2012 Global Scholars Call for Applications

MU librarians and archivists have been involved with this program from its inception, including twelve who have traveled and served as Global Scholars in the past eight years.  Applications for this year’s seminars are due by Monday, 2 January 2012. Please send application items listed below to Jim Cogswell at 104 Ellis Library.  If you have questions or would like more details, please contact Amanda Sprochi, the Libraries’ representative to the Council, or visit the Global Scholars Program web pages at the International Center.

Global Scholars Program:  Archivists/Librarian application information

In order to apply, please submit the following items:

1. A copy of your current resume.

2. A statement from your supervisor assuring support of your application.

3. A written statement (no longer than one page) addressing the following:

a) Your present role with students, faculty, and staff;
b) Your commitment to assist students, faculty, and staff expand their knowledge of international
information resources and promote international affairs to the wider university community;
c) Your willingness to participate in Global Scholars activities, such as a follow-up workshop;
d) Your willingness to participate in the international faculty mentoring corps in the next academic year;
e) Your interest and ability to assist faculty Global Scholars as they revise their courses with
international content; and
f) Your interest in international library materials and services.

4.  Submit a brief (1-2 pages) one year plan of work to pursue program objectives by 30 June 30 2012.  Plans should identify potential collaborator(s) from Costa Rica and/or Panama.  They should describe expected outcomes and proposed action steps to complete this work.

The MU Council on International Initiatives is pleased to announce the 2012 Global Scholars Program (GSP).  This nationally recognized program is designed to support MU faculty members who seek to internationalize their teaching and research.  Since its inception, over 150 faculty members across Colleges and Schools have participated.  As a result, numerous research collaborations have begun, and dozens of courses have been modified – enhancing the learning experience of thousands of MU students each year.  In 2002, the Global Scholars Program received the Andrew Heiskell Award for Best Practices and Innovation in International Education from the Institute of International Education.


GSP is designed to: 1) expand faculty involvement in MU’s strategic international relationships; and 2) foster tangible new international collaborations for participants, including research grants or papers and/or teaching innovations.


Costa Rica and Panama
May 18-June 2, 2011

To these ends, CII has organized an excellent itinerary for 2012 to Costa Rica and Panama.  The program will be led by MU Professor Jere Gilles (Department of Rural Sociology) who directed an MU summer program in Costa Rica for 10 years and who has extensive experience in Central and South America.

This seminar will introduce selected MU faculty members to the system of research and higher education in the Costa Rica and Panama as well as providing an overview of how each of these nations has attempted to balance the needs of their citizens and the environment in an increasingly integrated world economy.

Costa Rica and Panama offer unique opportunities for MU faculty to develop relations with colleagues in the two countries.   Although the two countries have similar climate, natural resources and standards of living they have taken different development strategies.    Costa Rica has emphasized growth based on environmentally friendly policies, tourism and high tech industries.  It has a goal of a zero carbon footprint and has worked carefully to protect domestic industries while opening reducing trade barriers.  Eco-tourism, specialty crop exportation, computer chips and medical equipment are the main drivers of the economy.  Panama’s strategy revolves around its canal (and its expansion) and becoming logistics and offshore financial center.  Costa Rica has the strongest higher education system in the region and the University of Costa Rica, CATIE, EARTH University and the National University all have highly trained faculty interested in possible collaboration.   Panama has historically had strong ties with Missouri would like to explore ways to collaborate with MU in order to strengthen its system of higher education. The program has strong support from university leaders in both countries and we are confident that the 2012 Global Scholars Program will stimulate new and productive lines of collaboration across a wide range of disciplines.  This can be a transformative experience for our faculty participants.

Program Funding
For a commitment of $2,500 per participant, deans may select faculty members to participate in this exciting opportunity.  Support from the Office of the Provost matches this amount to make the program possible.

Deans and Directors are encouraged to select faculty participants that agree to contribute to Global Scholars Program objectives.

The Provost requests that funding not be awarded to persons who have received GSP funding in previous years.

Performance Criteria for Global Scholars Faculty:

  1. Global scholars agree to participate in all scheduled program activities, including two brief pre-departure orientation sessions.
  2. Scholars submit a brief (1-2 pages) one year plan of work to pursue program objectives by June 30, 2012.  Plans should identify potential collaborator(s) from Costa Rica and/or Panama.  They should describe expected outcomes and proposed action steps to complete this work.  Scholars should submit their plans to their Dean/Director and to the Director of the International Center.
  3. Scholars provide a brief report on action steps taken and revisions in expected outcomes from original plans of work.  Progress reports are due by November 1, 2012.

Space in this seminar is limited.  To ensure fullest consideration, please send nominations to me no later than January 27, 2012 .

For more information, please review the Global Scholars Program web page, or contact me directly.  Your questions and comments are most welcome.  We hope you can take advantage of this excellent opportunity.

Thanks in advance for your consideration.

Best regards,

James K. Scott, Ph.D.
Director – International Center
Assoc. Vice Provost – International Initiatives
University of Missouri
Phone: +573.882.6008
Email: scottj@missouri.edu
Web:  http://international.missouri.edu

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