Monday, February 25, 2013

Penn's new global strategy

Another institution, this time one of the elite Ivy League, is launching its "Global Strategy" with a commitment to enhancing its global presence through a variety of means including an annual research focus.  The "global solutions program," will involve world leaders and faculty experts in taking on a new problem every year.  Interesting that when asked about the possibilities of establishing a branch campus, Penn's first Vice Provost for Global Affairs, Ezekial Emanuel commented,"That's a crazy idea, we're in the education business. We're not in the real estate business."

With all due respect, isn't it amazing that an elite university in Pennsylvania can convene "world leaders and faculty experts" who will solve the world's problems from afar on a one-year project basis.  And isn't it fascinating that Emanuel equates branch campuses to real estate investments?  Pardon my cynicism because I am sure that Penn will offer something of substance.  The report of their "Global Strategy" unfortunately trivializes both their and others' efforts to internationalize and global higher education.

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