VIDEO: President Eisler talks about the Beyond: Globalization initiative at Ferris.
Organizers of Ferris State University’s “Beyond” project will offer the campus community a world view of cultural experiences and
co-curricular opportunities throughout the academic year, as the series focuses on
globalization.
Ferris’ Office of International Education is hosting this fourth year of events, presentations and discussions, offering students the opportunity to consider perspectives beyond their particular field of study or cultural background, as well as participation in Study Abroad programs.
OIE Director Piram Prakasam said more academic programs are embracing the series, and organizers are asking professors to suggest “Beyond: Globalization” events and to possibly incorporate the concept of globalization in their curricula.
“They can work with other professors and come up with events they would like to see in their field,” Prakasam said. “They can bring a speaker here, we can help with logistical support. If we have a bigger event, that speaker can also come into their classroom and teach the outcomes they are trying to teach in their classes.”
The premier events of the “Beyond: Globalization” schedule are being adjusted this year, as a Minds Aflame program will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 29. Last February, “Beyond: Diversity” inaugurated the event format where speakers offered 12-minute presentations, similar to a TEDTalk.
On March 20, 2016, an interactive banner exhibition will be held, a five-star celebratory event with a variety of displays related to globalization. The creators of these banners, along with faculty and staff will be on hand to engage visitors in dialogue on those different cultures and experiences.
Taylor Hooper, a senior in Ferris’ College of Arts, Sciences and Education will be program manager for “Beyond: Globalization,” building on her involvement as a Semester at Sea participant and alumni presenter.
“I went and spoke with other students earlier this year about my studying abroad, I think that resonated with them, much more than just seeing something on paper or seeing someone as a faculty member,” Hooper said. “A number of them showed interest.”
The University began a Globalization Initiative during the 2009-10 academic year with the goals of promoting student success in a global marketplace, encouraging program and course design that addresses issues and needs of the global economy, and promoting discussion and learning opportunities regarding globalization. Ferris’ international student population has more than tripled in that time to around 530 students.
Click Office of International to learn more about a variety of initiatives.
PHOTO CAPTION: Taylor Hooper, a senior in the College of Arts, Sciences and Education and program manager for Beyond: Globalization.