Globalization

October 17 , 2005

Dr. Bernadette Gray-Little, Dean, UNC College of Arts and Sciences

For many North Carolinians, the term "globalization" conjures media images of displaced textiles and manufacturing workers in our state. Globalization has other meanings as well - ones that we should understand in terms of how this phemomenon is impacting higher education. In her presentation, Dr. Bernadette Gray-Little offered a broader perspective of the effects and implications of globalization and internationalization. UNC and many other universities around the country are involved in internationalizing their campuses. An example of this progress at UNC is the Global Education Center (GEC). When it opens, Gray-Little says the GEC will help to focus attention on the numerous international programs on the campus, including the international studies major and other curricular efforts, international research endeavors, and study abroad programs. Many universities believe that internationalization must be a focus in order to remain competitive and to produce graduates ready to impact a global workforce.