September 12, 2008
New task force to focus on internationalization
A new task force, working with the American Council on Education (ACE), will spend the next year reviewing and strengthening internationalization of the West Lafayette campus.
A major focus of Provost Randy Woodson’s charge to the task force is to implement many of the global aspects of Purdue’s new strategic plan. In drafting the plan, Purdue committed itself to “setting the pace for new interdisciplinary synergies that serve citizens worldwide.”
The task force is co-chaired by Andy Gillespie, associate dean of international programs, and Brian Harley, assistant dean of international programs and director of study abroad. The group includes representation from academic and research units, student services, University Senate, business services and advancement. In addition to Purdue faculty, staff, and administrators, the task force will work closely with the strategic plan globalization working group, or "tiger team," that provided the international dimensions of the University's strategic plan.
An internationalization review process will involve
* Determining the present state of University internationalization with peer review and benchmarking;
* Identifying opportunities as well as challenges and obstacles to internationalization across our missions;
* Creating a shared vision for international learning, discovery and engagement; and
* Framing a new conversation on internationalization within the University community.
Outcomes from the year-long process will include a "state of the union" assessment of Purdue's internationalization and how it compares to peer institutions; college and unit strategic plans that incorporate internationalization strategies in concert with the goals of the University strategic plan; and goals for moving Purdue along the path of comprehensive internationalization and excellence.
The University’s international goal is to engage with the state, the nation, and the world -- and to engage across its learning, discovery, and engagement missions. The purpose of this task force is to help Purdue realize the promise of new synergies across this mission.