In 1994-95, and again in 2007-08, MSU formed a task force that led a campus-wide consultation on the future of study abroad. Over one-third of MSU faculty provided input for the 2008 effort, in addition to over 2,000 MSU students. This report serves as the basis for program priorities implemented by OSA in collaboration with the deans’ designees. We have distilled these down to three major ongoing areas of focus: Quality, Diversity, and Accessibility. The full report &/or an update on progress on the 45 recommendations is available from OSA or your college’s dean’s designee.
In addition to the university-wide learning goals, you will want to connect with your department and college strategies. Some departments and colleges have articulated a core approach to education abroad programming. The intent is not to restrict all faculty leaders to the same model but to provide a clear direction for future programming options in order to maximize the faculty’s investment of their time and energies. Please discuss this with your department chair and your college’s dean’s designee. OSA is available to provide information on how other units have addressed these questions, as well as data reports, and suggestions of various options available.
There are many programs offered at MSU. With the deans’ designees, we try to strive to balance opportunity with competition. Some programs are offered in alternating years in order to maximize the recruitment efforts for programs in the same region or with similar course content. In addition, this allows faculty leaders to plan the rest of their academic pursuits accordingly. Please discuss this issue early on in the development process to make sure you understand how your project fits with others. OSA can provide data reports. Your college’s dean’s designee is the best person to consult to learn about other program offerings in place or in development within the college.
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