Frameworks for Global Engagement: Infrastructures to Support Good Practice Across Borders

Abstract

Currently in the U.S., some colleges and universities are exploring the idea of examining our outreach efforts in order to document some best practices for global engagement. Some questions are: In what ways are we perceived when we engage in community-based work in developing countries? How could we best honor multiple sources of knowledge to ensure equitable, mindful partnerships? What infrastructures or frameworks aid in providing support to faculty, students and community partners across the globe? What principles, protocols and practices are in place at universities in other countries in their global research and engagement programs? How might we align our values with those alliances to maximize capacity building in an authentic, respectful way?

Elizabeth will lead a roundtable discussion on the results of a survey on global engagement administered to seventeen schools in the U.S. in 2012, which has been written up for the U.S. International Education Association, and ask for feedback and deliberative dialog with C-U Expo attendees to expand the knowledge and resource base that we can all share to evolve in our work. She will also describe the model she has instituted at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, called "Wisconsin Without Borders" which involves a joint learning community to share philosophies and values as well as logistical and practical advice to faculty, staff and students designing globally-engaged projects.