The Faculty Senate discussed pushing internationalization at the University to the next level at Wednesday’s meeting. Kevin Cope, Faculty Senate president, asked members to contribute constructive ideas on how to manage the challenges of internationalization — the process of incorporating more international activity and foreign education on campus. Li Li, interim chair of the International Education Committee, said he wants the international activity on campus to be pushed to the next level. Li said the next Flagship Agenda, set for 2011, will include policies on internationalization. “It is time for us to go the next step to have international activity being promoted, being actively participated in by faculties and administrations on a larger scale,” Li said. Li said internationalization should be part of the diversification and community outreach programs on campus. Other universities, like Ohio State University, have multiple international centers. Li suggested the organization of a center for international culture, education, language and activities on campus. Li also suggested international activity be placed in the quality enhancement plan as part of official business of the University. Lakshman Velupillai, associate vice chancellor for the International Programs Office, said progress has been positive so far.  Velupillai said he uses three criteria to rank universities: the number of international students on campus, the number of students studying abroad and the number of Title VI programs funded. Velupillai said the University ranks about 67 on the list of 115 universities, which have more than a thousand international students. The University has an average of 2.3 percent of students who study abroad, which is slightly above average, Velupillai said. Title VI programs, which are funding grants to universities to support international education centers, are nonexistent at the University, Velupillai said. “That’s the main focus that we will have to spend a lot of energy on,” he said. Velupillai said the committee’s vision for the end result is three-fold: students are internationally engaged, informed, inquisitive, experienced and prepared for their future and careers, faculty have the opportunity to enhance the national research collaboration, and the Flagship Agenda will be enhanced by including these activities in them. Jane Chandler, assistant director of the International Programs Office, said internationalization must be included in the Flagship Agenda if it will be integrated into the institution. “If we look at the quality enhancement plan that exists, it’s all about the Flagship Agenda,” Chandler said. The senators agreed more emphasis should be placed on the importance of foreign languages starting at the high school level. A few senators suggested the University increase its language requirements. Currently, students are required to have two units of foreign language to be accepted. Chandler said it’s not just about language but about broadening students’ horizons and learning about other cultures. —-Contact Sarah Eddington at [email protected]