INTERNATIONALISATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CYPRUS

Transcription

1 INTERNATIONALISATION AT THE SEPTEMBER 2012 Dr. Gregory Makrides, Director of Research and International Relations Service

2 OUTLINE INTRODUCTION POLICY PLANNING INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING ACTIVITIES SUCCESS STRORIES BEST PRACTICES TOOLS HUMAN RESOURCES AND TRAINING SELF-ASSESSMENT 2

3 INTRODUCTION 3

4 VISION The University of Cyprus (UCY) aims to establish itself as a Pioneer Research Institution achieving International Scientific Recognition in European Higher Education, offering Competitive Programs and to become a Centre of Excellence in the wider Euro - Mediterranean Region. 5 Pillars of Action Teaching Social Contribution Research Creativity Innovation 4

5 FACTS AND FIGURES 22 Departments 10 Research Units 8 Faculties: Faculty of Humanities Faculty of Economics and Management Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences Faculty of Social Sciences and Education Faculty of Engineering Faculty of Letters Graduate School Medical School 5

6 POLICY 6

7 POLICY The current environment in Higher Education Area is Very Competitive CHALLENGES The challenge for effective Internationalisation is to have short... Internationalisation is very important for institution s success!...and long term strategy What institutions around the world do is relevant for an institution to excel in a competitive knowledge society 7

8 POLICY-Short Term According to the strategic planning of the new Rectorate for the years , UCY has the following priorities with regards to internationalisation: Recruitment of International Students Is closely related to the strategic development plan of UCY for a) the increase of students to , b)the promotion of the creation of international programs and c) the improvement of student culture It will enhance multiculturalism, the internationalisation of the prestige of UCY, the indirect development of cooperation with foreign institutions and the development of relations with foreign embassies and state authorities. It will also promote brain-drain, as well as the flow of income. Creation of an International Students Admissions Office Encouragement of students to study abroad within the framework of the ERASMUS Program (at least one semester during their studies) Development and Promotion of Postgraduate Programmes in foreign languages and development of Joint Degrees with institutions abroad Consistency with the European and international area through: The creation of the European Union Universities if Small States (EU²S²) Association for the promotion of an active role of small states universities in the knowledge society Enhancement of UCY participation in University Networks and Associations 8

9 POLICY-Long Term It is important for UCY to MAP itself in the European Area, the Mediterranean region and the international arena in general since: The Higher Education area in Europe and the rest of the world is becoming more and more competitive. Cyprus is an isolated island in the Mediterranean region internationalisation policy is necessary. an aggressive UCY is a small university in a small country. As the first university established in Cyprus, the challenge for international recognition is even more. However, due to Cyprus geographical position, UCY has an important role to play. 9

10 PLANNING 10

11 PLANNING UCY aims at promoting internationalisation through detailed planning at the beginning of each year: Action Plan for the promotion of UCY programs and for international students recruitment Plan for the representation of UCY at conferences and meetings of Networks and Associations Plan for the promotion of exchanges/mobility within the framework of ERASMUS and other exchange/mobility programs Plan for the realisation of the Bilateral Agreements of Cooperation as well as the increase in the number of agreements signed Plan for the revision and updating of existing promotional material as well as the production of new Plan for the effective utilisation of the funds allocated for IR purposes Plan for research collaboration, networking, projects, activities, conferences etc. 11

12 PLANNING Interconnectivity between the promotion of research and internationalisation The continuous cooperation and networking in research projects funded both at a European and international levels is an important factor for the promotion of internationalisation. Research collaboration is promoted through various IR activities 12

13 ACTIVITIES Research and multilateral project cooperation as a catalyst for internationalisation UCY is active in 85 European and International projects EASTWEST 2012: International Congress & Exhibition East-Meets-West on Innovation & Entrepreneurship, 1-4 September 2012 at UCY People s Conference-Marie-Curie: Actions in HORIZON 2020: Regional and International Impact, 5-6 November 2012 at UCY Promoting Research through IR activities in the following ways: Signing of the Agreements of Cooperation provides for research activities between institutions Diffusing useful information from partners with regards to proposals for research projects, to the academic community of UCY Communicating Research successes to international partners through presentations, website, targeted messages 13

