September 2008
Volume 1 Issue1

 

 

 

 


International Programs, Northwood University
4000 Whiting Drive, Midland, Michigan, 48640-2398 USA
Ph: 989·837·4327| FAX: 989·837·4247
www.northwood.edu/international/

 

Welcome from the Dean

Welcome to the 2008-09 academic year!  The fall intake is the traditional start of the academic year in most countries, and a time when new students arrive to begin academic programs while continuing students return.

Still, the summer months are times when we reflect on the achievements of the past year and look to the future. And we have accomplished much over the past year!  In my first year as Dean, I and several colleagues have visited all of our program centers and we have been very pleased with the quality of the students and faculty. Enrollments continue to grow, while our alumni are working in rewarding careers or have started their own businesses.  Several of the IPCs have built or acquired new buildings, or have upgraded and renovated classrooms, computer labs and office facilities.  New partnerships with business and industry have been created to enhance learning and networking opportunities for students.

Though we have much to celebrate, there is always more work to be done in the spirit of continuous improvement.  A consistent message you delivered during my visits to all of the IPCs has been that the students and faculty want to feel more connected to Northwood University.  Hence, this first edition of what will be a monthly newsletter. Another message has been that of involving more American students and faculty. More consistent assessment of student learning is needed as well. In the “Strategic Themes” section of this newsletter, we’ll talk about ways in which we can improve and enhance these connections and provide more student interaction.

In the "Spotlight on.." feature, we’ll feature in each issue an IPC site, and then faculty, staff and students.  It’s one small way to make us all feel more a part of one world, one Northwood!

In closing, I’d like to thank everyone for their excellent work over the past year.  I know the 2008-09 year will be even better!

Best regards,

Lance B. Lewis, Ph.D

Lance B. Lewis, Ph.D.
Dean of International Programs

Who we are…..

International Program Centers consists of a partnership between Northwood University in the U.S. and the various academic partners in Bahrain, China, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Switzerland to offer the BBA degree and the MBA degree (Switzerland only).
International Programs at Northwood University is located on the Midland, Michigan campus, and is part of the office of the Executive Vice President/Chief Academic and Operating Officer.  Your International Programs Staff in the U.S. are:

Lewis has been with NU since 2000, Armstrong since 1998 and Dick since 1990.  Mamiko Reeves joined our staff on September 4 as the Director of International Education.  Mamiko will oversee direct liaison with the IPCs and with Study Abroad/Exchange for U.S. students.  She comes to us with vast international experience and looks forward to meeting everyone at all of our IPCs.  Welcome, Mamiko!

The staff in the U.S. works closely with the Academic Deans and faculty at all three U.S. campuses as well as with many other offices within the university.  In addition to working with IPCs, International Programs also works with international student compliance issues in the U.S.

Our partners overseas are:

Each of our partners is different.  Each has a unique academic calendar, a unique setting and a unique student body – but what ties us all together is the belief that education is a path to career and personal success and that we are developing the "future leaders of a global, free-enterprise society".  In developing future leaders, we are all helping to ensure that societies and economies will continue to grow and prosper.

Spotlight On…..Jiangan University-Lambton College – Wuxi, CHINA

NU Executive Vice President/Chief Academic and Operating Officer Dr. John Jasinski and Dean of International Programs Dr. Lance Lewis visit the Jiangnan University campus in March 2008.

Left to right in photo: JNU Dean Dr. Zhou Huiming, Dr. Jasinski, Dr. Lewis, JNU Vice-Dean Dr. Feng Bin

Wuxi, China, home to JNU, is a vibrant city of over 4 million people in Jiangsu Province, and is located approximately 125 kilometers north of Shanghai.   Lake Taihu borders the city.

The IPC at Jiangnan University-Lambton College (JNU)  in Wuxi, China is a unique partnership between Northwood University, Lambton College in Sarnia, Ontario (CANADA), and Jiangnan University (which, until 2007, was known as Southern Yangtze University).  Students earn the 3 year diploma from Lambton College and then transfer to the final year for the NU BBA.

JNU operates on a semester calendar, with a fall semester commencing in September and a spring semester commencing in January.   Each academic year opens in September with a welcome and graduation ceremony.
JNU has been in operation since 2002, and offers the following BBA degrees:

JNU is located on the campus of Jiangnan University.  The campus spreads out over 100 plus hectares, and is home to more than 20,000 university students. The library dominates the campus at over 10 stories tall! JNU is considered one of its colleges, and JNU students live on campus, along with thousands of other students at Jiangnan University.

As with all IPCs, coursework is taught by local faculty, western faculty, and NU faculty who travel to China.  Each year, a number of students travel to Canada and to the U.S. to complete their Diploma and BBA degrees.  This fall, over 250 students will enter the NU BBA program!

JNU is led by Dr. Zhou Huiming, Dean, and Dr. Feng Bin, Vice-Dean.    JNU faculty members include academic professionals from China, Canada and the United States. 

Next month’s spotlight is on....American National College in Sri Lanka.

Strategic Themes

Several strategic themes will guide International Programs in the 2008-09 Academic Year. In future newsletters, we’ll expand on these themes. An overview of these themes includes:

Quick Reminders:

Please contribute!

We welcome ideas and articles and photos from faculty and staff at all of our IPC sites.   Submit any ideas to:

Linda Dick
International Programs Coordinator
dickl@northwood.edu