At the recent August retreat in St. Peter, representatives from across the campus discussed the importance of furthering our efforts in internationalizing our university. Last spring, a task force was formed to develop an organizational structure that would effectively and efficiently address the administration of study abroad/international programs at MSU. That task force has completed its work and submitted a report with recommendations. I will make a decision regarding the organizational structure in the near future following additional discussion at meet and confer meetings. However, there is need for continuing discussion and planning for the role of international education at MSU. The goals are to promote study abroad experiences for domestic students, to enrich the multi-cultural environment, to enhance services, and to increase the number of international students studying at MSU. Therefore, the charge to this new strategic priority task force includes:
To review and assess existing programs and develop a plan that will effectively address the academic and student life needs of students (both domestic and international) so that they will become engaged citizens in a global environment.
To make recommendations to incorporate international experiences and perspectives, into the curriculum.
To develop a recruitment and retention plan to bring international students to our campus and to retain these students.
To examine opportunities for international students to share their cultures and also for domestic students studying abroad to share their experiences with the university and community.
To evaluate student support services for international students and recommend changes to improve and/or expand such services.
To provide an opportunity for input from the campus and Mankato community and to solicit ideas and comments from appropriate departments and unit representatives.
To develop a resource need analysis and funding plan for all recommendations.
To encourage international faculty to visit MSU and University faculty to go abroad.
To present a proposal to the President for campus consideration by the end of spring semester 2005.
The programs, policies and procedures that serve to enhance international/global experiences for University students should be reviewed by representative University groups. The Vice President for Academic Affairs will have oversight for the work of the Task Force. Membership on the task force will consist of a representative from each bargaining unit as well as two students, one of whom will be an international student and one of whom will have participated in a study abroad experience, if possible. The President will appoint a chair of the Task Force and 4 members to serve at-large. Staff working with international programs will serve in an ex-officio capacity and other University staff may be invited to participate in subcommittees and provide information and assistance to the Task Force.
