In March 2014, the Internationalization Task Force presented its
recommendation report to Provost Davis. That document was a follow-up to
the September 2013 Internationalization Inventory Report on the ways and
extent to which GVSU is internationalized. Both documents can be found
on the Task Force website: www.gvsu.edu/internationalization
. A three-person external review team, sponsored by American Council on
Education (ACE) visited GVSU in early April 2014 to provide feedback to
GVSU on the reports and future plans for advancing internationalization.
The recommendation report highlights two primary objectives. The
recommendation reports executive summary reads: Grand Valley
State University has embraced extensive internationalization in many
ways. But there are two primary areas where GVSU must improve if we are
to fully prepare students for success in global communities and
workplaces. These areas are:
I. Global Learning for all Undergraduates. The first goal is to teach
meaningful and measurable global learning to all undergraduate
students. The best place for this to occur is in every undergraduate
major program. We recommend that a Global GV initiative lead the
academic units in each College towards meaningful and measurable global
learning goals. See our website dedicated to this project at: www.gvsu.edu/global
II. Make GVSU a Global Learning Community. Global learning will occur
if we build a more diverse and multi-cultural student life environment
that connects classrooms with other campus spaces. More international
students, more intentional engagement between people across campus, and
more intentional, international and intercultural experiences by more
students (and faculty and staff) are essential to a healthy Global
Learning Community.
Our May 2015 Self-study identifies areas in which PIC can adjust to
trends and student needs, moving forward. That document is a necessary
contextualization for the new 2016-2021 Padnos Int'l. Center Strategic Plan
Mission
To engage the University community in meaningful international
experiences which foster an appreciation and awareness of diverse
people, cultures, and ideas.
Vision
The Padnos International Center is the catalyst for a globally engaged
campus, and leads GVSU in its status as a nationally recognized model
for global learning.
Value Statement
The Padnos International Center values....
High-Impact Global Learning
" both within and beyond the curriculum
" through study abroad experiences
" through community engagementboth domestic
and international
" in internships and practicum placements
" via intentional immersion in other cultures and
language settings
" by international students here in the GVSU community
Hospitality
"for visitors to Grand Valley State University,
especially those from overseas partners and potential partners
" for students, here under an exchange or for a degree
" for students and others who come to our office
and deserve a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment
Diversity & Inclusion
" in the form of perspectives
" in the form of persons and their representation
" in types of employees and units involved in
internationalization activities
" in different cultures, languages, nations,
religions, and regions
Partnership
" through reciprocity and mutual benefit
" through sustainable practices
" with faculty, staff, alumni, and units across GVSU
" within the PIC staff
" with international education organizations
across West Michigan
Strategic Priorities, outcomes, and key objectives
Strategic Priority Area 1: Actively engage learners at all levels.
Outcome A: Grand Valley's learning environment is personal, challenging, and transformational, supporting excellent academic programs and co-curricular opportunities.
Outcome B: Grand Valley is diverse and inclusive.
Strategic Priority Area 2: Further develop exceptional personnel.
Strategic Priority Area 3: Ensure the alignment of institutional structures and functions.
Strategic Priority Area 4: Enhance the institution's image and reputation.
Outcome B: Grand Valley is diverse and inclusive.
Outcome C: Grand Valley has mutually beneficial relationships, partnerships, collaborations, and connections with local, state, national, and world communities.
Outcome E: Grand Valley strategically allocates its fiscal, human, and other institutional resources.
