Center for Global Learning and Innovation
The Center for Global Learning and Innovation is a dynamic new hub that reinforces MSU’s commitment to internationalization.
The center brings together key programs and fosters collaboration across colleges and departments while enhancing opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to engage with global learning. With a focus on innovation, collaboration and faculty development, the center provides structure and resources to drive a holistic global learning strategy that will equip Spartans with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a modern, globally connected society.
Center for Global Learning and Innovation Priorities
- Expand Global Learning Opportunities: Promote the benefits of global learning, and inspire participation across the MSU community.
- Collaborate Across Campus: Partner with colleges, departments, and units to develop and implement global learning initiatives.
- Support Faculty Development: Offer resources, workshops, and communities of practice to enhance global learning pedagogy and support faculty and staff research on global learning.
- Connect & Coordinate Efforts: Serve as a hub for global education initiatives, linking faculty, staff, and students to resources and opportunities.
- Foster Innovation in Education: Support the creation of new programs and initiatives, including those driven by the Spartan Global Learning Initiative and continued administration of the COIL Faculty Fellows Program.
- Unify Key Global Programs: Integrate existing programs such as the Office for Education Abroad, Global Youth Advancement Network, American Semester Program and Exchanges, and Japan Center for Michigan Universities to create a more cohesive global learning ecosystem.
Key Units and Programs
- Office for Education Abroad
- American Semester Program & Exchanges
- Global Youth Advancement Network
- Japan Center for Michigan Universities
- Teaching, Learning and Scholarship
Contact
Center for Global Learning and Innovation
Michigan State University
International Center
427 N. Shaw Lane
East Lansing, MI 48824
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Center for Global Learning and Innovation?
The Center for Global Learning and Innovation, launched in the fall of 2024, is a new model and hub for global education and engagement at Michigan State University, driving efficiency by bringing together complementary existing programs and activities while providing a structure through which new programs and innovations can be realized.
Where is the Center located?
The offices within the Center are all located in the International Center. There are no plans for the Center to have a new physical space at this time.
Who oversees the Center?
Opal Leeman Bartzis, Ed.D. will serve as the Assistant Dean for Global Learning and Innovation and provide vision, leadership, innovation and advocacy in developing strategies for strengthening education abroad and integrating student international experiences as fully as possible into the University's academic and intellectual fabric. She will also retain her role as the Executive Director of the Office for Education Abroad.
Inge Steglitz, Associate Director, and Elizabeth Wandschneider, Senior Assistant Director for Finance and Operations, will continue to provide leadership support, with assistance from several managers within the Center.
What activities will the Center engage in?
The Center will remain focused on supporting education abroad programs, domestic study away programs, short courses for inbound international students and the American Semester Program, while bringing together and reconceptualizing units that are currently loosely tied, including the Global Youth Advancement Network and the Japan Center for Michigan Universities.
The Center will also support faculty research and scholarship related to global learning, helping to build on MSU's academic reputation and enrich the student learning experience. Ultimately, the Center will enthusiastically support, coordinate, connect, and build capacity across the university to promote student, faculty and staff success that is driven by global learning. The Center will provide faculty development workshops and other opportunities for the MSU community to become engaged in the advancement of global learning. The successful COIL Faculty Fellows Program will grow and continue to be administered by the Center.
How does the Center relate to the Spartan Global Learning Initiative?
The Spartan Global Learning Initiative builds on an institutional commitment that every Spartan can and should be a Global Spartan, with the encouragement and opportunities to engage in global learning at every step of their MSU experience. Many of the recommendations to come from the forthcoming Spartan Global Learning Initiative steering committee report will be administered or facilitated through the new Center for Global Learning and Innovation.
Will the Center support the development of dual degree programs?
Beginning in late spring 2025, the Center will support units that are exploring the prospect of developing a dual degree, allowing students to earn two separate degrees (one from MSU and another from an institution abroad). This will be done through consultations to discuss internal and inter-institutional processes and by providing resources such as checklists of points for consideration, sample agreements, and case studies and guidelines from international education organizations. The Center will also facilitate connections to campus community members with experience in this area but will not be able to assist with the work of aligning degree program requirements or ensuring individual course equivalencies.
How does the Office for Education Abroad fit into the Center structure?
The Office for Education Abroad (EA) is a central component of the Center. There will be no fundamental changes to the ways EA operates. EA staff will continue to support education abroad programs and provide services to education abroad students. Staff from other units within the Center may join EA with limited responsibilities.
Will there be any staffing changes associated with the Center?
Currently, we are working to fill two new positions: an assistant director for education abroad programs and an assistant director for special programs. Some of our current staff members' responsibilities may change as we determine how to best serve those using the Center and optimize the talents and personal areas of interest of our staff.
Additionally, our Senior Innovation Officer, Luna Lu, will be working to familiarize the campus with the opportunities available through the Center as well as engaging units within to discuss how the Center can best support global learning goals.
