Globalism Goes Viral

A few days ago, the New York Times -- for the record, not my only source of news -- published a provocative piece by David Brooks, called "Globalism Goes Viral". The essay reflects on how best to respond to decentralized events, such as the N1H1 virus (swine flu). Brooks makes a pretty strong argument for decentralized response, and against strong, centralized control.

Not all readers agree. (See comments posted in response).

This essay really invites us to consider how we should govern ourselves in the 21st century. It could definitely inform discussions about how universities can best support and guide international initiatives - pursued by faculty, staff and students.

The University As We Know It

A recent essay in the New York Times, called "End the University As We Know It" has generated much attention.

I recommend scanning the essay -- and wading through the readers' comments.

Swine Flu Advisory

We're monitoring the effects of swine flu on MU study abroad participants. Currently, no participants (students, staff and faculty) have contracted this virus.

This is a fast emerging issue. The EU Health Commissioner has advised EU residents to avoid all but urgent travel to Mexico and the United States. Authorities in Hong Kong are implementing tough travel restrictions. However, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention argues that, at this point, US travel warnings are unwarranted.

We'll post updates as warranted here. In the meantime, stay informed by following the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Swine Flu site, and at the World Health Organization

More News on Bologna

On the eve of the Ministerial Bologna Conference, as well a counter conference organized by groups opposing Bologna -- four new releases...

First, a new Eurobarometer survey of over 15,000 university students from all 27 EU member states (plus Norway, Iceland, Croatia and Turkey). This is a rare opportunity to assess students' views and experiences with higher education.

The objectives of this special target survey were:

• to identify opinions about access and equity in the higher education system
• to identify the purposes of higher education according to students within the system
• to assess opinions on the quality and transparency of the higher education institutions (HEIs)
• to identify students’ plans for - and obstacles to - studying abroad
• to discuss issues such as recognition of short study periods abroad and ECTS credit points
• to identify opinions about the greater cooperation of universities and businesses, and the need
• to foster an entrepreneurship mindset as part of higher education programmes
• to identify the post-graduation plans of Bachelor and Masters level students.

Second, the European University Association recently published a Survey of European Masters Degrees after ten years of the Bologna Process. If you're interested in building partnerships with European universities, you'll want to read this.

Third, the Institute for International Education published results from a survey of US Universities' response to 3-year Bologna-Compliant degrees.

Finally, the Economist published a brief essay called Bolognese Sauce which provides a fairly pessimistic view of the future of European higher education. One cause for concern -- European countries still struggle to meet target spending (as a percent of GDP) in higher education.

Take a look at the article, and the comments that follow.


The graph below illustrates:

Universities and Economic Recovery in Europe

The European University Association (EUA) just issued its Prague Declaration which proposes specific ways higher education institutions can contribute to economic recovery throughout Europe. The declaration is directed toward senior officials of the education ministries in the 46 countries committed to the Bologna Process.

It endorses calls for increased investment in research (3% of GDP) and higher education (2% GDP) already made by the European Commission. It also proposes a long-term agenda for higher education in these countries timed just before the Education Ministerial Summit scheduled for next week.

This is a timely, bold, unified attempt to state what universities can do to improve economic conditions, and how they can use resources from government stimulus packages. Perhaps universities in the US can learn from their experience.

Here's an excerpt provided in this EUA announcement.

Looking ahead to the next decade – the EUA Prague Declaration outlines 10 key success factors for European universities:

• widening opportunities for participation in, and successful completion of, higher education
• improving researcher careers
• providing relevant and innovative study programmes
• developing distinctive institutional research profiles
• shaping, reinforcing and implementing autonomy
• increasing and diversifying income
• enhancing quality and transparency
• promoting internationalisation
• increasing and improving the quality of mobility
• developing partnerships.

In the coming months, the EUA Board and Council will develop a specific action plan for each of these 10 issues with recommendations at the institutional, national and European level.

Please click to download a full version of the Declaration.

University Global Operations Support

The Chronicle of Higher Education recently published this article (login required) that has me thinking. The University of Washington has developed a novel approach to support faculty, staff and students pursuing international initiatives. The Global Operations Support team links all the campus resources needed to develop study abroad programs, hire non-resident faculty and staff, purchase and ship research equipment outside the US, establish off-shore bank accounts, provide travel health services, assure health and safety best practices, etc.

This one-stop shop approach seems very appealing. If you'd like to learn more about this, check out this transcripted chat session published by the Chronicle.

Lessons from the Irish Economy?

With a month to go before my study abroad course, Ireland is always on my mind.

Yesterday, the New York Times ran this piece by Paul Krugman. His analysis -- plus the readers' comments -- may be worth your time.