UNMC, along with 10 other colleges and universities, entered a new era of commitment to international affairs as part of the American Council on Education’s (ACE) 15th Internationalization Laboratory Cohort.
Over the next 16 months, UNMC will develop a blueprint for how it can be more of a global leader.
About ACE
ACE is the major coordinating body for all the nation’s higher education institutions, representing nearly 1,800 college and university presidents and related associations. It provides leadership on key higher education issues and influences public policy through advocacy.
Through an inclusive process, leadership teams will work on strategic planning and student outcomes, attend Laboratory meetings in Washington, participate in site visits and peer reviews, engage in monthly communication with ACE staff and encourage faculty to consider international perspectives as part of various programs.
UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., has long been a champion of securing UNMC’s place as a global leader.
“The role of UNMC on an international basis has been long standing and a pillar of our academic and clinical programming,” he said. “It is our hope, that through the activities of the ACE Internationalization Lab, we can strengthen our partnerships and ensure mutual benefits for all parties involved.”
Robin Matross Helms, director of ACE’s Center for Internationalization and Global Engagement, said, “This is a tremendous opportunity for these institutions to share lessons and challenges as they undergo a cultural transformation over the coming months.”
Gil Latz, Ph.D., associate vice chancellor for international affairs for Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and associate vice president for international affairs for Indiana University, will mentor UNMC through this process.
Jane Meza, Ph.D., interim associate vice chancellor for Global & Student Support, UNMC and the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), chairs UNMC’s comprehensive leadership team.
UNO started the Internationalization Lab process in 2016 and will finish this April. It is because of UNMC’s commitment to globalization, UNO’s involvement in the ACE program and the current integration of the two campuses’ international services that helped the med center win a place in the highly competitive cohort.
Dr. Meza said the team will conduct a faculty-driven analysis of current international activities and formulate a strategic action plan to move UNMC’s internationalization efforts forward. They will be guided by ACE faculty and staff with 16 years of experience in internationalization.
“There may be curriculum changes in programs where there is need and flexibility for international curriculum,” Dr. Meza said. “In particular, we will examine ways in which we can build upon our strengths in iEXCEL, health security and health care administration as well as continue to build upon our international collaborations with UNO.”
Dele Davies, M.D., senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, said, “The lab will provide us the opportunity to use a participatory approach over the upcoming year to review current international activities, clarify institutional goals and develop an integrated strategic action plan for UNMC.”