International Education and Engagement throughout the University of Wisconsin System is at the heart of the academic enterprise of our universities. The UW System Shared Learning Goals pdf for students at all UW System universities include components of international education, e.g. the development of “intercultural knowledge and competence” enabling students “to work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures”; and the development of “local and global” civic knowledge, engagement, ethical reasoning and action”. The Office of Academic Programs & Faculty Advancement (APFA) works with educators and administrators throughout UW System to promote international academic programming, facilitate student and faculty exchanges, develop global partnerships with higher education systems abroad, and support inter-university collaborative study abroad.

Vision

The UW System International Education Advisory Council will be a leader in the development of international education and a critical resource for the dissemination and promotion of global expertise to our universities.

Mission

Recognizing the necessity of a globally-aware citizenry, the mission of the UW System International Education Advisory Council is to facilitate the international education of our students, staff and faculty through educational programming and policy advice.

Role

Resource: The International Education Advisory Council (IEAC) will be a resource for the advancement of international education and engagement for all UW universities. It may provide input to the UW System Administration Office of Academic Programs and Faculty Advancement (APFA) on matters pertaining to risk management, liability, insurance, and policy related topics. In addition, it may provide input to APFA on the development, review, and update of systemwide international policies as well as strategic planning pertaining to international education and engagement.

Communication: The IEAC will serve as a forum to foster communication among UW universities on international matters. It will share knowledge and expertise among university international offices on immediate challenges, emerging opportunities, best practices, and policy initiatives.

Collaboration and Efficiency: The IEAC will promote collaboration across the UW universities to make internationalization efforts more sustainable. It may recommend to the universities and to APFA programming that minimizes redundancy, reduces costs to individual universities, and provides better negotiation platforms for services. It will be a resource for expanding collaboration in study abroad programs, international student recruitment, faculty and student exchange programs, and other academic programming to maximize the UW System’s global outreach. In addition, it will assist UW universities in seeking internal and external funding opportunities to support internationalization.