Office of International Programs

Office of International Programs

International Campus Update

September 19, 2005

Editor's note: Welcome to a new school year and another year of International Campus Update. The purpose of this newsletter is to share international-related news and events from across the University of Minnesota system. Submissions from faculty, staff, and departments are welcomed and encouraged.
- Jennifer Schulz, editor

Headlines

WAIVER AND INSURANCE REQUIRED FOR EDUCATION ABROAD: All students who participate in an education experience abroad (study, research, work, intern, or volunteer for credit or as part of a degree program) must complete a release and waiver and obtain the University-approved international health insurance. Colleges, departments, and individual faculty and staff who lead programs abroad must ensure that all students complete these requirements. MORE: http://www.umabroad.umn.edu/healthSafety

Also part of the policy: Students who wish to go to a country on the U.S. State Department travel warning list must obtain prior approval from the Education Abroad Suspension Committee. MORE: http://www.international.umn.edu/travel_warning/

UNIVERSITY OF COLIMA BALLET FOLKLORICO: Free tickets are available to see this Mexican dance troupe perform at Northrop Auditorium on Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. in celebration of the College of Human Ecology’s ongoing Mexico Initiative. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Office of International Programs, West Bank, in 645 Heller Hall, or CHE, St. Paul campus, at 32 McNeal Hall. The performance, sponsored by the law firm Fredrikson & Byron, will conclude the 10-day “Experience Colima” series of events at the Mall of America and other Twin Cities venues. Also, representatives from the University of Colima and the University of Minnesota will sign an educational agreement on Sept. 23.

INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK: Mark your calendars for International Education Week 2005, to be held Nov. 14-18. All student organizations, colleges, and departments are encouraged to plan activities and events that highlight international education at the U. In 2004, International Education Week included almost 40 events at the University. International Education Week was first declared by the U.S. Departments of State and Education in 2000 as part of their effort to encourage policies and programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study in the U.S. MORE: http://www.international.umn.edu/IEweek/

INTERNATIONAL TASK FORCE: Allen Isaacman, professor and director of the Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Global Change (ICGC), and Ruth Okediji, professor in the Law School, will co-chair the “Forging an International University” task force, as part of the University’s strategic positioning initiative. Other members include: Gene Allen, Office of International Programs; Ron Aminzade, sociology; Mike Barnett, Humphrey Institute; Jack Bowman, UMD Fine Arts; Evelyn Davidheiser, Institute for Global Studies; Ian Greaves, public health; Peter Hudleston, I.T.; Olivia LeDee, conservation biology (graduate student); James Perry, fisheries and wildlife; and Karen Brown Thompson, ICGC. Several advisory panels will also be assembled to address the issues of faculty, students, and external inputs.

TOP 500 UNIVERSITIES: The Institute of Higher Education at Shanghai Jiaotong University has released its 2005 Academic Ranking of World Universities, which ranks the top 500 universities in the world based on academic or research performance, including alumni and staff winning Nobel Prizes and Fields Medals, highly cited researchers, articles published in “Nature” and “Science,” articles indexed in major citation indices, and the per capita academic performance of an institution. The University of Minnesota was number 32 on the list. MORE: http://ed.sjtu.edu.cn/rank/2005/ARWU2005Main.htm

Program News

CHEMBA PROGRAM RANKED #1: The Carlson School’s China executive MBA program was ranked the best such program in China, according to a survey of leading Chinese media organizations. The Carlson School joins with Sun Yat-sen University's Lingnan College to offer the degree. The Carlson School also offers executive MBA programs in Warsaw, Vienna, and Minneapolis. MORE:
http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Carlson_
School_program_rated_number_one_in_China.html

CARLSON SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS NEW STAFF: Anne D'Angelo King is the new director of international programs for the Carlson School of Management. Joe Mosher is the new coordinator of exchange programs. Sara Hillstrom has moved from exchange programs to take on many of the responsibilities that Jessica Vogt performed as coordinator for the VEMBA, WEMBA, and CHEMBA programs.

MEDICAL SCHOOL: Niigata University School of Medicine in Japan recently established a Niigata Scholarship for University of Minnesota medical students. The scholarship will cover travel, food, and lodging for one student each year. The student will be mentored by Niigata teaching staff and may choose to focus on one or two departments. Dean Deborah Powell and Senior Associate Dean Kathleen Watson hope to travel to Niigata in November to share curriculum ideas.

