Global Learning Initiative

The Global Learning Initiative is a Winthrop University plan to integrate Global Learning intentionally into the Touchstone (general education) Program.

In 2010-11, Winthrop University underwent reaffirmation from its accrediting body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). SACS requires that each institution undergoing reaffirmation identify a component of its undergraduate program to improve. This is called the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). The GLI is Winthrop University's QEP.

The purpose of the GLI is to improve student learning in three general categories: global knowledge, global attitudes and global engagement.

The GLI is the result of a two-year process that involved the entire Winthrop Community: faculty, staff, and students. The process involved focus groups and surveys and presentations of different project ideas. The GLI emerged from a consensus that today's college students need more information about, and experience with, the world in order to be prepared for life and careers in an increasingly integrated and globalized world.

Students will encounter more Global Learning Components in their Touchstone Program courses, starting with ACAD 101 and HMXP 102. They will also see more Global Learning Cultural Events on campus and may even be required to attend some as class assignments. Students will learn more about study abroad opportunities in their major programs and perhaps be inspired to spend a semester or year abroad. Students may take part in global engagement experiences, such as appropriate service learning projects, or become Peer Mentors in ACAD 101. Finally, students may be involved in sponsoring or performing in Global Learning Cultural Events. 

In many ways, including

• Serving on one of the five committees involved with implementing the GLI;

• Sponsoring Global Learning Cultural Events as part of DiGiorgio Student Union Program Board or through their major programs;

• Attending Global Learning Cultural Events;

• Participating in musical, dance, or theatrical performances that are Global Learning Cultural Events;

• Seeking out Touchstone Program courses that have Global Learning Components;

• Seeking out Global Engagement Experiences;

• Participating in short-term and long-term study abroad opportunities;

• Becoming a Peer Mentor

Lots of ways, including

• Serving on one of the five committees charged with implementing the GLI;

• Sharing their experiences of integrating Global Learning Components into their courses;

• Developing short-term study abroad courses;

• Encouraging students to study abroad;

• Participating in workshops and TLC sessions on the Global Learning Initiative;

• Sponsoring Global Learning Cultural Events;

• Developing Global Engagement Experiences;

• Recruiting students with international experiences to become Global Peer Mentors;

• Suggesting possible titles for the Common Book or for adoption in the HMXP 102 reader;

• Integrating new and/or additional Global Learning Components into their courses; and

• Teaching ACAD 101 and HMXP 102 if trained.

In many ways, including:

• Serving on one of the five committees involved with implementing the GLI;

• Sponsoring Global Learning Cultural Events and developing other co-curricular components that meet the global definition;

• Encouraging students with international experiences to become Global Peer Mentors;

• Suggesting possible titles for the Common Book and for adoption in the HMXP 102 reader;

• Teaching ACAD 101 or HMXP 102 if trained, and

• Attending Global Learning Cultural Events.

The GLI is a five year plan, which started in the 2011-2012 academic year and will continue through 2015-2016. In the 2015-16 academic year, Winthrop University will determine whether and how to continue and expand the GLI.

Key personnel in University College, in conjunction with various faculty and staff committees, will regularly assess student learning outcomes in the three general categories (global knowledge, global attitudes, and global engagement), and adjust the program as appropriate.

Read the entire GLI proposal report on line at http://www2.winthrop.edu/gli/wuPublicGli.pdf, or contact Dr. Karen M. Kedrowski, GLI Director, at kedrowskik@winthrop.edu or 803/323-3901.