Colleagues:

Just a reminder that the deadline for the 2012 Global Scholars Program is coming up, and Jim has extended the deadline If you are interested in this year’s program in Panama and Costa Rica from 18 May-2 June 2012 please let Jim know as soon as possible.

Below is the application process for MU Libraries and the original announcement. Interested parties should have their application to Jim no later than 26 January 2012. Please contact me if you have any questions, and good luck!

Amanda K. Sprochi
(573) 882-0461
sprochia@health.missouri.edu
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.  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.