Office of International Programs

Office of International Programs

International Dateline

Fall 1998

In This Issue:

C. Eugene Allen appointed director of ISP Sept. 1
ISP's new executive director has a long history of international involvement, beginning in the College of Agriculture and spanning the globe, from Australia to Morocco. The ISP director's office will move Nov. 17 to 201 Coffey Hall to join Allen. A summary of changes in ISP is listed here.

U delegation sought state research partnerships in Finland, Norway
President Yudof visited research centers and universities while accompanying Minnesota governor Arne Carlson on a business development mission. Three deans, a vice president, and director of the Academic Health Center formed the delegation.

New international scholars and students welcomed at new West Bank offices
About 200 international scholars new to the University fall quarter, and more than 700 new international students on the Twin Cities campus, were welcomed at 190 Humphrey Center (ISSS) and 130 Management/Economics (China Center). The impact of the Asian economic crisis is not yet clear.

Reception for visiting international faculty and staff will be Nov. 12
The annual reception for international scholars at the Weisman welcomes visiting international faculty and staff, as well as their mentors and colleagues in University departments and offices.

Pui will step down as China Center director Dec. 15
A leading researcher in the field of aerosols in mechanical engineering, David Pui has directed the China Center since 1994 and accompanied several University delegations to Asia. He will resume teaching and research full time.

Duluth campus signs agreements with three Swedish universities
New agreements with Karlskrona/Ronneby, Malmo, and Orebro will focus on business development.

St. Paul campus colleges study abroad
The four St. Paul campus undergraduate colleges are collaborating with the Global Campus this year on a special project to increase study abroad participation among undergraduates.

CLA's Institute for Global Studies (IGS) pursues new approaches
An emphasis on research, a new Global Studies major to replace the current International Relations and Area Studies majors, and a "global studies house" undergraduate dormitory are both part of CLA's new international intiative.

U delegation attended world conference on remedies to economic equality
Seventeen faculty and staff members represented the University of Minnesota at the Second World Conference on Remedies to Racial and Ethnic Economic Equality in Australia Sept. 20-25.

Culture Corps invites faculty and staff proposals
An innovative new program invites faculty, staff, and F-1 and J-1 international students to submit proposals that will allow the Twin Cities campus community to draw on the experience and knowledge of international students.

Career workshops for international students fall quarter begin Oct. 29
Workshops this quarter on job search strategies, resumes, interviewing, and visa options after graduation will be held on Thursdays in Blegen Hall.

President welcomed reentry students at "Bringing the World Home"
The Global Campus and President Yudof welcomed students returning home from study abroad. The celebration included a career room, campus and community organizations, speakers, and prizes including plane tickets.

Senegal partners with U in student, faculty exchange
by Amy Olson, Minnesota Daily, Oct. 28, p. 1. See also Senegal and U officials sign agreement in International Dateline, Summer 1998.

Investments key to Morocco's fiscal health
by Andrew Carter, Minnesota Daily, Oct. 26, p. 1. University alumnus Mohamed Benaissa, now Morocco's ambassador to the United States, visited the Twin Cities to speak on economic issues, but also spoke highly of his years at the U.

C. Eugene Allen named ISP executive director Sept. 1

C. Eugene (Gene) Allen, former provost for professional studies, was appointed executive director of the Institute of International Studies and Programs (ISP) by executive vice president Bob Bruininks on Sept. 1.

Allen has a diverse history of international involvement beginning in the College of Agriculture, where he served on the faculty and as dean. He has lived in Australia, spent time in Morocco, Rwanda, the Dominican Republic, Antigua/St. Kitts, Poland, and the former Soviet Union doing research or program reviews, and has studied briefly in Venezuela and Kenya. His most significant international experience, beyond Australia, has been in Morocco from the 1970s to the present.

Bruininks cited Allen's experience in academic and professional exchange programs and development projects, and his strong commitment to the international aspects of the University's mission.

"Gene is a proven leader, manager, and educator, and brings a rich and diverse set of experiences to this position," said Bruininks. "I am confident that his leadership...will allow international education and programs at the University of Minnesota to flourish and grow."

In 1993 Gene Allen (right) was named an honorary faculty member of Morocco's Institut Agronomique et Veterinaire Hassan II at the conclusion of a thirteen-year project with the University of Minnesota, in which the two institutions pledged to continue their strong relationship.

