Page 53 - Azerbaijan State University of Economics

Sh. Bayramov: Continuing to build a “global penn state”

Key words: higher education, globalization, internationalization, administration
mechanism, university management system.
JEL classification: I23, I24

Global Penn State
Penn State‘s overall global affairs and perspective international presence is
based on two main concepts. So, ―Enhancing Global Engagement‖ and ―Fostering
and Embracing a Diverse World‖ have been stated in the list of six foundations in
Penn State‘s Strategic Plan for 2016-2020 (Penn State University, 2016).
Additionally, the quote from Dr. Nicholas Jones, Executive Vice President and
Provost, clearly mentions Penn State‘s vision on global affairs.
“Penn State will be recognized as a global leader in learning, discovery, and
engagement that fosters innovation, embraces diversity in all its forms, and inspires
achievement that will change the world in positive and enduring ways” (Jones, 2015).
The University‘s international affairs related activities are incorporated under
Global Penn State. It is characterized by the combination of centralized and
decentralized offices throughout the main campus and the commonwealth campuses
throughout Pennsylvania. The University Office of Global Programs (UOGP) is the
central unit that provides support and oversight for all of Penn State‘s international
engagements. At the same time, almost all colleges and campuses have their own
international programs offices (or coordinators) intended for development of global
affairs of a particular college and campus.
Loose Coupling
According to Weick (1976) loose coupling is generally used within higher
education research to discuss the loose ties between units within the organization (p.
4). From this point of view, Penn State‘s university administration in global affairs
include ―potentially crucial properties of the ‗glue‘ that holds organization together‖
(Weick, 1976, p. 3).
UOGP, overseen by the Vice Provost for Global Programs, manages education
abroad programs, hosts international students and scholars, and facilitates the
University's international partnerships around the world. This quite from the Global
Penn State webpage identifies UOGP‘s main role and its functioning areas.
“UOGP's mission is to vigorously promote Penn State's vision of becoming a
truly global university -- the Global Penn State -- by providing the resources and
support needed to: expand the diversity of our study abroad enterprise; increase and
diversify our international student population; and build transformative, strategic
partnerships around the world. UOGP encourages all members of the Penn State
community to incorporate global perspectives in their work, studies, and activities.

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