2008 Woodie Awards
SectionsInternational center planned to expand public affairs
Rebecca Roman
Issue date: 1/18/08 Section: Features
Students, faculty and administrators are currently developing an international center that that will benefit both Missouri State and the city of Springfield in their foreign relations studies.
"The goal is to include, pursue and develop as many outreach activities as possible and become a useful resource center for international endeavors within and outside the university," Madeleine Kernen, head of the Modern and Classical Languages Department, said.
The main point of an international center would be to strengthen programs offered at the university, such as direct exchange and study abroad (ISEP) programs.
"An important goal is also to find venues for interactions between international and U.S. students," Kernen said.
Other goals would include creating more opportunities for diversity for Missouri State students and establishing a databank to share with faculty and students.
"The goals are based on previous and current recommendations which were submitted to the provost this year by the two international fellows she appointed, Corinne Karuppan and Mahua Barari, with the support of Assistant Provost Steve Robinette," Kernen said.
The international center would offer students who have studied abroad the chance to share their experiences with others who may be interested in the international programs offered at Missouri State.
The idea of an international center was brought about from a task force recommendation made in 2004.
"Internationalizing the university became part of the university's long-range plan in an effort to expand the public affairs mission," Kernen said. "Dr. (Belinda) McCarthy has been the driving force to make such a center a reality."
There is no student organization involved with the planning of the center. However, Severin Lwali, a Campus Ministry worker, is recruiting students to assist the faculty in charge.
"He is putting together an International Student Advisory Committee to work with me so I can better understand the challenges they face," Kernen said.
The first meeting for the International Student Advisory Committee will be next Monday.
Kernen is taking the position of acting director. A permanent director will be appointed sometime during the semester.
"The goal is to include, pursue and develop as many outreach activities as possible and become a useful resource center for international endeavors within and outside the university," Madeleine Kernen, head of the Modern and Classical Languages Department, said.
The main point of an international center would be to strengthen programs offered at the university, such as direct exchange and study abroad (ISEP) programs.
"An important goal is also to find venues for interactions between international and U.S. students," Kernen said.
Other goals would include creating more opportunities for diversity for Missouri State students and establishing a databank to share with faculty and students.
"The goals are based on previous and current recommendations which were submitted to the provost this year by the two international fellows she appointed, Corinne Karuppan and Mahua Barari, with the support of Assistant Provost Steve Robinette," Kernen said.
The international center would offer students who have studied abroad the chance to share their experiences with others who may be interested in the international programs offered at Missouri State.
The idea of an international center was brought about from a task force recommendation made in 2004.
"Internationalizing the university became part of the university's long-range plan in an effort to expand the public affairs mission," Kernen said. "Dr. (Belinda) McCarthy has been the driving force to make such a center a reality."
There is no student organization involved with the planning of the center. However, Severin Lwali, a Campus Ministry worker, is recruiting students to assist the faculty in charge.
"He is putting together an International Student Advisory Committee to work with me so I can better understand the challenges they face," Kernen said.
The first meeting for the International Student Advisory Committee will be next Monday.
Kernen is taking the position of acting director. A permanent director will be appointed sometime during the semester.
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