International Research Collaboration - GlobalHigherEd

B.2 Case studies of university international officesInternational Unit, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.In May 2007, the University of Waterloo, Ontario, announced a new Waterloo International Unit (with itsown office and meeting space) to support the university’s increased international focus. The unit bringstogether staff from several departments who deal with the university’s international activities(including the international student office, the international programs office, and the recentlyappointed alumni officer for international programs), headed by the associate vice-president(international).The university’s Sixth Decade Plan (Going Global) set out ambitious goals for internationalisation at theuniversity. It stated that in the next decade Waterloo plans to establish at least two internationalcampuses abroad and expand partnerships, collaborative academic programs and joint researchcentres with other prominent international institutions.The Office of International Programs (which will be folded into the new international unit), providesinformation and assistance, working in close cooperation with academic and administrative unitsacross campus and promotes research and international activities.International Programs provides information and assistance to the university community for a widevariety of research and training related activities including all non-industry research and internationalprograms. Working in close cooperation with academic and administrative units across campus, theoffice:p promotes research and international activities;p facilitates visitor protocols;p monitors and provides information on the university's current activities in these areas;p identifies and publicises funding opportunities;p gives advice and assistance to faculty in the preparation and submission of proposals;p Maintains active liaison with sponsoring agencies, research and international education organisations,and international offices at other universities; andp facilitates the establishment and review of international exchange programs and academic linkages.Office of International Agriculture, University of Auburn, Alabama, United StatesThe Office of International Agriculture fosters and supports faculty, staff, and student travel, studyabroad, research, and outreach, as well as international visitors and exchanges. It holds teninternational academic interchange agreements with institutions in other countries, includingEngland, China and various countries in South America.The university’s College of Agriculture also runs China Programs, which build bridges between theUnited States and China, drawing on the strengths of various departments in the college and othercolleges at the university, and partner with public and private organizations in Alabama and the UnitedStates. It promotes relations with China by:p facilitating educational exchange including exchanges of faculty, staff, and students;p promoting collaborative research and research activities;p facilitating activities related to teaching and training;p fostering an understanding of history, cultures, and values;p serving as a catalyst and resource for the promotion of economic, governmental, and civic pursuits;andp increasing mutual interest and understanding.Universities UKInternational research collaboration 27