In this week’s ACE report, it states in the beginning that a one-size fits all type of policy or solution to internationalizing higher education in the United States is not possible. The report says that this kinds of unitary over-arching solution will not “adequately address the nuances and realities of international partnership development in the US”( p.3).Partnerships in many cases are very unique to the institution, so having a one-size fits all solution in maintaining a partnership would not be very effective. However, the ACE’s survey and report on best practices is very helpful for administrators and institutions that are looking to establish a partnership with an institution abroad. These suggestions should not be limited to just international partnerships, but to all international higher education programs.
As a higher education administrator, I found what they said about transparency and accountability very important because having transparency and a common understanding will help with the buy-in from staff and faculty. The report suggests that the institution should make a strong effort to inform everyone at the institution about the partnership program, even during the beginning planning stages. Having everyone informed and educated about the program will allow everyone to have common understanding about it which will make them feel included and more likely to buy-in. Memorandums regarding the “nuts and bolts” of the program to how this will affect governance in the institution should be well communicated. Senior administrators who are heading these initiatives should be sure to include the entire institution when communicating with them because everyone has a stake in sustaining the program. If no one but the staff and faculty who are directly involved only know the details, then how will the word about these amazing opportunities spread among students. As an academic advisor, I would be less inclined to suggest or promote a program to a student if I did not know all the promises and details about the program. As a result, low participation rate becomes an issue for sustainability. Not only is inclusion of staff and faculty important after implementation, but it should be an essential from the beginning.
At a large institution like Baruch College could be difficult, however, it can and should be done. Of course communicating the details to students is the most important thing; but, those leading these initiatives should not forget about the administrators who can help to guide students towards these opportunities. Staff and faculty participation and buy-in is hard to achieve, and that might be the reason why many programs and partnership initiatives lose its momentum. However, transparency and accountability throughout the development of these partnerships is a good practice that all should utilize.
Elaine,
I agree with you on making matters more transparent in the higher education sector. However like you also mention it can be a quite difficult task to accomplish, many times since there is a division of different departments in the school having information readily available it quite a task. Students who should be the first people to know important information are usually either put into the loop last or not at all. Considering higher education sector is not always looking to keep their students well informed but more so of making a profit out of the students coming in. Which should go hand in hand.
Hi Elaine,
You bring up a good point about spreading the word throughout the university so everyone can promote programs. Communication seems to remain an issue at many colleges and universities and sharing knowledge outside of one’s silo is not the cultural norm. Top me, there seems there would be more benefits of knowing what everyone is doing. Although I am new to working in Higher Ed, I am not new to being in Higher Ed on the other side of the tracks as a student. I remember many times asking about a program or an event coming up that I may have heard about from someone else, or I have seen posted somewhere, only to find out that only the people running the program or event know about it. You are right when you talk about sustaining a program. Everyone, including faculty, needs to be on board from the beginning in order to reach a higher audience and get more buy in for the program.
Deb
Hello Elaine,
Very true indeed, transparency and being well informed are essential keys in an international program succeeding or failing. Faculty and staff would feel uncomfortable promoting programs to students that they consider inadequate and/or unstructured. I figure would ask a lot of questions about a particular international program, especially since they are usually investing their own funds and time away from family and friends for an extensive time to partake in this experience. If staff and/or faculty are not fully aware of the logistics of the program, they will be a discouraging factor in student participation. I appreciate you bringing up Baruch in your blog. I would love to see all of the departments and programs unified and knowledgeable on other programs on campus. However, there is a big division in which the schools and programs compete with one another. It can be done though. Although one size does not fit all, in reference to developing a solution for internationalization of US institutions. Maybe there can be 5 sizes in which institutions can be classified and benchmarked with their peers?
Adia
Your point about inclusion is an excellent one. Those staff members that work directly with students should definitely be a part of the planning and executing process and your position as an academic advisor is the prefect outlet to do so. You are literally helping students map out their academic careers. Many students continue to go their advisor throughout their college career. Having advisors on the team could definitely help with assessment of the programs.
I think large schools should definitely be the forerunner for this. Yes the pedagogy of each school is different, but at a larger school you are more likely to run into various issues faster than you would at a smaller institution.