FAQ
How much time must I commit to attending Global Encounter: Africa?
The best answer is for you to participate in the entire event. If this is not possible, come for an hour, or two, or as long as you can. Global Encounter: Africa is flexibly structured to accommodate a range of time commitments. We urge you to register on-line, regardless of the time you will attend. We need your input!
Who should participate in Global Encounter: Africa?
Any member of the MSU community who has an interest in MSU’s future strategic international direction in Africa:
- Faculty
- Staff
- Administrators
- Graduate students
- Undergraduate students
- Visiting international scholars/professionals
- Alumni
Members of the community who have an interest in Africa and MSU's future strategic international direction there are also welcome and encouraged to participate.
I participated in the Africa-related discussion at the Global Encounter in April 2006, so why should I attend this session too?
Global Encounter: Africa will build strategically on the foundation created by Global Encounter, supplementing those efforts with a wide range of other activities including ongoing research, teaching and outreach of MSU faculty and staff plus contributions of the African community. As a university, we need to harness the interests, energy and potential of those with a special commitment to Africa.
I'm more interested in internationalization of the MSU campus and Michigan overall. Is there a place for me at Global Encounter: Africa?
Internationalization is not only "out there" with our international neighbors. It involves the MSU campus, Michigan, and the U.S. overall. MSU has become a popular and highly respected destination for students and visiting professionals and scholars from Africa. Thus part of our conversation will focus on the impacts of these visitors on the campus, community, and the state, as well as on ways to involve community residents in Africa-related cultural and educational opportunities on campus. In addition, we will discuss strategies to involve our growing network of alumni in the future of our university.
Where in the International Center will this take place?
Registration, our work sessions and lunch will take place on the third floor of the Delia Koo International Academic Center, located in the International Center, on the MSU campus.
Where can I park near the International Center?
There is faculty and staff parking in the eastern lot between the International Center and the College of Engineering on Shaw Lane; in the lot next to Erikson Hall (College of Education) at the corner of Farm Lane and West Shaw Lane; and in the lot on the south side of Spartan Stadium. Public parking is available for an hourly fee in the western lot between the International Center and the College of Education on Shaw Lane.
What are the goals of Global Encounter: Africa?
Our primary goal is to generate fresh and diverse perspectives to position MSU to be the premier world-grant institution of the 21st Century, a goal in which our engagement in Africa will play a critical role. Additional goals include:
- To gather feedback from members of every segment of the campus community regarding what our efforts in Africa should look like 10 years from now and beyond
- To spotlight MSU’s current engagement in Africa
- To build on ideas and proposals generated at our broad Global Encounter event
- To take a further steps toward identifying partners and programmatic themes where MSU can have transformational impacts in Africa and benefit from the reciprocal relationships.
- To generate excitement about and commitment to MSU's continuing and future engagement in Africa
- To open dialogue and opportunities for further networking and collaboration among those with similar Africa and/or thematic interests.