14 INFRASTRUCTURE 14

15 INFRASTRUCTURE UCY places Internationalisation at the heart of its aims, as decision-making bodies are involved in international relations. SENATE RECTORATE COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE Undertakes initiatives that contribute to the promotion and enhancement of UCY international cooperation 15

16 INFRASTRUCTURE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE- COMPOSITION Secretary-Director of Research and International Relations Service Chairperson Vice-Rector for International Affairs, Finance and Administration Academic- Faculty of Economics and Business- Member Academic- Faculty of Engineering- Member Academic- Faculty of Humanities- Member Academic- Faculty of Philosophy- Member Academic- Representative of Postgraduate Studies Committee - Member Student Representative- Member 16

17 INFRASTRUCTURE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE- RESPONSIBILITIES Handles Budget Articles that are available solely for the realization of Bilateral Agreements of Cooperation with institutions (locally and internationally), for the representation of UCY at workshops/ conferences /meetings and other events organised by international Networks and Organisations and for the participation of UCY in EU Programs and Initiatives Sets the framework of signing Bilateral Agreements of Cooperation with other Universities/Research Centres Coordinates the procedures of the submission and selection of international cooperation proposals from other universities or from UCY Rectorate or Faculties and makes suggestions to the Rectorate Council Sets the policy regarding the University s international affairs and collaboration, especially re EU issues, exchange of students & staff, and the recognition of credits Promotes the new Life Long Learning Program (ERASMUS, etc), as well as the participation of academics in other EU Programs (preparatory, policy meetings at European lever etc.) Promotes students participation in European/International student networks/conferences/meetings Develops international student recruitment strategy Promotes collaboration with foreign diplomatic representations in Cyprus, as well as cooperation with Cypriot Embassies abroad 17

18 INFRASTRUCTURE Institution s FOCAL POINT ROLE: Channelling accurate info in and out of institution on time RESEARCH AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS SERVICE Applying internationalisation policies/ strategies Promoting internationalisation Delivering high quality work/service, both within the institution and in relation to external collaborators/partners Who are our clients? Academics, Students, Administrators, Networks/Associations, Governments, Companies, Embassies and Society 18

19 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS-UCY INFRASTRUCTURE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND PROMOTION OFFICE Monitoring of Articles that are handled by the IR Committee Organisation of Activities for International Recruitment Bilateral Agreements : Support for the Signing and Implementation Administrative Support of IR Committee Support for the implementation of State Educational Agreements Support for the representation of UCY at Networks and Associations Cooperation with the Cypriot Diaspora Organisation of conferences/meetings and delegation visits at UCY 19

20 INFRASTRUCTURE PUBLICATIONS OFFICE Communication tools supporting internationalisation Production of several publications e.g Undergraduate and Postgraduate prospectuses in English Student info booklets University Research Posters and other promotional material (leaflets, pens, pencils) Managing UCY s webpage and training website coordinators Cyprus University Publications 20

21 INFRASTRUCTURE MOBILITY SUPPORT OFFICE Internationalisation outside and inside the university Promotion, administration and implementation of ERASMUS and other exchange programs LLP/Erasmus program ERASMUS Studies (students) ERASMUS placements (students) ERASMUS Teaching Assignments ERASMUS Staff Training 21

22 INFRASTRUCTURE MOBILITY SUPPORT OFFICE Leonardo da Vinci program (for placements for graduates of the University of Cyprus) Organization of events relevant to Mobility, e.g. Erasmus Staff Week for nonacademic staff Monitoring and implementation of Mobility in the framework of Bilateral Agreements (state, cultural, departmental) outside Erasmus Support to the Greek Intensive Language Courses ( EILC and others) of the School of Modern Greek Support to the Discover Cyprus programme of Cypriot students of the Diaspora Administration of the ECTS project for the full implementation of the Credit Transfer and Accumulations System at the University of Cyprus Dealing with Bologna Process issues 22

23 INFRASTRUCTURE Supporting Student Mobility students are encouraged to take courses in intercultural communication, with important outcomes: 1. Students are able to define culture and to identify ways in which culture influences communication. 2. Students are able to recognize and demonstrate the behaviors which represent open-mindedness. 3. Students participate in at least two intercultural simulations 4. Students are able to identify and report on three symptoms of culture shock and two remedies for culture shock. 5. Students are able to identify and report on at least two standard taxonomies of cultural difference. 6. Students are able to identify five features of their own culturally specific communication. 7. Students research differences in at least two distinct cultures. 8. Students recognize and analyze the relationships among culturally held values and cultural standards for behavior. 9. Students demonstrate their ability to adapt to the perceptions of individuals from different cultures. 23

