The University of Southern Indiana has become one of 10 national institutions selected to participate in the 2011 International Academic Partnerships Program from the Institute of International Education. Participation will allow USI to create new exchange opportunities with China, including training activities and a study tour this spring.

Evansville, Ind. -- University of Southern Indiana is one of 10 United States institutions of higher education to participate in a 2011 initiative of the International Academic Partnerships Program (IAPP) according to a news release issued by the Institute of International Education (IIE). USI and the other nine institutions were selected based on an interest in building ties with institutions in China, a dominant economic and world power. IAPP is funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education.

"The IAPP program is a perfect fit at a perfect time for USI," said Heidi Gregori-Gahan, director of International Programs and Services at USI. "A goal of the University's strategic plan is to enhance experiential learning experiences, including study abroad opportunities for all students. Student interest in studying in China has grown over the past three years at USI."

Mandarin Chinese was first offered in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages in the College of Liberal Arts in 2009 and enrollments in the programs have grown steadily. USI also offers a major in International Studies through the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Business is developing an International Business major.

According to Gregori-Gahan more faculty and students are interested in developing short-term programs ranging from business to public health to education.

"Education majors and area teachers are planning a global engagement program in Beijing this summer and faculty in the College of Nursing and Health Professions want to develop, in addition to exchange programs, joint courses that could be delivered to USI students and to students in China via the web," Gregori-Gahan said.

The IAPP will assist USI in establishing international exchange opportunities with China. They plan a series of training activities, focused on implementing and sustaining partnerships with institutions in China and a study tour to China in spring 2011 to meet with potential partner campuses. USI will be forming a campus task force to work on prospective partnerships with China.

Other institutions selected for the China initiative are Greenville Technical College, Jacksonville State University, Lake Washington Technical College, Marymount Manhattan College, Saginaw Valley State University, Southern Methodist University, State University of New York at Fredonia, The College of New Jersey, and Utah Valley University.

The IIE Center for International Partnerships launched IAPP in 2009 as a two-year initiative, with the pilot group focused on building partnerships between the United States and India. Ten American institutions participated in the first year, and their experience culminated with a study tour to India that coincided with President Obama's Indian visit in November 2010. IAPP China will build on the success of the first year with India, harnessing new lessons learned from year one and continuing to leverage IIE's expertise in international higher education.

Source: University of Southern Indiana & Inside INdiana Business

http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem.asp?ID=45655

The University of Southern Indiana Board of Trustees has approved a new degree program. A Bachelor of Science degree in sport management could be offered next fall with state agency approvals. The board also directed the finance/audit committee to approve design plans, cost estimates and construction schedules for a new $16.5 million teaching theater on campus.

Trustees’ agenda includes new degree program and new construction The University of Southern Indiana Board of Trustees met on Thursday, November 5 and approved a new degree program, the candidates for degrees for the 2009 fall Commencement, and authorized the finance/audit committee to approve design plans, cost estimates, and construction schedules for a teaching theatre on campus.

Sport management degree approved

The trustees approved a Bachelor of Science degree in sport management. The degree will help meet regional and state needs to fill employee positions in an industry that is the fourth largest in growth in the United States. The program will have four distinct student constituents. The degree is designed for college freshmen who seek to study the sport management field in pursuit of a career; for practitioners such as coaches and health/fitness managers to advance their skills, knowledge, and careers through professional development; current USI kinesiology majors seeking to expand their specialization with coursework in sports management; and for students earning a minor in sport management and/or coaching wanting to expand their knowledge. The program will be offered through the Bower Suhrheinrich College of Education and Human Services. The degree will prepare students for entry-level positions for recreation centers and theme parks, fitness clubs, collegiate and professional sport organizations and leagues, sport marketing agencies, recreational sports, and more. With state agency approvals, the degree could be offered in fall 2010.

Fall 2009 Commencement

Over 550 students who will complete degree requirements in the fall semester were approved for the December Commencement, scheduled for Saturday, December 10 in the Physical Activities Center on campus. Two ceremonies will be held that day. At 10 a.m., students in College of Business, College of Nursing and Health Professions, and Pott College of Science and Engineering will graduate and at 1 p.m. the students in the College of Liberal Arts, the Bower Suhrheinrich College of Education and Human Services, and Extended Services will march. Dr. Kevin Valadares, director of the Health Services program and the 2009 Integra Bank Distinguished Professor, will deliver the Commencement address at both ceremonies.

Design beginning on new theatre

With construction funding for a teaching theatre authorized by the 2009 Indiana General Assembly, the trustees directed the finance/audit committee to approve design plans, cost estimates, and construction schedules for the new theater. Holzman Moss Architecture of New York City, which has an international reputation for the design of theater and performing arts facilities, partnered with the Evansville firm of Hafer Associates for related engineering, will provide design services for the theatre, which will be attached to the University Center expansion currently under construction. The expansion of the University Center was designed by the same architectural team. The theater will seat 350, and has a project budget of $16,500,000. Funding for the theatre will come from state funding, private donations, and University resources. Planners and designers are meeting with USI theatre faculty and others to discuss needs and expectations for the new facility. A construction start is possible in the coming academic year. The on-campus theater replaces a deteriorated facility long operated by the University off-campus on Iglehart Avenue.

Source: University of Southern Indiana & Inside INdiana Business