International Activity at MSU

November 2010

MSU as a Global University

In recent years, international programs, research/outreach activities, and student enrollment has increased.

MSU has become a global university, reflected in its vision statement to be: “a leading public research university that is globally aware and involved…”

Growth in International Enrollment

Active recruitment has resulted in more international students on our campus.

Year

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

No. of Intnl. Students

574 594 661 676 772

Percent of Total

3.6% 3.7% 3.9% 3.8% 4.2% 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 2005

International Students

2006 2007 2008 2009 Note: the numbers above do not include approximately 200 non-credit ESL students.

Growth in MSU Study Abroad

A central Study Abroad Office was created in 2008. A 84% increase has occurred since 2007. About 1.3% of our students currently study abroad. Our goal: 5% or higher.

Students in Study Abroad Year

2007 2008 2009

Study Abroad Students

136 219 250 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 2007 2008 2009

International Program Organization

MSU has a history of international research and outreach involvement, but changes in funding resulted in a decline from what it was in the ‘80s. Programs have also become highly decentralized, which causes challenges.

Little or no coordination of risk management.

Types of International Programs and Activities at MSU

▪ Intnl. Admissions & Services ▪ Study Abroad ▪ English as a Second Lang.

▪ MOAs w/ Foreign Institutions ▪ ▪ Borlaug Institute Fellows Cntr for Intnl. Security & Strategic Studies ▪ ▪ • Basic & Applied Research Outreach & Educational Program Delivery Faculty Fulbright Activity ▪ Student Fulbright Activity ▪ Intl. Studies Certificate ▪ MSU Intnl. Student Clubs

Academic to Research Continuum

Student Fulbright Activity Office of International Education Basic & Applied Research

Study Abroad ESL

Memoranda of Agreements with Foreign Institutions:

Faculty Exchanges & Student Exchanges

Faculty Fulbright Activity International Studies Certificate Center for Intl. Security and Strategic Studies Borlaug Institute Fellows International Student Services International Student Clubs (Holmes Cultural Div Cntr) More Academic More Research

Development Activities

University committee chaired by Barry Barnett – recommendations provided Meetings with US AID, USDA FAS, FAO, WFP, non-profits, for-profits, Levinson and Associates Numerous campus visits and tours Memorandum of Understanding signed with FAO

Recommendations

Establish a high profile administrative position with responsibility for international functions.

Invest in global awareness.

Better utilize international alumni to support campus international functions.

With the MSU Foundation, initiate a development effort to support international functions.

Recommendations

Develop a facility that provides short term, furnished accommodations on or near campus for international guests.

Consolidate many of the educational international functions that are currently administered by different units on campus into a single unit.

Provide family housing opportunities.

Recommendations

Provide transportation for new international students from Golden Triangle Regional airport to campus.

Expand study abroad participation.

Create an office that facilitates international research and outreach opportunities for campus units.

Value international activities in the promotion and tenure process.

Recommendations

Provide financial incentives that encourage faculty engagement in international research and outreach activities.

Hire an international projects administrator within Sponsored Programs Administration.

Engage the MSU Extension Service in international outreach activities.

Recent International Opportunities

Nutritional Bar Development: Cooperative project with World Food Program and selected for-profit entities to develop a nutrition bar for in-country production using local commodities for emergency and standard feeding programs in the African Ivory Coast region.

Recent International Opportunities

Nutritional Bar Development:

Recent International Opportunities

Panamanian Cold Chain Development: Cooperative project with USM and selected other entities to determine feasibility of Panama as vegetable supplier and pre-approved port of entry into US Gulf Coast for national distribution.

International Research& Outreach Opportunities

Engineering Agriculture Forestry Environment & Water Health & Nutrition Remote Sensing Disaster Mitigation Policy/Economic Development Responder Training Alternative Fuels

International Institute

Opportunities to become more involved in international food and agriculture projects prompted Dr. Mark Keenum to propose that we consider creating a campus-wide International Institute that would encompass these and other strengths at MSU.

Coordination of International Activities

Creating an International Institute provides the opportunity to foster coordination of international research, outreach, and academic activities at MSU.

The Questions: How to organize? And how far-reaching should the Institute be?

Advantages of Closer Coordination

Clearer image of our international commitment Efficiency of program delivery Better risk management Prioritize & promote synergy Organized alignment with, & ID of, governmental and NGO partners Promote nimbleness & responses More competitive in extramural funding

International Institute

Focused on research and outreach University-wide institute, with a Director, reporting jointly to VPs for ORED, DAFVM, and Provost Close cooperation with other international programs and offices on campus

International Council

Brings all relevant international program leadership together Focus on strengthening coordination of all international efforts through improved communication and collaboration

International Council

International Institute

(Research and Outreach)

International Services

(Student/Faculty Support)

Academic Programs