In fulfilling its mission in instruction, research and scholarship, and public service, the University of North Carolina recognizes the challenges of the rapidly changing, knowledge-based global economy and environment of the 21st century. With America's destiny increasingly being shaped by common global concerns and the interdependence of nations and peoples throughout the world, the University affirms its responsibility to provide its students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences to become informed and productive citizens of the state, the nation, and the world. The University must bring its educational, research, and public service resources to bear in addressing current and future global concerns.
The UNC Board of Governors first adopted internationalization as a strategy in 2002. Its goal is to promote an international perspective throughout the University to prepare citizens to become leaders in a multi-ethnic and global society.
In December 2007, a major finding of the University of North Carolina Tomorrow Commission report confirmed that Global Readiness is vital to the future of the University and the state and recommended that:
UNC should educate its students to be personally and professionally successful in the 21st century, and, to do so, should enhance the global competitiveness of its institutions and their graduates.
1. UNC should prepare its students for successful professional and personal lives in the 21st century, equipping them the tools they will need to adapt to the ever-change world;
2. UNC programs, especially research programs, should be globally competitive to ensure that they are globally relevant and significant.
3. UNC should promote increased partnerships between its own campuses and international universities and enhance the global awareness of its faculty and students.
Each campus has a unit dedicated to the development and support of international activities. UNC General Administration provides coordination and support for University international programs.
Contacts for further information about international programs at the University:
Dr. Alan Mabe
Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Telephone: 919-962-4614
mabe@northcarolina.edu
OR
Bonnie B. Derr
International Programs Coordinator
Telephone: 919-843-5030
bbderr@northcarolian.edu
Campus International Websites
Appalachian State University
East Carolina University
Elizabeth City State University
Fayetteville State University
North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina Central University
North Carolina State University
University of North Carolina at Asheville
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
University of North Carolina at Wilmington
University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Western Carolina University
Winston-Salem State University
Other Program Websites
UNC Exchange Program
The UNC Exchange Program (UNC EP) was established by action of the Board of Governors in 1997. Through this program, UNC students can study at a number of international universities at a cost equal to that of an academic semester or year of study at a UNC campus. Presently UNC EP operates University-wide exchanges with UNC partner states or systems in Australia, Canada, Brazil, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Mexico, and Uruguay and maintains consortial membership with the International Student Exchange Program.
UNC Center for International Understanding
Established in 1979, the Center for International Understanding (CIU) is a public service program of the University of North Carolina. CIU is committed to helping North Carolinians live and work effectively with people of all cultures. Its unique blend of global education includes short-term immersion programs abroad, coupled with study and training in North Carolina. The Center works primarily with policy leaders and educators, providing them with the experiences and tools necessary to guide their communities and the state through changes associated with an increasingly interdependent world.
The University Council on International Programs (UCIP)
Consists of Senior International Officers from each of the constituent UNC institutions, the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, the International Programs Officer, and representatives from affiliated organizations that support international efforts. The Chair of the UCIP is appointed by the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs. The UCIP meets regularly to advance the international agenda across the University and encourage inter-institutional programs, outreach, and communication. The mission of UCIP is to advise the President, through the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, on international matters and on policies influencing the support and operation of international programs and to coordinate the University's diverse international efforts to meet the growing needs for global readiness in international education, research, and service.