Nov. 8, 2013
In celebration of International Education Week, the Center for Global Education and the Office of the Provost present a series of three panel discussions Nov. 18, 19, and 20 that will explore the role of international education at The Catholic University of America.The discussions - "Towards a Comprehensive Internationalization at CUA" - will provide a forum for members of the University community to propose new directions and initiatives in CUA's internationalization agenda, says Mario Ortiz, who was recently named associate provost for international affairs as one of several organizational changes related to the University's approach to global education.
"At a time of transition for international education at Catholic University, I hope that the panel discussions will enable us to talk as a community about the steps we can take to prepare our students to be true citizens of the 21st century," says Ortiz, also an associate professor of Spanish."For instance, how do we incorporate study abroad into our curriculum? Any initiative that affects curriculum has to be mission oriented, even more so in the context of a Catholic institution."
Provost James Brennan says, "I encourage all members of the Catholic University community to attend the panel discussions to learn more about the best ways to prepare all of our students for the global workforce as well as to position the University to maximize the benefits from international students and scholars who enrich our academic community."
Each of the panel discussions will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Pangborn Hall, Scullen Room. Discussion topics and participants include:
Panel 1: Internationalization of Faculty: Teaching & Scholarship, Monday, Nov. 18 • Moderator: James F. Brennan, provost• Panelists: Charles C. Nguyen, dean of the School of Engineering; Grayson Wagstaff, dean of the Benjamin T. Rome School of Music; James J. Greene, vice provost and dean of graduate studies; and Very Rev. Mark Morozowich, dean of the School of Theology and Religious StudiesA reception to mark the opening of International Education Week will follow.
Panel 2: Internationalization of Students: Academic and Student Life, Tuesday, Nov. 19 • Moderator: David Dawson-Vasquez, director of the CUA Campus in Rome• Panelists: Victoria McAllister, a senior media studies major from Portland, Me., who spent the fall 2012 semester studying in Rome; Wiaam Al Salmi, a senior electrical engineering major from Muscat, Oman; Michael Allen, vice president for student affairs; Todd Lidh, director of the First Year Experience program; and Sarah Brown Ferrario, associate professor, Department of Greek and LatinA reception to mark the 10th anniversary of the CUA Campus in Rome will follow.
Panel 3: Internationalization of Curriculum, Wednesday, Nov. 20 • Moderator: Peter Shoemaker, associate dean of undergraduate programs, School of Arts and Sciences• Panelists: Lucia Ann Silecchia, professor, Columbus School of Law; Attila Freska, assistant dean of undergraduate studies, School of Business and Economics; Christopher Grech, associate professor, School of Architecture and Planning; and Thérèse-Anne Druart, professor, School of Philosophy
On Thursday, Nov. 21, from 5 to 7 p.m., the Center for Global Education will host the International Thanksgiving Potluck in the Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center, Great Rooms A and B.
The Center for Global Education and the Office of the Provost present "Towards a Comprehensive Internationalization at CUA" in collaboration with the Office of Alumni Relations, the Office of Campus Activities, and the School of Engineering.
A joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, International Education Week promotes programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the United States, according to the website of the State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.