Since coming to the University of Minnesota in 1967, Allen has been recognized for outstanding teaching, receiving both the College of Agriculture's Distinguished Teacher Award and the all-university Morse-Amoco Award for Outstanding Contributions to Undergraduate Education in 1984. He served as vice president for agriculture, forestry, and home economics (1990-95), as director of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station (1990-97), and as provost for professional studies (1995-97) under President Hasselmo. He has been an invited speaker at many universities on a variety of topics and as a faculty member received a number of national research awards. Recently he was elected a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

With associate vice president Robert Kvavik, Allen has been one of the University of Minnesota's two representatives to the board of the Midwest Universities Consortium for International Activities (MUCIA) since 1992.

In addition to his 50 percent time responsibilities in ISP, Allen also directs a leadership project funded by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. Earlier this year on a three-month administrative leave, he worked with individuals at the University of California-San Diego and six other universities in Los Angeles and San Diego.

"International programs are important to our university, students, and external constituents at a time when global issues of one kind or another increasingly impact our lives and institutions," Allen said. "Through win-win partnerships with our colleges, other universities, and external partners, I envision that ISP can be helpful in enhancing the international dimensions of our research and education programs."

ISP offices to span Twin Cities campuses

The ISP director's office, currently located in 149 Nicholson Hall, will move to join Allen in 201 Coffey Hall on the St. Paul Campus on Tuesday, Nov. 17.

Other ISP offices are

Contact Professor Gene Allen at allen@mailbox.mail.umn.edu or 612-624-3290.

— Gayla Marty, Sept. 22, 1988

Related story:
ISP director Metcalf to Mississippi June 30 (International Dateline, Summer 1998)

U delegation sought state research partnerships in Finland, Norway

President Yudof and a University of Minnesota delegation accompanied Gov. Arne Carlson and Lt. Gov. Joanne Benson on a business development mission to Norway and Finland Aug. 16-30.

Mankato State University President Richard Rush also joined the delegation. The two presidents said they hoped to strengthen relationships between Minnesota's higher education systems and universities and businesses in Scandinavia, focusing specifically on the high technology and medical industries.

Vice president for research Christine Maziar (left) and president Mark Yudof (second from left) met with rector Kari Raivio (second from right) at the University of Helsinki.

University of Helsinki chancellor Risto Ihamuotila (center in blue suit), Minnesota governor Arne Carlson (right of the chancellor), and President Yudof (right) honored the exchange agreement between the two universities at a dinner at the Palace Hotel overlooking the harbor in Helsinki.

In Norway, University of Oslo rector Lucy Smith (standing left) and administrative director Tor Saglie (seated right) met with Minnesota Lt. Gov. Joanne Benson and President Yudof.

The University delegation

The University delegation at the harbor in Oslo: (left to right) Kjell Knudsen, dean of business and economics at Duluth; Frank Cerra, vice president for the health sciences; Christine Maziar, vice president for research and the Graduate School; Bob Elde, dean of biological sciences; Mrs. Yudof; Ted Davis, dean of technology; President Mark Yudof; Bob Kvavik, associate vice president.

— Prepared by G. Marty, ISP, Sept. 30. Photos courtesy of Bob Kvavik.

For more information see: "Lessons from a Scandinavian trip," by President Mark Yudof, Kiosk (October 1998)

Yudof and administrators to join Carlson on European business trip, by Jeremy Taff, Minnesota Daily (Aug. 14)

News release, including itinerary highlights, University News Service (Aug. 13)

New international students and scholars welcomed at new ISSS, China Center offices

More than 700 new international students and about 200 scholars — visiting international researchers staff, and faculty — were welcomed for fall quarter by International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at the Twin Cities campus of the University of Minnesota.

ISSS serves international scholars on all campuses of the University including Crookston, Duluth, Morris, and the Twin Cities. It serves international students at the Twin Cities campus only.

Each year more than a thousand international scholars come to University of Minnesota for periods ranging from a week or two to a full year.

About 3,000 international students study at the Twin Cities campus each year, where the total student population is close to 40,000.

Most international students are graduate students, and more than half come from countries of Asia, with Korea, China, and India all ranking among the top countries represented at the University, as well as nationally. The University of Minnesota has the largest population of students from China in the United States.

It is not clear yet how the Asian economic crisis and general global economic conditions have impacted fall enrollments, according to ISSS director Kay Thomas. That should become clearer within the next few weeks.