24 FUNDING 24

25 FUNDING UCY s strategic objective for internationalisation is reflected in the availability of a variety of funds from the UCY budget towards this end: Funding for the realisation of the provisions of Bilateral Agreements of Cooperation with other universities and for the promotion of UCY abroad Funding for the representation of UCY at conferences and meetings of international networks and organisations Funding for the representation of UCY projects and initiatives of the EU Funding for the hosting of visitors Funding for the participation of academics in international events Funding for the organisation of International Conferences and Meetings at UCY 25

26 ACTIVITIES 26

27 ACTIVITIES AGREEMENTS OF COOPERATION Internationalisation is promoted through 3 types of Bilateral Agreements of Cooperation: Interstate Agreements signed by the Republic of Cyprus with other countries Bilateral Agreements of Cooperation between UCY and other institutions abroad Bilateral Agreements of Cooperation between specific departments of UCY and the respective departments of institutions abroad The Agreements provide for: Joint research activities Exchange of faculty members for research, lectures and discussions Exchange of academic materials and academic publications and information Exchange of graduate and undergraduate students for study and research Co-organisation of, and participation in lectures, seminars and conferences Co-operation in administrative issues 27

28 ACTIVITIES 28

29 ACTIVITIES Participating in joint projects with other members of Networks/Associations e.g the Tempus Project INTERNATIONAL NETWORKS AND ASSOCIATIONS Organising and Hosting at UCY conferences of Networks/Associations of which the UCY is a member e.g, the Bologna Experts Seminar, the Campus Europae seminar, the UNICA GA 2012 Active participation in events-conferences and working groups organised by Networks/Associations Continuous evaluation of UCY memberships at different Networks/Associations Continuous diffusion of information with regards to activities of Networks/Associations to the UCY community 29

30 ACTIVITIES 30

31 ACTIVITIES INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT Participation in International Education Fairs, esp. Russia, Bulgaria, Romania, Arab Emirates Participation in visits to Greece organised by the Ministry of Education and Culture of Cyprus, for the promotion of Cyprus Universities Preparation of promotional material for international students Participation in the Annual International Education Fair in Cyprus Scholarships offered by the Departments on their own revenues 31

32 ACTIVITIES COOPERATION WITH THE DIASPORA UCY maintains close links with organised entities of the Diaspora, especially in the USA, Canada, U.K. and Australia. Activities: Organisation and Coordination of the Annual Training Seminar for Teachers of the Greek Diaspora (USA, UK, Canada): 3 weeks every July ( ) Discover Cyprus programme of the Organization of Cypriot students of the Diaspora 25 scholarships per year for postgraduate and PhD studies, offered to Cypriots of Diaspora and to citizens of non EU countries 32

33 ACTIVITIES OTHER ACTIVITIES Participation in projects regarding the infrastructure of International Relations (e.g. TEMPUS, ERASMUS MUNDUS) Training of Personnel on International Relations issues On-the-job training through the ERASMUS Staff Training Program Continuous cooperation with the European Office in Cyprus and in Brussels Operation of an Aula Cervantes at UCY since 2011 UCY is an active member in the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) 33

34 SUCCESS STORIES 34

35 ACHIEVEMENTS Production and Operations Management Scientific Journal ranks UCY among other 343 leading universities in the world for its research activity in the field of business administration, based in its research activity for the period In 2007 Cyprus was ranked first in Europe in success rate of European Research Consortium (ERC) programs compared to its population, entirely based on submissions of proposals from University of Cyprus researchers 35

36 ACHIEVEMENTS 2007 Jean Monet Centre of Excellence 2008 EFQM Committed to Excellence Award 2008 Royal Award for Sustainable Technology from the European Environment Agency was awarded to Professor of the Department of Chemistry 2008 Distinguished Scientist 2008 Award, by the International Research Promotion Council (IRPC), was awarded to Professor of the Department of Biological Sciences 36

