GLOBAL POSITIONING
Essential Learning, Student Success, and the Currency of U.S. Degrees

AAC&U Annual Meeting
January 26-29, 2011

Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges

Recognizing the importance of liberal arts and sciences education for success in a complex global society, the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) champions the cause of liberal arts education of superior quality in the public sector.

COPLAC institutions provide students of high ability and from all backgrounds access to an outstanding liberal arts education

Building Capacity for Global Learning at Public Liberal Arts Colleges
At small to medium-sized public institutions, the search for new and more effective strategies and approaches to essential global learning must be undertaken within the context of limited fiscal resources. COPLAC member institutions work to meet the demands of global engagement through innovative curricular and co-curricular opportunities, effective international partnerships, and a focus on civic engagement. Three presidents of COPLAC institutions will discuss successful efforts to combine liberal learning and global readiness.
Mary Cullinan, President, Southern Oregon University; Les Purce, President, The Evergreen State College; Dene Kay Thomas, President, Fort Lewis College

Student-Centered Global Experiences at Public Liberal Arts Colleges
The presenters will report on two innovative programs that engage students both globally and locally.  One is a six credit hour, year-long course of study focused on India, including a January faculty-led study trip.  The other includes series of curricular and co-curricular experiences designed to enhance students’ engagement with place.  Early results indicate that students who participate in these programs are given tools and knowledge to lead more ecologically and socially sustainable lives—to be active and informed citizens in their communities.
Jerry Hembd, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Wisconsin-Superior; Karsten Mundel, Director, Learning and Beyond Program, University of Alberta-Augustana Campus