The new students and scholars checked in at the new location of ISSS and the China Center, which both moved to the West Bank of the Minneapolis campus in August.

  • Fall statistics of the University's international population will be reported to the national Open Doors survey conducted each year by the Institute of International Education (IIE) in New York, and published in November in The Chronicle of Higher Education.

    • — Gayla Marty, Oct. 5, 1998

    Related stories:
    Small World Coffee Hour welcomes students and staff
    ISSS, China Center moved to West Bank Aug. 10 (International Dateline, Summer 1998)
    The U responds to Asian economic crisis (International Dateline, Winter 1998)

    Welcome reception for international scholars will be Nov. 12

    The annual welcome reception for visiting international scholars (international researchers, staff, and faculty) and their mentors will be held Thursday, Nov. 12, 1998, at the Frederick A. Weisman Art Museum, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

    Invitations will be sent to scholars who have checked in at International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), but University of Minnesota faculty and staff are also encouraged to invite their visiting colleagues and to attend with them.

    Program remarks will be made at 5 p.m. The museum galleries will be open for viewing, featuring "The Great American Pop Art Store," an exhibit of recent gifts, and the museum's permanent collection.

    The reception is hosted by the Institute of International Studies and Programs (ISP) and the Minnesota International Center (MIC).

    Please call if you will attend!

    If you plan to attend, please call 612-626-1873 by Nov. 5, if possible.

    Oct. 15, 1998

    David Pui will step down as director of University's China Center

    NEWS RELEASE
    October 22, 1998
    Updated December 8, 1998

    David Pui, professor and director of the University of Minnesota China Center, will step down from his post Dec. 15 to resume full time teaching and research in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

    Pui, a leading researcher in the field of aerosols in mechanical engineering, has directed the China Center since 1994 and accompanied several University delegations to Asia. The University of Minnesota hosts the largest population of Chinese students and scholars in the United States, numbering approximately 1300 persons. The University currently has exchange agreements with 18 institutions in the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

    Alumni met a University delegation at the airport in Beijing last winter when President Yudof (center, in red) accompanied Governor Carlson on an economic development mission. Professor David Pui, who has honored and strengthened alumni ties in China, is left of and behind the President.

    The China Center promotes academic exchanges and research collaboration with universities in China. It is advised by a group of 18 faculty members and administrators drawn from many colleges across the University.

    "David Pui is an academic superstar," said Regents Professor Paul Quie, chair of the China Center Advisory Committee. "He's doing pioneering work in the laboratory, and is highly diplomatic in being able to manage a complex organization like the China Center and act as an essential part of presidential delegations to China. He's just an all-around marvelous University citizen."

    During Pui's tenure as director of the China Center, he has overseen an initiative to maintain and reestablish ties with thousands of alumni and former scholars in China as part of the University's overall international alumni initiative. He has hosted delegations from China, and accompanied President Nils Hasselmo as well as President Mark Yudof and Minnesota Governor Arne Carlson to China on university and statewide missions. He conceived and oversaw publication of a major publication honoring historical ties with China, Building Bridges: University of Minnesota Alumni in China, in 1995.

    In 1997 Pui surveyed faculty links in China and documented the activity of 280 University of Minnesota faculty members from 25 colleges and 106 departments, with linkages to 160 academic institutions and university-technology-industrial campuses throughout the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

    "I am pleased that the China Center is able to assist many faculty members and college deans in furthering their China initiatives, and to serve as a resource to Minnesota companies and government agencies," said Pui. "We have strengthened our alumni connection in China and Taiwan, and have projected a very positive image to Chinese institutions.

    "The success of the past few years is the result of collaboration and support of China Center faculty advisers and staff, as well as generous support from the central administration. I have enjoyed my tenure at the China Center tremendously, and look forward to continuing to serve the University as a productive faculty member in teaching, research, and service."

    Pui also directs of the Particle Technology Laboratory, a world-renowned laboratory for the study of aerosols, or small airborne particles. Applications of the laboratory's work include air pollution measurement and modeling, clean manufacturing of semiconductors, air and gas filtration, and many others. Pui is the recipient of many prestigious national and international awards and fellowships, the author of more than 180 publications, a co-developer of several widely used aerosol sampling and measuring instruments, and an active member in many professional societies and advisory groups on government standards.

