International Affairs - Relations Internationales - EPFL

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Progress-Report_DEF.qxd:Layout 1 5.6.2007 3:00 Page 26 A 26 Total Number of Applicants VPRI 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 International Affairs International students 2005/6 Applications / Admissions / Enrolment breakdown % of enrolled internationals over total students 2.5% 8.0% 14.0% 3.9% 4.8% 2.1% 25.8% 16.5% 35.1% Enrolled Admitted but declined Not-admitted 18.4% 8.3% 2.7% 6.7% AR GC SIE CGC PH MA SC IN EL GM MX MT MTE Three master curricula have a leading edge in the admission of international students: Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Computer Sciences and Communication Systems. Rather than undertaking a widespread, undifferentiated promotion of EPFL Master’s programs throughout the world, MPT prefers to adapt the offer to the expectations of students according to their educational, cultural and geographical background. For example, MPT is promoting the strengths of EPFL Engineering Programs to students from Western and Southern Europe who have attained a good general scientific education level and are looking for a valid professional degree with some specialization (a “Post-graduate” degree). In another initiative, MPT is highlighting the excellence and interdisciplinary approach of scientific research at EPFL in order to attract ambitious, research-oriented students from all over the world. In this latter case, emphasis is given to countries such as the entire EU, India, China and Vietnam. In June 2006, a task force for the Promotion of Master’s Programs was established and coordinated by MPT 27 . Its aim was to define a coherent marketing plan for each 27 It consisted of: Dominique Bonvin (BS/MS Dean), Jacques Giovanola (Dean PhD School), Maher Kayal (representing STI), Dimitris Noukakis (PMT), Luca Ortelli (representing ENAC), Thomas Rizzo (SB Dean), Melody Swartz & William Pralong (representing SV), Martin Vetterli (VPRI), Willy Zwaenepoel (IC Dean). EPFL School, to work out detailed promotion plans with the Programs and agree upon their specific growth objectives, and to review internal processes that are important for the recruitment of students. Having reached its initial objectives, the work of the task force ended in December 2006. In terms of recruitment objectives, this extensive consultation also allowed MPT to strengthen its relationship with the Programs and to work out promotional plans with those wishing to undertake proactive recruitment campaigns. It also highlighted the need to lower the 5-year growth target to +35% of total MS students across EPFL. This is in line with the capacity and ambitions of the Master’s Programs and with the desire to aim for a low (~20%) admission ratio. Implementation of the Marketing Plan Promotional material A presentation brochure designed specifically for the Master’s programs was produced in collaboration with all Programs. It consists of 44 full-color pages including a brief presentation of EPFL. Each Master is presented on two A4 pages with a concise description of the program curriculum, the educational objectives of the program, 2 to 3 student testimonials, and a spotlight related to a research institute or a research project. An A4 color leaflet for each Master’s program, listing all the courses, teaching faculty, credits involved and the teaching language. A 2.5m x 2.15m booth with a full color visual (presenting the Master’s programs) and various giveaways to be used at student fairs. A multi-media presentation of the EPFL, dubbed “Virtual tour”, to be used on the Web site and during student fairs and site visits. The virtual tour was produced in collaboration with the VPAA-Promotion of Bachelor’s studies and the Knowledge and Information Systems unit at EPFL (KIS). VPRI 27
Progress-Report_DEF.qxd:Layout 1 5.6.2007 3:00 Page 28 A 28 VPRI International Affairs Promotional Activities MPT organized an EPFL presentation at two student fairs in November and December 2006: the Forum X-Entreprises of the École Polytechnique de Paris; and the Forum SUPELEC of the École Supérieure d’Electricité de Paris. Both fairs were very successful in terms of direct contacts at the stand (over 80 and 40 prospects, respectively) and of long-term visibility with the students of these two prestigious institutions. VPRI took part in the 58th NAFSA (Association of International Educators) conference in Montreal and in the 18th EAIE (European Association for International Education) conference in Basel. MPT also visited the following partners in Canada (McGill, Waterloo, University of Montreal and Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal), in Sweden (Chalmers, Lund) and in France (Ecole Centrale Paris, Supelec, ENS Lyon). In June 2006, a site visit at the National Technical University of Athens (departments of Electrical Engineering and Chemical Engineering) set the groundwork for an effective recruitment campaign. Organization of the Swiss Abroad: the Organization of the Swiss Abroad (OSA) represents Swiss expatriates’ interests in Switzerland. MPT made formal contact with OSA trying to explore promotional channels to target Swiss citizens living abroad. OSA has a vast network (over 640,000 members), and the profile of its members is attractive for the EPFL. Indeed, the number of prospects for Swiss universities is estimated at approx. 10,000, with the majority being residents in France, Germany, the United States, Canada and Italy. MPT attended the 2006 meeting and, in collaboration with the promotion of Bachelor’s studies unit, plans to make use of the “Swiss Review” and of the OSA Website and electronic Newsletter to widely promote studying at EPFL. Surveys of International Master’s Students In December 2005 a survey was launched among all international EPFL Master’s students (1st and 2nd year). Several aspects of their student life were assessed. The survey was coupled with a get-together reception where EPFL staff had a chance to exchange views with international students. The same project was repeated in December 2006, with the 2006/07 first year international Master’s students. Both surveys helped to identify weaknesses in the “recruitment” process. For example, it became obvious that an online application procedure was well overdue (it was subsequently implemented in May 2006); that international students needed specific information about their study programs (a new welcome and orientation procedure was put in place in October 2006); and that the timing of the administrative processes needed to be improved so that the issue of visas, residence permits and housing could be better handled (action in progress). 3.8 Master’s Fellowships, Foundations and Fundraising 28 In consultation with the DAF and the student associations, a new policy for the Master’s scholarships was established with the full support of the MPT. Since the winter 2006 application session, scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit to Swiss and non-Swiss alike, but the amount of the stipend depends on the financial need of the applicant. Each scholar will receive a certificate of merit and an amount between CHF 5,000 and 32,000 for the duration of their Master’s studies. The Z.K. Schindler foundation also supports a Master student at EPFL. VPRI will raise funds for the Master’s scholarships. Active prospecting to foundations and institutions will start in early 2007. One Industry/EPFL project in which ELCA Informatique SA and EPFL jointly finance 2 Master’s scholarships per year over the next 3 years for students from Vietnam (HCMC Technical University), has already been finalized by MPT. Fundraising activity will be performed in close collaboration with the DAF and EPFL’s main fundraising office. Master’s fellowships are already included in the 28 Dr D. Noukakis and Dr M. Jaccard. VPRI 29
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