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Nine University Consortium

Now located at SPSU under the direction of Raj Sashti:

Nine University and College International Studies Consortium of Georgia

Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs
Southern Polytechnic State University
Marietta, Georgia 30060-2896

 

Overview

Established in 1991, the Consortium consists of five universities and four colleges of the University System of Georgia. Located 20 miles from down town Atlanta, Southern Polytechnic State University (enrollment 5,500+), a university offering undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, engineering technology, the sciences, applied liberal arts and professional programs is the lead institution of the consortium. (Information on other universities and colleges is included in the section immediately following the overview.) Over 40,000 students study and more than 1,000 faculty members teach in the nine universities and colleges. The Consortium -- jointly funded by Southern Poly, member institutions of the consortium, and other federal, state, and non-profit organizations -- is dedicated to developing, coordinating, and implementing international education and foreign language projects on behalf of the participating universities. During the past 18 years. Columbus State, Clayton State, Georgia Southwestern State universities, Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and the Consortium have secured more than $5,000,000 in federal, private and matching grants.

Objectives

The overall objectives of the Consortium extend through the range of international education including participant training, faculty exchange, and academic course work both in Georgia and overseas:

  • Internationalize the undergraduate curriculum, foster perceptive visions of the world beyond narrow political boundaries, and enhance the ability of the students and faculty to function effectively in a global economy.
  • On a regular basis, organize conferences and intercultural forums dealing with global issues and international development.
  • Provide opportunities for faculty, in-service teachers, and students to study, travel, research and learn about different cultures.
  • Facilitate exchange between colleges, students, and faculty, dignitaries and visitors of foreign countries in order to increase cross-cultural understanding.
  • Promote the cause of peace and international communication through educational and cultural exchange programs.
  • Build an international studies resource center consisting of books, journals, multi-media materials, and artifacts to be shared among participating institutions.

Accomplishments

Since its inception, the Consortium has developed and implemented the following:

  • faculty and curriculum development seminars in East and south East Asia, Eastern Europe and former Soviet Union, Africa, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America;
  • a visiting professor program;
  • lectures and distinguished scholars programs;
  • student and faculty study and travel abroad activities;
  • a curriculum development resource center;
  • academic linkages with overseas universities and colleges;
  • the development of new courses;
  • instruction in selected uncommonly taught languages;
  • nearly two dozen faculty development/curriculum enrichment workshops in international studies and foreign languages;
  • pro-active linkages with international business organizations;
  • service to the community (specific details on these accomplishments are available on request).

Organization

Headquartered at Southern Polytechnic State University, the Consortium is headed by a director. The director and vice presidents for academic affairs of the participating universities and colleges meet once a year to discuss policy matters and provide overall direction to the organization. The day-to-day activities of the organization are managed by an Operating Council that is composed of two faculty members from each of the participating institutions. Members of the Operating Council are designated by the vice presidents for academic affairs and serve as liaisons between the Consortium and their institutions. The director and members of the Operating Council meet at the beginning of each fiscal year and on a quarterly basis to discuss, make decisions about, and vote on all programs.

Consortium Universities and Colleges

  • Southern Polytechnic State University, Marietta
  • Abraham Baldwin College, Tifton
  • Albany State University, Albany
  • Bainbridge College, Bainbridge
  • Columbus State University, Columbus
  • Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley
  • Georgia Southwestern State University, Americus
  • Macon State College, Macon
  • Middle Georgia College, Cochran