The College of Charleston is launching the Global Scholars program, a designation any interested faculty member or student can earn that shows their knowledge, understanding and commitment to globalization. This program is unique in the nation for its inclusiveness of faculty and all students regardless of major or academic achievement.
“It is essential for our students and faculty to contribute productively as global citizens,” said Program Director Rene Mueller, a professor of international business and marketing. “Governments across the globe are trying to get their students to orient themselves globally and to be aware of global issues. And if we’re telling our students they need to engage globally, then certainly our faculty do as well.”
To earn the Global Scholar designation, faculty and students must demonstrate language proficiency, incorporate international/global courses and extracurricular activities into their academic studies and students must complete a study abroad experience. Faculty members are required to reapply for their Global Scholar designation every five years.
The first faculty members earned their Global Scholar designation this summer and students will be able to begin applying in September with the hope that some of the December 2009 graduates will be Global Scholars.
“Students who earn this designation will have something tangible to show employers and graduate schools exemplifying their engagement in globalization,” said Assistant Program Director Joe Weyers, a professor of Spanish. “We’re also hopeful the program will provide a catalyst for continued change in curriculum to a more international focus.”
This program is funded through a two-year $180,000 U.S. Department of International Studies and Foreign Languages grant.
Watch the Global Scholars Program video to learn more.
For more information, go to www.cofc.edu/~globalscholars or contact Rene Mueller at muellerr@cofc.edu or 843.953.5394.
