From Ethiopia to Puerto Rico to California, higher education institutions recognize that although internationalization may look different during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is as important as ever to be strategic about their efforts. To that end, 10 universities from both the United States and abroad are participating in the 2020-2022 Cohort of the ACE Internationalization Laboratory, which provides customized guidance and insight to help colleges and universities achieve their internationalization goals.
The members of the cohort are:
- Albizu University (PR)
- Ball State University (IN)
- Baylor University (TX)
- California Lutheran University
- Fort Valley State University (GA)
- Jigjiga University (Ethiopia)
- Pratt Institute (NY)
- San Diego State University (CA)
- Southern Illinois University
- University of Kansas
“Over the 18 years that the Internationalization Lab has operated, one of our key strengths has been customizing the process to each participant’s unique situation,” said Kara Godwin, director for internationalization at ACE. “This year, we took that to a new level as we adapted the whole program to the realities of the coronavirus pandemic, from holding meetings online to emphasizing building resilience and agility into institutional strategies.”
New this year, ACE will provide learning modules with asynchronous activities for participants on ACE Engage®, ACE’s online learning platform, as well as conducting synchronous meetings. Campus site visits will be conducted virtually until it is safe to travel in-person. Nevertheless, networking within and beyond the cohort will still be a core component of the Lab. Content will focus on crisis response and a future positive innovation framework to help institutions bounce back stronger than before after COVID-19 disrupted international mobility around the world. Learn more by reading “Internationalization Beyond COVID-19: Seven Steps to Take Now” on Engage.
The members of Cohort 18 had the opportunity to get to know each other during a virtual “Meet and Greet” this week. Next they will begin their asynchronous work, develop their campus committees, and hold discussions with their advisors leading up to the next virtual meeting in late October.