U.S. Higher Education: A Brief Guide, a new publication by ACE, provides important information non-U.S. institutions need to pursue and develop successful partnerships with U.S. colleges and universities.
The guide is also useful for people in the United States interested in learning more about the country's higher education landscape, such as international students, first-generation students, high school counselors, and faculty considering becoming administrators. It opens with a brief introduction and a section on the goals and activities fundamental to international partnerships in higher education. The remainder of the publication provides detailed overviews of U.S. higher education as a whole, institutional leadership and operations, and the student experience.
Some highlights of the guide include:
An explanation of the role of federal and state governments in U.S. higher education and the qualities that differentiate the U.S. from many others in this respect, namely decentralization and institutional autonomy
A delineation of institution types, funding structures, and governance
The typical roles and responsibilities of key campus administrators, including a sample organization chart
The significance of co-curricular activities in the student experience and information on integrating international students through the co-curriculum
The publication is an updated version of a 2007 publication that also includes new original content. Throughout the guide, Implications for Engagement segments are included to explicitly explore the connection between international collaborations and partnerships, and the broader topics discussed in the corresponding sections. Related Resources boxes highlight ACE and other associations' research, initiatives, examples, and tools that provide additional details and information about key topics.
ACE members are encouraged to share this guide with potential international partners and other members of the campus community who may find it useful.