About the Initiative
Global Spotlight is the Office of International Programs’ biennial focus on a region of the world and a pressing global issue. In 2009-2010, the focus will be on the continent of Africa and the issue of Water in the World.
Goals
The initiative comes from taskforce recommendations, as part of the University’s strategic positioning effort. Funding is provided from Central Administration to support international scholarly initiatives at the University. The goals of the program are to:
- highlight existing strengths of the University
- build on cross-border and cross-disciplinary relationships
- educate and inform the University and local community
- identify and provide funding for targeted research and other scholarly initiatives
- increase the University’s visibility and stature around the world
“The idea of the Global Spotlight series is to literally and figuratively shine a light on international activities across the University," said Robert Jones, senior vice president for system academic administration. "Our faculty already do amazing work to address the world's issues and our students are preparing more than ever to live and work in a global society. By highlighting a specific region of the world and by focusing on a particular topic, we hope also to inspire new research and advance understanding of the world in integrated and exciting ways."
Activities
Over the course of two years, OIP will plan and sponsor symposia, conferences, lectures, films, and cultural events to educate and inform the University and local community about the University’s work in the areas of Africa and Water in the World. While sponsored by OIP, the initiative is designed to engage the entire University community, including all five campuses. All University units are encouraged to incorporate Global Spotlight themes into their events. OIP is interested in promoting and possibly co-sponsoring these events. (Learn more about how to get involved.)
Funding
In the second year of the initiative, OIP plans to offer a grant program and identify other internal and external sources of funding to support targeted research and scholarly initiatives related to the Global Spotlight themes. Guidelines and more information about the grants will be announced in fall 2009. (Note that OIP will not offer strategic initiatives grants in 2009.)
Advisory Committees
Two advisory committees—one for Africa and one for Water —support and guide the initiative.
Africa
- College of Design: Leslie van Duzer
- College of Education and Human Development: Fran Vavrus
- College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences: Rodney Smith, Claudia Parliament, and Rocky (Ralph) Gutiérrez
- College of Liberal Arts: Ron Aminzade, Abdi Samatar
- Crookston campus: Harouna Maiga
- Duluth campus: Robert Hecky
- Humphrey Institute: Ragui Assaad
- Institute of Technology: Harvey Keynes, Paige Novak
- Pharmacy: Doneka Scott
- Provost’s Office: John Ziegenhagen
Water
- College of Education and Human Development: Jay Hatch
- College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences: Jay Coggins, Abel Ponce de Leon
- College of Liberal Arts: Evelyn Davidheiser, Donna Gabaccia
- Humphrey Institute: Sherry Gray
- Institute of Technology: Efi Foufoula-Georgiou, Tim LaPara
- Institute on the Environment/Metropolitan Design Center: Pat Nunnally
- Large Lakes Observatory - Duluth: Thomas Johnson
- Law School: Brad Karkkainen
- Morris campus: James Cotter
- School of Public Health: Matt Simcik
- Water Resources Center: Deb Swackhamer
Future
Work is already underway to identify the biennial focus for 2011-2012. An announcement is expected in fall 2010.