37 ACHIEVEMENTS 2009 DS Label awarded by the European Commission 2009 UNESCO Chair in Gender Equality and Empowerment 2010 Recognition for the UCY as one of the keyinstitutions activated on diaspora issues, by the Global Forum on Migration and Development 37

38 ACHIEVEMENTS 2011 The John Vanderkamp Award for the best scientific article that was published in 2010 in the scientific periodicalcanadian Public Policy/Analyse de Politiques was awarded to Professor of the Department of Economics rd European Award for Doctoral Thesis by the European Federation of Catalyst Societies to doctoral student of the Department of Chemistry 2011 Lloyd s Science Risk Prize (UK) awarded to Lecturer of the Department of Business and Public Management 38

39 home country ACHIEVEMENTS Cyprus first EU country to increase student mobility rate ( ) - UCY was the leading institution. Student mobility - change in number of students per country in 2009/10 in % Percentage of change in Erasmus student mobility in 2009/ ,0 35,0 30,0 25,0 20,0 15,0 10,0 5,0 0,0-5,0 CY MT EE BG LV IE DK ES IS LI TR SE LU NL IT UK FR BE RO SK GR PL SI AT DE FI HU LT PT CZ NO -10,0 39

40 ACHIEVEMENTS The University of Cyprus has had, since 2007, the Presidency of the Network of Universities from Capitals of Europe (UNICA) The President of UNICA is the former Rector of the University of Cyprus, who was re-elected at the Presidency for the term of Office ΠΑΝΕΠΙΣΗΜΙΟ ΚΤΠΡΟΤ 40

41 ACHIEVEMENTS 2011 The Department of Education was rated as one of the best in Europe by the Evaluation Committee of the European Universities Association (EUA) The Director of Research and International Relations Service is the President of the European Association for ERASMUS Coordinators (EAEC) and the President of the European Association for Career Guidance (EACG) 41

42 ACHIEVEMENTS European Union Universities of Small EU States Association (EU²S²) UCY had the initiative for the Founding of the EU²S². EU²S² initiative is within the framework of joint EU target to develop the knowledge society by the year 2020, by eliminating disadvantages due to the small size of the states. The necessary environment has to be created so as to find ways for the small states to participate competitively and in a more constructive way, for the benefit of the European Union as a whole Cyprus Estonia Latvia Lithuania Participating States Luxembourg Malta Slovenia 42

43 ACHIEVEMENTS 2011 Ranked among the 550 top Universities in the world according to the Shanghai List 43

44 ACHIEVEMENTS 2012 The Director of the KOIOS Research Centre, and Professor at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, was elected President of the International Organisation of Emotional Intelligence since the 1 st January The Cooperating Objects Network of Excellence (CONET) Award for the best academic PhD thesis was awarded to a PhD graduate of the Department of Computer Science, in the context of the European Conference on Wireless Sensor Networks 2012 The Director of the KOIOS Research Centre, and Professor at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, was awarded the ERC Advanced Grant 44

45 ACHIEVEMENTS UCY is the first university in Cyprus and Greece to receive the HR Excellence in Research Award from the European Commission in

46 BEST PRACTICES 46

47 BEST PRACTICES International Relations management at a top level by the Vice-Rector for International Affairs, Finance and Administration Research and International Relations are under one Service-emphasizes the importance of IR for the promotion of Research The Publications Office is under the International Relations and Promotions Sector, facilitating the continuous development of practices and tools for the enhancement of international profile Each academic department has an IR coordinator who cooperates closely with the IR and Promotion Office Close cooperation with Embassies internationally as well as foreign Embassies locally Close cooperation with Ministries, esp. the Ministry of Education and Culture 47

48 BEST PRACTICES Organisation of events for both incoming and outgoing mobility every academic year for the promotion of exchanges Organization of the Erasmus Staff Week for non-academic staff is a great opportunity for job shadowing, networking, exchange of best practices and for getting to know new countries and cultures Close cooperation of Mobility Support Office with ERASMUS departmental coordinators as well as with the National Agency in Cyprus for the LLP Programs 48

49 BEST PRACTICES Participation in projects either as partners or as coordinators, enabling the creation of networks of partners Initiatives for the creation of Networks e.g. the European Union Universities of Small States Association (EU²S²) Organisations of visits of high-rank officials form other universities and from the European Commission Organisation of workshops/conferences/meetings locally Participation in conferences and meetings internationally Having a leading role in international networks/associations Active participation in working groups of networks and associations 49

