TASK FORCE REPORT

Accelerating Internationalization in the
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), August 2005

This report is the result of a year-long study commissioned by the dean and carried out by CALS faculty and staff. Key recommendations are listed below. The full report can be downloaded. It contains the rationale behind the recommendations and supporting data from Task Force surveys. The CALS International Committee, with members from all departments, is charged with guiding implementation of the recommendations.

Download the Entire Report including appendices (1,083 KB pdf file) or the Executive Summary (26 KB pdf file).

RECOMMENDATIONS

Recognize and Reward International Activities

1. Encourage faculty and administrators to include a phrase similar to "Interest or experience in the international dimensions of the discipline is desirable" in the hiring of new faculty, and to recognize international activities of faculty and staff as positive values in merit pay, tenure and promotion exercises.

2. Initiate an annual award for faculty/staff excellence in international work.

Help Faculty and Students Pursue International Activities

3. Develop new funding sources for international activities and extend the services of CALS International Programs so participation in international research and study abroad programs might be increased. Seek scholarship monies to support international experiences for undergraduate and graduate students. 

4. Develop a web site that serves as the portal for international information.
 
Develop Globally Competent Students

5. Develop a model describing the “global CALS student” and use it in publications and undergraduate recruiting. The model should outline several levels of international competence that can be achieved by CALS undergraduates.

6. Develop a course designed to discuss international topics in the agricultural and life sciences. The course would be a three-credit course for freshmen and sophomores that would meet the CALS international course requirement.

7. Charge the CALS International Programs office with the task of insuring that CALS’ internationalization initiatives are well integrated with campus-wide programs so duplication of effort is avoided and students’ access to resources are not restricted by barriers between colleges.

Help Departments Take Leadership

8. Establish incentives and opportunities for departments to develop integrated study abroad or other international opportunities for their undergraduates.

Deepen Private Sector Links

9. Work actively with private sector companies and government organizations to develop internationally focused internship and fellowship opportunities for students -- both on-campus and at off-campus domestic and international sites. Establish a working relationship with UW's Office of Corporate Relations to increase contacts with companies that share CALS’ international interests.

Develop an Action Plan

10. Charge the CALS International Committee with the task of developing and energizing an action plan for “accelerating internationalization” in CALS.