Ramapo College President Elected to AASCU’s Committee on International Education and Named to Faculty of Millennium Leadership Institute
(Mahwah) – Dr. Rodney D. Smith was elected the newest member of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Committee on International Education at a special meeting of AASCU member presidents held in Carlsbad, California November 21 through 24. The Committee consists of member presidents who have demonstrated strong interest in advancing international education among the more than 440 American public institutions that are members of AASCU. Committee members are charged with developing strategic approaches to advancing international education in American higher education and taking the lead in establishing new initiatives in countries around the world.
In addition, Smith was named a faculty member of the Millennium Leadership Institute of AASCU and will lecture on presidential leadership in Washington, DC in June 2004.
The series of meetings included discussions on world events as well as matters from the State Department such as the following:
- The Sino-American Leadership Training Initiative Project (SALT I and II) with China has been extended into a third component that will include chief academic officers (EXSALT). The CAOs or their designees will conduct follow-up visits to respective international institutions as exchange programs are developed. Ramapo College is one of 12 institutions, nationally, involved with this initiative.
- The Committee continued discussions on developing intensive international academic exchange projects. These programs are being encouraged in an effort to expand the exposure of American and international students.
- The Global Access Project (GAP), a State Department Public Liaison Office Grant was also discussed. This grant currently includes 12 institutions and might be expanding.
- The Committee was updated on the Afghan Women’s Project.
- Members were reminded that the application deadline is December 15 for the National Faculty Development Institute: Incorporating Japanese Studies Into the Undergraduate Curriculum.
- The AASCU director of international education informed the Committee that the East African Education Forum, consisting of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, which has funding from the Rockefeller Center, has requested that AASCU work with them in developing a leadership training initiative. It is expected that a presidential mission might be made in 2006.
- The director also indicated that Malaysia has requested a presidential mission in hopes of expanding exchange relations with American colleges and universities. Following discussion, it was decided that planning for such a visit should include neighboring countries in order to maximize the benefits of the trip. Malaysia is promoting itself as the source country for higher education technology for the 21st century.
- In September, 14 college presidents visited Cuba in an effort to position AASCU institutions for strong relations once the 40-year-old embargo is lifted. Potential agreements were signed between AASCU and the Cuban Ministry of Education. Information was shared on the Fourth International Congress On Higher Education, to be held at the Havana International Conference Center, February 2 through 6, 2004. The deadline for submission of papers for presentation has been extended to December 10 for AASCU institutions. Ramapo College will secure an academic license from the Cuban government for issuance of visas with assistance from AASCU if any Ramapo College faculty wish to attend and/or make a presentation.
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