50 BEST PRACTICES Translating institution s documents in English Offering courses at undergraduate level in English Changes in the legislation that hinders international relations Policy for the promotion of the ERASMUS Program, not only within the student population, but also of the academic community in general Supporting the participation of students in conferences internationally Appointing a student representative in the International Relations Committee with voting right Creating representations of the institution in other countries e.g. the European Office of Cyprus in Brussels started as a UCY initiative, with the creation of the European Cyprus Office Creating cultural centres within the institution e.g. the functioning of the Nicosia Aula Cervantes at UCY 50

51 BEST PRACTICES Supporting the development of Joint Degrees with institutions in the international arena e.g at UCY so far, the following joint degrees have been developed Title Department Partners PhD Program in Economic Policy Economics University of Verona (Italy), University of Oviedo (Spain), University of Essex (UK), University of York (UK), Universite de Cergy-Pontoise (France), Universidade de Campinas (Brazil), University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA) European Master in Human Rights and Democratization Didactics and Methodology of Mathematics Social and Political Sciences Mathematics and Statistics -Education 41 institutions from the European Inter University Centre for Human Rights and Democratization University of Athens (Departments of Mathematics/ Philosophy, Pscychology and Education/Methodology, history and Theory of Science European Master in Classic Studies Classics and Philosophy Germany: Westfälische Wilhelms-University Münster, Albert- Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg & Universität Hamburg; France: Université de Toulouse - Le Mirail, Toulouse; Greece: University of Athens; Italy: Università degli Studi di Perugina, Perugia, Università degli Studi di Roma Tre, Rome; Austria: Leopold- Franzens-Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck; Poland: Uniwersytet im. Adama Mickiewicza, Posen; Spain: Universidade da Coruña, La Coruña; Turkey: Istanbul Üniversitesi, Istanbul Master in Mathematics Mathematics and Statistics Department of Mathematics, University of Poitiers, France MSc in Computer Games and Interactive Media Computer Science Cyprus University of Technology 51

52 BEST PRACTICES Developing Programmes of Studies taught in foreign languages, e.g. UCY offers the following: Master of Business Administration (ΜΒΑ) (English) MSc in Finance (English) Μaster in Economic Analysis (MECA) (English) Master in Teaching English as a Foreign Language Master in Theoretical and Applied Linguistics (English) Master in English Literature and Comparative Cultural Studies Master in French Studies PhD in French Studies Master and PhD in Turkish History and Politics 10 Master and PhD in Turkish Philology and Literature 52

53 TOOLS 53

54 TOOLS 1 Promotional material in English 2 Participation in conferences locally and internationally 3 Monitoring of IR activities through indicators 54

55 HUMAN RESOURCES AND TRAINING 55

56 HUMAN RESOURCES It is important for people working in International Relations to possess a number of attributes that will make a difference: Personality: outgoing, pleasant personality, open-minded, professional and committed. Need to love their job so as to be effective and also, to be able to adapt to change. Skills: knowledge of languages, IT skills, managerial skills, problemsolving skills. Additionally, continuous training is a MUST, due to the dynamic, continuously changing environment in International Relations, in order to keep up with: Recent developments in national policies International recent developments in education, especially in the EU and the Mediterranean Besides training, many other factors help both educate people and giving them incentives: Clear career paths Recognition of their work Activities outside the workplace which help the team come closer Opportunities for on-the-job training 56

57 SELF-ASSESSMENT 57

58 SELF-ASSESSMENT Methods for self-assessment: Updating of indicators every 2 months Carrying out a SWOT analysis once every year which helps shape the correct strategy for internationalisation Organising meetings and discussions between the members of the Research and International Relations Service and with the Director Identifying training needs and participation of personnel in training programs funded by the institution Carrying out personal evaluation every year which involves selfevaluation and evaluation by two superiors, which is the basis for personal improvement The Research and International Relations Service taking part in selfevaluation processes carried out by external auditors 58

59 SELF-ASSESSMENT Self-assessment vital for: The continuous revision and updating of the tactics and methods used towards the implementation of the long-term strategy The improvement of the skills of the people working in International Relations Keeping up with the continuously changing dynamic environment in the Higher Education arena 59

60 THANK YOU 60