UO launches new Global Studies Institute

The University of Oregon has launched its new Global Studies Institute – a home for internationally oriented centers, programs and new initiatives within the Office of International Affairs.

The Global Studies Institute mission is to support internationally oriented projects that enhance faculty research, enrich the student experience, globalize the campus and promote the UO’s academic excellence with partners around the world.

“The Global Studies Institute is a robust network of shared resources, administrative support, intellectual community building, and joint fundraising for internationally-oriented units and initiatives,” said Dennis Galvan, the UO's vice provost for international affairs.

The institute currently includes seven international centers and programs: Center for Asian and Pacific Studies, Confucius Institute for Global China Studies, Center for Applied Second Language Studies, Gabon-Oregon Transnational Research Center on Environment and Development, Savage Committee for International Relations and Peace, and Oregon African Studies Consortium.

“The creation of the new Global Studies Institute brings many UO international activities under one roof,” said interim Provost Scott Coltrane. “Grouped in this way, the various units will work together more closely, develop joint projects and strengthen our profile as an internationally engaged research university."

The new institute is intended to strengthen the operations of all its members. In the months to come, GSI units will share grant writing, fundraising, marketing and communications resources.

“Establishing the Global Studies Institute is an essential step forward in the process of the internationalization of the University of Oregon,” said Ina Assim, executive director Confucius Institute. “The GSI represents the connections to the many world regions accessible to UO students and faculty for learning and conducting research.”

The Global Studies Institute works in close collaboration with allied units such as the American English Institute, Network Startup Resource Center, Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies, Center for Conflict Sensitive Reporting and Intercultural Dialogue, the College of Arts and Sciences language and international departments and programs, and the Yamada Language Center.

-  from the UO Office of International Affairs