Initiatives for Fostering Globalization of the Education Community

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• Initiatives for Fostering Globalization of the
  Education Community

Anita Gordy-Watkins, OSU-Okmulgee
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Oklahoma State UniversityInstitute of Technology
- Okmulgee
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People Learning Technology - Jobs

• Oklahoma State UniversityInstitute of Technology

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Role of OSU Institute of Technology within the
OSU System State University System

• Specialized Technological Education
• Bachelor of Technology degree level
• Approximately 125 semester credit hours, 4 year
  equivalent
• Associate of Applied Science degree level
• 90 to 100 semester credit hours, 3 year
  equivalent
• Preparation of Technical Professionals
• Applied research and technology commercialization
  focus
• Economic Development

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Factors Driving Globalization Efforts

• Demographic Shifts
• Global Competition
• Changing Work Environment
• Employer Needs and Expectations
• Quality of Life Issues
• Peaceful Communities

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Taking Action

• Strategic Planning
• Benchmarking and Best Practices
• Diversity Self-Study Process
• Building the Infrastructure
• Professional Development Measures

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OSU System Commitment to Address Diversity

• Inclusion of Diversity as a significant element
  within the OSU Strategic Plans for all campuses
  (2004)
• Hiring of OSU System Vice-President for Diversity
  Cornell Thomas (2005)
• Commitment to be pilot university system for
  Diversity Self-Study Process (2006)
• Diversity Self-Study Team Visit February 2007
• Implementation of Recommendations

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Overarching Recommendations

• Create a more supportive culture and campus-wide
  infrastructure
• Globalization of the campus learning environment
  and curriculum
• Stronger marketing and recruitment of more
  diverse students, faculty and staff
• Professional development
• Resource Development

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2007-08 Areas of Focus

• Increased Staffing and Resources
• Enhanced Marketing Efforts
• Web-site and Print Brochures
• Embassies, Ambassadors, Other International
  Representatives
• Student/Alumni Recruiters

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Infrastructure Development

• Streamlining Admissions and Enrollment Processes
• Intensive Student Orientation
• Multicultural Student Organization
• Community Support
• Professional Development

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Curriculum and Academics

• Curriculum Infusion
• International/Multicultural Dimensions Course
• Service Learning
• Internships
• Tutoring Center
• Implementation of ESL Programming
• Study Abroad, Faculty and Student Exchanges

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Study Abroad and Exchanges

• Recruit students carefully and selectively
• Develop and require intensive orientation
• Faculty champions are critical
• Be extremely selective and thorough in
  negotiations and expectations with international
  partners and sites
• Insure that appropriate communication options and
  expectations will be in place
• Plan for the unexpected

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International Service Learning Projects

• Curricular infusion approach
• Educational
• Promotes Cultural sensitivity
• Global Citizenship
• Understanding of traditions and customs

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The College of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation

• Resolution of support from Five Civilized Tribes
  in October, 2003
• Tribal College office opened on OSUTB-Okmulgee
  campus in June, 2004
• Tribal College Board of Regents, January 2005
• President hired, August 2005
• Classes offered through OSU Institute of
  Technology

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Home to Many Students
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Residential Life and Facilities

• 750 - 800 students live on campus
• New Kitchen Implemented for Student Access

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Food Service Options
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Campus Life Activities
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Hosting Events to Emphasize Interculturalism and
Globalization

• Educational
• Cultural sensitivity
• Traditions and customs
• Global Citizenship
• Global Business and World Trade

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Hosting Events and Visitors
Native American, African, Mexican Thailand,
Nepali Events on Campus Over 20 International
Visitor Groups and Delegations hosted in 2007

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International Partnering Relationships

• Recruitment
• Student Exchanges
• Faculty Exchanges
• Leadership Development
• Faculty Training
• Economic Development
• Applied Research
• Corporate Partnerships

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International Partners and Projects

• Thailand MOUs and Partnering going back 40
  years, faculty and admin development, study
  abroad
• Mexico MOU with Univ in Puebla, faculty
  exchange and development, curriculum sharing
• Brazil Brazilian Partnership and Exchange Grant
  through FIPSE

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International Partners

• South Korea MOU and training agreements with
  Korean government, MOU with university in process
• Kenya MOUs with Ministry of Education and MOI
  University
• Switzerland Long-term relationships related to
  Watchmaking program

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International Partners

• Antigua MOU in place with Ministry of Education
  to facilitate student and faculty exchange and
  internships
• Azerbaijan State Partnership with Country
  involving various agencies and universities
• Vietnam MOU in process with Thai Nguyen
  University

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International Partners

• Finland MOU in place with Tampere University to
  facilitate student exchange
• Turkey MOU in place to facilitate student
  exchange and study abroad
• UAE Partnership in place to facilitate
  recruitment of students

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International Partners

• China MOU in process with 2 universities
• Peru MOU in process with 2 universities
• Chile MOU in process with 1 university

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Lessons Learned

• Effective Infrastructure Must be in Place for
  Recruitment, Retention and Sustainability
• Campus and Community Buy-in is Critical
• Be Selective in Entering into International MOUs
  and Partnering

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Lessons Learned

• Effective Infrastructure Must be in Place for
  Recruitment, Retention and Sustainability
• Campus and Community Buy-in is Critical
• Be Selective in Entering into International MOUs
  and Partnering
• Do not under estimate what is involved with Study
  Abroad and Student Exchanges
• Staff your program with people that love what
  they do

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Questions?
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Oklahoma State UniversityInstitute of Technology
For More Information Anita Gordy-Watkins
University External Relations Phone
918-293-5160 Email anita.gordy_watkins_at_okstate
.edu

Advancing education through technology for the
21st century.