MORRIS: Twelve students from the Morris campus visited Jiashan County in southeastern China in June. The program was initiated during a recent exploratory trip to China by UMM Chancellor Sam Schuman. UMM students gained valuable insights into Chinese culture as well as into the daily life and local cuisine of the country. Results of the trip are already being realized. UMM is offering a course in Mandarin Chinese beginning fall semester 2005. UMM is actively seeking educational partners in China and recruiting students from China. In addition, a group of students from Jiashan will attend UMM's Summer Scholars program in July 2006. MORE: http://www.morris.umn.edu/alumni/universityRelations/news/view.php?id=292

OIP AT THE FAIR: Office of International Programs staff performed "Preparing Global Citizens," the University of Minnesota's International Trivia Quiz, at the Minnesota State Fair on Aug. 25. Crowds were hungry for a good time on the opening day of the fair, contestants were enthusiastic, and the trivia was challenging.

REMODELED JONES HALL opened Sept. 6 and houses the College of Liberal Arts Language Center and the Freshman Admissions Welcome Center. A new Transfer & International Admissions Welcome Center for undergraduates is located in 240 Williamson Hall. MORE: http://www.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Quantum_leap.html

Professional Notes

MARIO PRADA, assistant professor and director of multicultural and international programs at the Crookston campus, is leaving UMC to enter the seminary. Prada joined the Crookston faculty and staff in 1988 and made a strong impact on the campus community because of his commitment to diversity and to making international students comfortable on campus.

International Students & Scholars

HURRICANE KATRINA: Several University departments have pulled together to bring international students stranded by the hurricane to the U of M. At least eight international undergraduate and graduate students have enrolled, according to ISSS and the Graduate School.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS & ADMISSIONS INCREASE: As of August, the number of international student applications and admissions is up significantly from 2004. Undergraduate freshman applications rose 68 percent and admits were up 57 percent. Graduate School applications were up 7 percent, while admits were up 23 percent. The official number of international students who enrolled is not known yet, but initial ISSS figures show that the number of new students is up by more than 100.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ENROLLMENT TRENDS: The article, “International Students: It’s a Buyer’s Market,” highlights international student enrollment and trends in the U.S. and the competition from other countries in recruiting students. MORE: http://www.wes.org/ewenr/05july/feature.htm

BEIJING EXPO: A University delegation led by Senior VP Robert Jones attended the Beijing International Education Expo July 9-11 with the goal of recruiting Chinese students, especially undergraduates. The group also hosted information sessions for high school students and hosted a reception for Chinese alumni. [MORE: http://www.umcrookston.edu/umcnews/newsstory.aspx?ID=119] The Expo is part of a larger recruitment initiative to add 1,000 international undergraduates to the Twin Cities campus, bringing the total to about 1,400. Representatives from the Graduate School and the Office of Admissions will attend recruitment fairs in Turkey in October.

DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP AWARD FOR INTERNATIONALS:

CHINESE VISAS EXTENDED: Beginning June 20, 2005, the U.S. government began issuing student visas (F-1/F-2), exchange visas (J-1/J-2), and vocational training visas (M1/M2) to qualified Chinese applicants valid for 12 months with multiple entries. The previous maximum validity was six months with two entries. On a reciprocal basis, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has agreed to issue to American citizens visiting China for student, academic exchange, and vocational training purposes visas valid for 12 months and for multiple entries.

Study, Work, Intern, Volunteer, and Travel Abroad

LEARNING ABROAD FAIR: The annual Learning Abroad Fall Fair will be held Sept. 21, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., on the west end of the Washington Avenue bridge. In addition to Learning Abroad Center staff, the fair will feature representatives from a host of learning abroad co-sponsors and partners. This is a great opportunity for students to communicate directly with program experts, and for faculty and staff to get a first-hand look at the breadth of international opportunities available to undergraduates.

NEW LEARNING ABROAD CATALOG: The 2005-06 Learning Abroad catalog—"Opening Doors of the World"—is now available. Look for the colorful cover on a bright blue background in doorways and distribution points around campus. The catalog offers new features, such as an increased focus on service learning, intern, volunteer, and work opportunities, and a discipline guide that highlights areas of academic strength for Learning Abroad Center sponsored programs. COMMENTS or TO RECEIVE ADDITIONAL COPIES: UMabroad@umn.edu

LEARNING ABROAD BROWN BAG LUNCH: Monthly session with topics relating to increasing the international profile of the undergraduate experience. Faculty and advisers are invited to bring their thoughts, ideas, and questions. All sessions meet noon-1 p.m. in 289 Humphrey Center. The next session, Study Abroad Advising Resources, is Sept. 29.

