Office of International Studies and Programs: Mission Statement

In the belief that knowledge broadens when many diversified points of view are examined and shared, Central Washington University has accepted the promotion of international understanding as part of its total educational obligation and responsibility. Further, in an environment of diverse geographic and cultural perspectives, divisive, parochial and ethnic prejudices may break down through informed understanding. Education, thus, must include educating for a worldview.

The development and implementation of a comprehensive plan and concomitant program for the growth of international education on the Central Washington University campus and in the community is the primary mission of the Office of International Studies & Programs.

This mission involves creation, organization and management of all short-term and long-term international and national exchange programs, promotion of faculty and staff development through grant and contract writing, and providing support for faculty and staff travel and research. In addition, the staff of the Office of International Studies & Programs must integrate the international student and scholars programs, the University English as a Second Language Program (UESL) and the Asia University America Program (AUAP) into the general international education plan.

Two other responsibilities lie within this mission:

1. The facilitation of a broad range of activities designed to internationalize the experience of U.S. students on the CWU campus, including expanding national and international study opportunities, supporting curricular development or revision aimed at infusing or adding multi-cultural and/or international perspectives, and increasing student, staff, and faculty diversity.
2. The development of programming designed to build community awareness of global issues and cooperation with community agencies and individual business and government leaders in regional and state economic development within an international context.