UAB joins Internationalization Laboratory Cohort

UAB has been named to the American Council on Education’s 11th Internationalization Laboratory Cohort to expand and enhance opportunities in international initiatives.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham, along with 10 other colleges and universities, has been named to the American Council on Education’s 11th Internationalization Laboratory Cohort.

Over the next 20 months, UAB will form leadership teams to work on strategic planning and student outcomes, undergo site visits and peer reviews, attend community meetings in Washington, D.C., and coordinate with the cohort director, all to develop strategies for campus internationalization.

The UAB effort will be led by Vice Provost for Student and Faculty Success Suzanne Austin and UAB Sparkman Center for Global Health Director Craig Wilson. 

“Students and faculty from diverse disciplines across our campus have long been involved in international initiatives that stem from our mission and commitment to teaching, research and service,” Austin said. “The Internationalization Laboratory Cohort will allow us to build on a strong foundation by identifying strategic opportunities that will enhance the reach of UAB’s international programs, as well as our international reputation.”

Since 2002, 79 institutions have participated in the program. This year’s cohort met for the first time on Aug. 29, 2013.

“The 11th cohort is the largest to date and is made up of a great group of individuals representing many different types of institutions,” said Barbara Hill, senior associate in the ACE Center for Internationalization and Global Engagement. “What we’ve found over the years, is that even though their campuses may be different, the colleges and universities share similar challenges and are able to learn a great deal though collaboration.”