes students of different backgrounds and beliefs.