Skip to content

Global Engagement

Office of the Provost

Celebrating a Decade of Global Engagement at the University of Rochester

By

By Megan Bennett-Spears, Associate Director of International Partnerships

As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the University of Rochester’s Office for Global Engagement (OGE), I am filled with immense pride and excitement. Having been part of the OGE for nearly nine years, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of our initiatives and partnerships. As the Associate Director of International Partnerships, it is my pleasure to share our office’s journey and achievements over the past decade.

The Evolution of Global Engagement

The OGE has come a long way since its inception. One of our flagship initiatives, the Global Visitor Program, has brought numerous international scholars, professionals, and delegations to our campus, significantly enriching our academic environment and campus culture. Since assuming my current role in December 2023, I have had the privilege of hosting delegations from New Zealand, Macau, and Rennes, as well as facilitating visits through the International Visitor Leadership Program. These experiences underscore the diversity and global reach of our partnerships.

A Journey Across Continents

My tenure with the OGE has been marked by incredible opportunities to travel and forge connections worldwide. I have been fortunate enough to visit Ireland, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, and I am eagerly anticipating my upcoming trip to France. These journeys are more than just visits—they  build bridges of knowledge, culture, and mutual respect.

Expanding Our Global Footprint

The OGE has been instrumental in supporting the development of over 190 agreements with more than 130 entities around the world. This extensive network of partnerships has provided a wealth of opportunities for our students, faculty, and researchers, from international research collaborations to study abroad programs.

Celebrating Milestones and Looking Forward

Reflecting on the past year, I am thrilled about the expansion and enhancement of Rochester’s programming and research through collaborations with international partners. It has been incredibly rewarding to engage with faculty members who share a keen interest in forging research partnerships and creating opportunities for students and professionals. The enthusiasm within the Rochester community for globalizing our campus is palpable, and I am eager to discover new avenues for cooperation.

Key Initiatives and Achievements

Below is a recap of the most important initiatives that have marked the OGE’s journey over the past decade:

  • Launch of the Global Visitor Program: This program has been pivotal in bringing international perspectives to our campus.
  • Centralization of Global Data and Reporting: Enhanced data management has improved our ability to track and report international activities.
  • Growing Support for International Education Week: Our office organizes this campus-wide effort to celebrate and promote international education.
  • Creation of a Global Strategic Plan: This plan guides our efforts to strengthen our global engagement and partnerships.
  • Growth of the Teams: There has been extensive team expansion across the Center for Education Abroad (CEA), International Services Office (ISO), and Global Engagement.
  • Amplification of Rochester’s Reputation: Through our strategic partnerships, our office has significantly improved Rochester’s reputation and rankings both domestically and internationally.
  • Launch of the Global Leadership Council: This body is dedicated to steering global initiatives.
  • Development of the Global Fund: This provides funding for programming and faculty research opportunities.
  • Development of the Travel Risk and Safety Arm: .This role proved especially pivotal during the Covid-19 crisis and continues to be critical for the safety and security of our faculty, students, and staff abroad.
  • Commitment to the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN): Being an active member of this network has enhanced our global research collaborations.

The Future of Global Engagement

As we celebrate our 10-year milestone, we look forward to expanding our international research partnerships, increasing opportunities for students to study and intern abroad, and facilitating faculty mobility. Our commitment to fostering cross-border collaborations that ignite innovative solutions remains steadfast.

Looking ahead to the next decade, we remain committed to creating sustainable, equitable programs that benefit all participants and to continuing our mission of building a better world through international collaboration.