APLU Names Florida State University 2018 Institutional Award for Global Learning, Research, & Engagement Winner; Three Others Recognized for Internationalization Efforts

New Orleans, LA – In recognition of its extraordinary global engagement efforts, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) today named Florida State University the winner of Platinum Level of its 2018 Institutional Award for Global Learning, Research & Engagement. The Platinum Level of the award recognizes institutions at the leading edge of inclusive and comprehensive efforts to internationalize their campuses. The University of Alberta, Arizona State University, and the University of South Carolina were all recognized for their internationalization efforts as recipients of Gold Level Awards. The Gold Level award recognizes institutions that have excelled in one dimension of internationalization.

“Global experience and collaboration is more important than ever,” said APLU President Peter McPherson. “We’re delighted to spotlight the exceptional example Florida State University has set in achieving comprehensive internationalization. We applaud Florida State as well as the University of Alberta, Arizona State University, and the University of South Carolina for their efforts to lead students and faculty in collaborating with, and learning from, their counterparts abroad.”

The overall award recognizes institutions with a demonstrated commitment to:

• Inclusivity — the degree to which the institution is committed to and successful in empowering all students through global learning;
• Internationalization of Research and Engagement — the degree to which the institution is committed to the internationalization of research and engagement;
• Leadership and Pervasiveness — the degree to which the institution’s leadership (at the president/chancellor or provost level) has made internationalization a priority for the institution and the degree to which internationalization pervades the culture across campus; and
• Assessment — the degree to which the institution is committed to measuring progress and impact of internationalization across the institution.

More information on Florida State University’s Internationalization efforts are below.

Florida State University is working to secure its place as a leader in internationalization. Offering study abroad opportunities in 60 disciplines at 20 locations across the globe, FSU ranks twelfth in the nation in study abroad participation. The university provides more than $1 million in scholarships for study abroad experiences and also offers a first-year abroad program, allowing exceptionally talented international students to complete two semesters abroad and then return to the university paying in-state tuition for the remainder of their undergraduate career. And FSU offers robust cultural exchange, community service, and global research programs across the globe.

The university also boasts an expansive global research and engagement presence. FSU faculty have affiliations with 200 different international institutions across 50 countries. Its Learning Systems Institute provides internationally recognized research and development aimed at improving education systems worldwide.

FSU’s leadership is deeply committed to internationalization. The university has a campus located in Panama as well as three large education centers in Florence, Italy; Valencia, Spain; and London, England. The university has made further internationalization of the campus a key pillar of its current strategic plan. Student learning from international experiences is assessed through a variety of mechanisms and the university is currently exploring using an intercultural development index to better measure student learning and guide decisions about international programs.

In addition to its comprehensive award for internationalization, APLU recognizes other institutions for their exemplary efforts in meeting one of the four internationalization criteria outlined above. Those institutions and their work are listed below.

University of Alberta – Gold Award in Leadership and Pervasiveness

Over the past two decades, the University of Alberta has transformed into an institution that comprehensively enriches its academic agenda through international experiences. Aimed at further increasing its internationalization efforts, the university established a host of internationally focused faculty positions in various departments. It also created an international research officer position to oversee and facilitate international research work. Finally, University of Alberta President David Turpin this year established the President’s Award for Refugees and Displaced Persons, covering tuition and two years’ worth of living expenses for five eligible undergraduate and graduate students.

Arizona State University – Gold Award in Internationalization of Research and Engagement

Arizona State University has worked to vastly expand its research productivity in recent years. The university increased investment in global research, instruction, and public service by 40 times since 2008. In the past five years, ASU has worked with more than 270 partners across over 40 countries to generate solutions to global challenges such as water and food security. The university’s Rule of Law and Governance Program, hosted at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, leverages faculty expertise to advance the rule of law, democracy, and good governance across the globe.

University of South Carolina – Gold Award in Inclusivity

The University of South Carolina has established a range of programs to ensure inclusive international learning experiences. These efforts include its Black & Abroad, LatinX Abroad, and Queer & Abroad programs, which connect students with study abroad alumni from these groups to help guide them through the study abroad process. The university’s Beyond Boundaries Award provides scholarships to students with significant financial need so they can participate in short-term study abroad programs. And its on-campus internationalization efforts include its Peace Corps preparation program as well wide-ranging efforts to internationalize the curricula across the institution.