    David Y. H. Pui was born in Shanghai, China, and received his primary and secondary education in Hong Kong. He studied for one year at the National Taiwan University in Taipei, Taiwan, and then came to the University of Minnesota, where he received his bachelor of science, master of science, and doctoral degrees. He became a full professor in 1992.

    "David Pui took the China Center to a whole new level," said C. Eugene Allen, executive director of the Institute of International Studies and Programs (ISP), of which the China Center is a part. "We need to keep it there, and build on what he's accomplished."

    The search committee for the new director of the China Center is now accepting applications and nominations. They will begin reviewing applications Dec. 10 and continue until the position is filled.

    China Center director position opening

    See also the China Center's home page at http://www.chinacenter.umn.edu/chinacenter/

    Duluth announces exchange agreements with three Swedish universities

    An extensive exchange agreement between the University of Minnesota-Duluth and the University of Karlskrona/Ronneby was announced Sept. 11 by vice chancellor for academic administration Vincent Magnuson.

    Agreements with the University of Malmo and the University of Orebro were to be completed soon.

    The pacts were being finalized on the final day of the week-long Soft Center Partners Days in Duluth. Approximately 30 Swedish university officials and business persons attended meetings and seminars at the Duluth campus all day Sept. 10 and 11.

    The comprehensive agreements are aimed at close academic cooperation among the institutions in ways that will "aid their material, physical, and intellectual growth" and include:

    As part of the small business development programs, the institutions will begin to develop programs that will provide education and training in entrepreneurial research, information technology, and regional economic development, as well as national and international policy regarding small- and medium-sized businesses.

    UMD is a partner with the city of Duluth in the Duluth Technology Village/Soft Center and will be an occupant of the complex. The UMD Center for Economic Development will be located at the Duluth Technology Village.

    Contacts:

    Ms. Susan Beasy Latto, UMD director of public relations, 218-726-8830

    Dr. Vincent Magnuson, vice chancellor for academic administration, 218-726-7103

    Dr. Kjell Knudsen, dean of the School of Business and Economics and chair of the board of director of the Soft Center Duluth, 218-726-7288.

    — UMD Public Relations, 218-726-7110

    St. Paul colleges focus on increasing numbers of students who study abroad

    The four St. Paul campus undergraduate colleges of the University of Minnesota — the College of Natural Resources, College of Biological Sciences, College of Human Ecology, and College of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences — are collaborating with the Global Campus this year on a special project with the goal of increasing study abroad participation among their undergraduate students.

    The Global Campus is working closely with the dean's office, student services staff, and major coordinators in each college to identify study abroad programs, international field study opportunities, and foreign institutions that offer courses and topics relevant to students in their colleges.

    Special advising materials and a new web site will be developed, and promotional events will take place throughout the year.

    The contact person is Michelle Cumming, 612-625-9383 or cummi002@tc.umn.edu.

    If you have questions about other study abroad initiatives, see the Global Campus home page or contact them at UMabroad@tc.umn.edu

    — Michelle Cumming, September 1998

    CLA's new Institute for Global Studies signals new approach to international education

    The College of Liberal Arts announced the creation of the Institute for Global Studies (IGS) in June. The new institute replaces the Institute for International Studies (IIS) in 214 Social Sciences.

    The mission of IGS will be to

    A new global studies major will eventually replace the current international relations and area studies majors.

    The Institute will also encourage language study and study abroad, provide internship opportunities, and sponsor Global Studies House, an undergraduate dormitory for students interested in global and international issues.

    IGS currently houses

    Gloria Goodwin Raheja, associate professor of anthropology, is the IGS director.

    Contact the Institute for Global Studies at 612-624-9007, or 214 Social Sciences, 267 19th Avenue S., Minneapolis, MN 55455.

    Related story:
    Minnesota and Wisconsin win new German studies center

    Oct. 2, 1998

    U delegation attends world conference on remedies to economic equality

    The University of Minnesota delegation to the Second World Conference on Remedies to Racial and Ethnic Economic Equality included 17 faculty and staff members from seven colleges and several other units. The conference was held at the University of South Australia Sept. 20-25.

    The conference brought together researchers, activists, government leaders, and civil rights scholars from around the world who are actively engaged in racial reconciliation efforts.

