University Restructures International Initiatives With "Global USA"

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Posted on February 10, 2017

Bob Lowry

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Virtually all facets of the University of South Alabama's international outreach and engagement have been brought together with the creation of Global USA, a new unit that will greatly enhance the University's institutional priority of Global Engagement.

Global USA will include four offices:

• Global Outreach and International Student Services, responsible for international student recruitment and support services for international students,
• The Office of Immigration and International Admissions, responsible for immigration compliance for students, faculty and other scholars, as well as admission of international students to USA's academic programs,
• The Office of International Education, responsible for Study Abroad, student exchange and international partnerships, and
• The English Language Center, which provides instruction in the study of English as a second language.

"Global USA will greatly benefit the University's international community of students and faculty, and we are also excited at the opportunities for growth this will provide other students who want to further develop their international interests," Dr. Tony Waldrop, University president, said.

"This reorganization of the University's international initiatives is an exciting move forward," said Dr. David Johnson, provost. "By bringing all of these essential programs and services together, we will more efficiently and effectively serve the needs and goals of USA's students and faculty."

Global USA will operate within Academic Affairs, with Dr. Rick Carter, who has been serving as dean of the School of Continuing Education and Special Programs, becoming associate vice president for global engagement and USA's senior international officer. Carter also will retain responsibility for USA Baldwin County as well as the Center of Continuing Education, Camps and Conferences.

With the creation of Global USA, the School of Continuing Education and Special Programs will be disbanded and its academic programs moved to other colleges. Programs, faculty and staff in Developmental Studies will transfer to the College of Arts and Sciences, while Interdisciplinary Studies as well as Hospitality and Tourism Management will transfer to the College of Education.  

While these changes will go into effect immediately, students, faculty and staff in these programs should not be significantly impacted, as all programs will continue to operate in their new units.  Classroom and office assignments will remain the same through at least the end of the current semester.

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