Clayton State University

Overview

Established in 1991, the Consortium consists of six universities and three colleges of the University System of Georgia. Clayton State University (enrollment 6,000), a comprehensive university offering undergraduate courses in liberal arts, applied sciences, business and education and located 15 miles from downtown Atlanta, is the lead institution of the Consortium. (Information on other universities and colleges is included in the section immediately following the abstract.) Over 43,000 students study in the nine universities and colleges which employ more than 1,300 faculty. The Consortium is jointly funded by Clayton State University and other federal, state, and non-profit organizations and is dedicated to developing, coordinating, and implementing foreign language and international education projects on behalf of the participating universities. During the past dozen years, the Consortium has secured numerous federal, private and matching grants.

Objectives

The overall objectives of the Consortium extend through the range of international education including participant training, faculty exchange, and academic course work both in Georgia and overseas:

1. Internationalize the undergraduate curriculum, foster perceptive visions of the world beyond narrow political boundaries, and enhance the ability of the students and faculty to function effectively in a global economy.

2. On a regular basis organize conferences and intercultural forums dealing with global issues and international development.

3. Provide opportunities for faculty, in-service teachers, and students to study, travel, research and learn about different cultures.

4. Facilitate exchange between colleges, students, and faculty, dignitaries and visitors of foreign countries in order to increase cross-cultural understanding.

5. Promote the cause of peace and international communication through educational and cultural exchange programs.

6. Build an international studies resource center consisting of books, journals, multi-media materials, and artifacts to be shared among participating institutions.

Accomplishments

Since its inception, the Consortium has developed and implemented the following: faculty and curriculum development seminars in East and South East Asia, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and former Soviet Union; a visiting professor program; lectures and distinguished scholars program; student and faculty study and travel abroad activities; curriculum development resource center; academic linkages with overseas universities and colleges; development of new courses; instruction in selected uncommonly taught languages; nearly two dozen faculty development/curriculum enrichment workshops in foreign languages and international studies; pro-active linkages with international business organizations; and service to the community (specific details on these accomplishments are available on request).

Organization

Headquartered at Clayton State University in the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Consortium is headed by a director. The director and vice presidents for academic affairs of the participating universities and colleges meet once a year to discuss policy matters and provide overall direction to the organization. The day-to-day activities of the organization are managed by an Operating Council that is composed of two faculty members from each of the participating institutions. Members of the Operating Council are designated by the vice presidents for academic affairs and serve as liaisons between the Consortium and their institutions. The director and members of the Operating Council meet at the beginning of each fiscal year and on a quarterly basis to discuss, make decisions, and vote on all programs.

Consortium Universities and Colleges

Clayton State University, Morrow
Abraham Baldwin College, Tifton
Albany State University, Albany
Columbus State University, Columbus
Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley
Georgia Southwestern State University, Americus
Macon State College, Macon
Middle Georgia College, Cochran
University of West Georgia, Carrollton

Director

Rajgopal Sashti, Director
Nine University and College International Studies Consortium of Georgia
Clayton State University
Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
2000 Clayton State Blvd., Morrow, Georgia 30260
Phone: (678) 466-4110
Fax: (678) 466-4119
rajgopalsashti@clayton.edu

Map Showing the Geographic Distribution of the Nine University and College International Studies Consortium of Georgia

Institution	Enrollment
Clayton State University	5,954
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural University	3,362
Albany State University	3,668
Columbus State University	7,224
Fort Valley State University	2,558
Georgia Southwestern State University	2,323
Macon State College	5,733
Middle Georgia College	2,627
University of West Georgia	10,216
Total	43,660

This page updated on 08/23/2006