International Programs Vice President Highlights Global Case Competition
GREETINGS FROM VICE PRESIDENT ASIF CHAUDHRY
As we embark on this holiday season, I would like to extend “Season’s Greetings” to everyone on behalf of the Office of International Programs (IP).
This has been a truly remarkable year in our efforts to globalize Washington State University. The successful launch of the INTO WSU partnership has already resulted in more than 150 new international students in the fall semester, and an additional 109 confirmed entrants for spring 2018. The INTO partnership is just one part of IP’s overall strategy to assist WSU in the “Drive to 25.” One of our pathway students, Lazim Ahmed, shares his story about joining the WSU family.
Our record number of over 2,200 international students in fall 2017 puts WSU on a path to achieving our goal of a globally diverse student body in the next few years. Within the last year, we extended our Intensive American Language Center classes to the WSU Tri-Cities campus to accommodate growing demand.
IP has also helped facilitate more than a dozen international research collaborations and this fall, launched an eight-week online monitoring and evaluation (M&E) course for professionals working, or interested in working, in international development. The initial offering enrolled professionals from seven countries.
We had over 700 students study abroad in 2016–17. During our seventh annual Global Case Competition, 20 student teams were asked to provide solutions for digital inequality in information and communications technologies in Tanzania. The winning team members from TanzEquity will travel to Tanzania in June to share their ideas with institutions and industries relevant to their solution.
The International Center has organized and facilitated over 75 events and more than 30 hours of weekly programming in the current academic year. In addition, its staff worked with the Rotary Club of Pullman to sponsor an annual back to school BBQ and helped provide a Thanksgiving meal to students during the recent holiday break.
These successes with the University’s globalization efforts would not be possible without the incredible system-wide support from faculty and staff.
I hope you enjoy receiving this glimpse at some of our highlights this past year. Please watch the WSU Insider over the coming months for more stories about our initiatives and accomplishments. We expect great things for the University in 2018.
Go Cougs!
Ambassador Asif Chaudhry
Vice President for International Programs