CURRICULUM INTEGRATION MONOGRAPH: “Internationalizing Undergraduate Education: Integrating Study Abroad into the Curriculum,” a 215-page monograph, is now available at the University Bookstore. It includes 40 articles by faculty, advisers, education abroad professionals, and program providers from the University of Minnesota, University of California, Kalamazoo, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Carleton, Butler, and others. ORDER: http://www.bookstores.umn.edu/viewProduct.cgi?categoryID=110&productID=10632

FIRST STEP MEETINGS: All students interested in learning abroad experiences should first attend a First Step Meeting, hosted by the Learning Abroad Center. First Step Meetings give basic information about study, work, intern, and volunteer programs, and explain the services and resources available through the Learning Abroad Center. No need to make an appointment. SCHEDULE: http://www.umabroad.umn.edu/academic/FirstStepSchedule.html

LEARNING ABROAD RESOURCE CENTER offers students a wealth of information to explore study abroad, work, internship, and volunteer opportunities. SCHEDULE FOR FALL SEMESTER: http://www.umabroad.umn.edu/academic/resourceCenter.html

IMPORTANT POLICY on waivers, insurance, and travel to countries on the travel warning list, see HEADLINES section above.

Funding Opportunities and Announcements

NSEP REPRESENTATIVE ON CAMPUS: Liz Veatch, director for the NSEP David L. Boren Graduate Fellowship, will be visiting the Twin Cities campus on Oct. 12, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (other times by appointment), to meet with students to discuss fellowship opportunities. The National Security Education Program (NSEP) is a unique U.S. government-sponsored fellowship opportunity for U.S. graduate students to enhance their understanding of countries whose languages and cultures are less frequently studied. The maximum award is up to $12,000 per academic semester for up to two semesters. MORE: Meaka Henningsen, Office of International Programs, meaka@umn.edu or http://nsep.aed.org/

INSTITUTE FOR GLOBAL STUDIES offers travel grants to Twin Cities campus faculty and instructors in support of internationalization of the curriculum, international interdisciplinary research linkages, and participation in national or international professional conferences or meetings coupled with additional activities contributing to the internationalization of the university. Preference will be give to activities that are linked to the strategic goals of the Institute. Next deadline: Nov. 1, 2005, for travel occurring January-May 2006. MORE: http://igs.cla.umn.edu/academics/facgrants/igstravel.htm

Events

AUSTRIAN STUDIES LECTURE SERIES:

DAG HAMMARSKJOLD, RALPH BUNCHE, AND THE CONGO: Sept. 27, 7 p.m.,
205 Humphrey Center. As part of the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Swedish diplomat Dag Hammarskjold's birth, University of Wisconsin Professor Emeritus Crawford Young will discuss the "tragic triangle" involving Hammarskjold, Ralph Bunche, and Patrice Lumumba. The Congo crisis of 1960 and the strains experienced that summer led directly to the untimely deaths of all three men, the effects of which are still felt in the Congo today.

GLOBAL DISCUSSION ON CAMPUS with guest speaker Thomas Hanson, program secretary for the St. Paul-Minneapolis Committee on Foreign Relations and a former U.S. diplomat. 12:10-1:20 p.m., 110 Heller Hall. Sponsored by Culture Corps and the Minnesota International Center.
MORE: Contact Hitomi Maeda, maed0015@umn.edu
REMAINING SESSIONS:

PAN-AFRICAN BUFFET, with regional specialties from Cote d'Ivoire, Senegal, and Cape Malay, will be hosted by International Agricultural Programs and the Department of African American and African Studies. Sept. 22, 5:30-8 p.m., Campus Club. Reservations are required. MORE: http://www.umn.edu/cclub/ThursdayDinners.htm or 612-626-7788

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT: Landscape photographs of Central Asia taken by early 20th-century Finnish geographer Johannes Gabriel Granö, plus landscape photos by three contemporary Finnish photographers. Through Oct. 6, Katherine E. Nash Gallery, Regis Center for Art.

SMALL WORLD COFFEE HOUR gives all students, staff, and faculty—both international and U.S.—the opportunity to meet with each other in a relaxing environment and learn about other cultures and traditions around the world. SWCH events are free and take place every other Friday, 4-6 p.m., in 110 Heller Hall. The next one is Sept. 23. Approximately 200 people attend each event, so come join in the fun! MORE: http://www.isss.umn.edu/programs/smallworld/

University of Minnesota
International Campus Update
Vol. 6, No. 5

Office of International Programs
Assoc. Vice President: C. Eugene Allen
Editor: Jennifer Schulz

Interested persons may request to receive this newsletter as an e-mail update by contacting the editor at schul160@umn.edu or calling 612-624-0557.

The next issue will be sent in October. International Campus Update welcomes submissions. Please send items to be included by October 7to schul160@umn.edu or call 612-624-0557.