    University of Minnesota delegates were:

    — Sept. 30, 1998

    Culture Corps: University community learning through the experience and knowledge of international students

    David Bernstein of the theatre arts and dance department and graduate student Anja Klock of Germany are mounting the North American premiere of Bertolt Brecht's Turandot, a new translation by Klock funded through Culture Corps.

    Through Culture Corps, international students on the Twin Cities campus provide education and knowledge to the University community, bringing their distinct international perspectives to the classroom and departmental activities. In return they receive a partial or full tuition waiver, or a cash award credited to their STARS account during the academic term of their project.

    Culture Corps is a new program to promote internationalization on the Twin Cities campus. The goal is for international students to assist faculty and departments in classroom or non-academic activities. Examples of recent awards include

    Angela Smith of New Zealand and David Gray of England contributed in multicultural affairs' summer institute.

    Klock and Bernstein's project is exactly the kind of project Culture Corps is looking for, according to Nelda Njos, assistant coordinator for Culture Corps.

    "This production will bring a new historical and ideological perspective to the University community," Njos said.

    Mohammed Bari, the Culture Corps project coordinator, emphasized that Culture Corps is unique as a tool for internationalization because it's driven by needs of faculty and staff, not a central office.

    "The possibilities are endless," Bari said.

    Njos adds: "The main parameter for a proposed project is that it needs to support our mission statement: 'University community learning through the experience and knowledge of international students.'"

    Njos invites all questions about the program and can be reached at 612-626-7194, or by e-mail at CultureC@tc.umn.edu, or by campus mail at International Student and Scholar Services, 190 Humphrey Center. Her office is in 94E Blegen Hall (next to the Essentials Restaurant). NOTE: The Culture Corps office has moved to 150 Heller, near the China Center. (October 1999)

    Culture Corps project coordinator Mohammed Bari, right, and assistant coordinator Nelda Njos, both of International Student and Scholar Services

    More information for faculty and staff

    More information for international students

    "Program livens international presence at U," by Stacy Jo Enge, Minnesota Daily, Sept. 25, 1998

    "Culture Corps: program with international flair," item 5 in "FYI," Kiosk, October 1998

    Culture Corps home page

    ISSS home page

    — Nelda Njos and Gayla Marty

    Career workshops for international students — fall quarter dates

    Job Search Strategies (Oct. 29)

    An introduction to the process of finding a practical training or career position in the United States. We will discuss how to find job openings, what employers look for, cultural differences in the job search process, and campus resources.

    Resumes and Cover Letters (Nov. 5)

    Your resume and cover letter are your ticket to a job interview. Learn about format and content. Sample resumes will be available.

    Job Interviews: How to Prepare, What to Expect (Nov. 12)

    Learn about interview purpose, format, standard questions, effective communication, and dress. Tips for preparation will be provided.

    Visa Options After Graduation (Nov. 19)

    An overview of post-graduation visa options will be given, including F-1 Optional Practical Training, J-1 Academic Training, H-1B Temporary Worker Visas, and permanent residency options.

    For further workshop information and for disability accommodations, contact Kristi Nokken at ISSS, 612-626-0363, or nokke001@tc.umn.edu.

    — G. Marty, Oct. 8, 1998

    "Bringing the World Home" welcomes students returning from abroad Oct. 2

    The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities welcomed students home from study abroad at a celebration on Friday, Oct. 2, 3-6 p.m., Coffman Memorial Union, on the east bank of the Minneapolis campus.

    "Bringing the World Home: A Study Abroad Reentry Event" was the first of its kind on the Twin Cities campus, an effort to celebrate and recognize the importance of international experiences.

    President Mark Yudof, associate vice president Robert Kvavik, Global Campus director Al Balkcum, and others spoke.

    Students talked to recruiters from international companies and organizations

    "Study abroad had been important for you, but we want you to know that what you've done has been important to the University, as well," the president said. "That you have gone out into the world...and now bring back those perspectives adds an essential component to this institution."

    The president said he is seeking $1 million from the legislature this year for scholarships to support study abroad, with strong support from the governor.

    President Yudof welcomed students back from abroad and pledged to set more scholarship money from the legislature.

    The celebration featured a career room with recruiters from Cargill, Retek Information Systems, Peace Corps, Window on the World, and others. Many departments and campus and community organizations staffed tables.

    The celebration also featured food and prizes, including plane tickets.

    Many campus and community organizations came out to connect with students

    "Bringing the World Home" was sponsored by the Global Campus study abroad office at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

    More information for students