During the rich discussion at a kickoff meeting Aug. 26, the members of ACE’s 2016-18 cohort of the Internationalization Laboratory
learned what the next 20 months have in store and explored the
challenges to moving their campuses toward comprehensive
internationalization.
This cohort’s members are Central Michigan University; Inter American
University of Puerto Rico, Barranquitas; Lehigh University (PA); Loyola
University Maryland; Missouri University of Science & Technology;
Mount Saint Mary's University (CA); Northeast Ohio Medical University;
Old Dominion University (VA); Southeast Missouri State University;
Universidad Antonio Nariño (Colombia); and University of Nebraska Omaha.
Throughout the day, attendees detailed the current status of
internationalization efforts on their campuses and their goals going
forward. While each institution is at a different stage of the process,
all are seeking to align their efforts into a cohesive strategy for
comprehensive internationalization through their participation in the
Laboratory. Key discussion topics included curriculum
internationalization, globalized student learning outcomes, and faculty
engagement in internationalization efforts.
ACE staff, led by Barbara Hill and Robin Helms, provided an overview
of the resources and activities of the Laboratory and what participants
can hope to achieve by the completion of the program in 2018. Over the
course of the Laboratory, ACE will assist the institutions in tackling
challenging issues and gaining campus-wide support and formulating a
strategic plan for internationalization. Each participating institution
will assemble a committee to spearhead the Laboratory process, attend
learning committee meetings in Washington, and undergo a site visit and a
peer review.
Hill and Helms were also joined by several facilitators who have
previously participated in the Laboratory and will serve as project
advisors to the participating institutions.
As one member of the cohort put it, through the Laboratory, ACE aims
to serve as a “lifeline” to colleges and universities trying to find
their footing in an increasingly globalized and competitive world.
Participating institutions will benefit from the shared experiences of
their cohort, as well as the expertise of ACE staff garnered from
working with over 100 institutions in the Laboratory program over the
last 13 years.
The next meeting of the cohort will take place in February 2017.
It is not too early to start thinking about applying for the 2017-19 cohort. Applications will open in January. For more information, contact Robin Helms at rhelms@acenet.edu.