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EDITORIAL: New Office of Global Affairs helps Brandeis go global
Editorial | 9/4/07
Posted online at 11:38 PM EST on 9/3/07
With many departments and programs geared toward the global community and its worldwide alumni network, Brandeis has become an international player. And now that a new Office of Global Affairs has been established, the University has the opportunity to lift its international profile to even greater heights.
Brandeis' partnership with Al-Quds University in Jerusalem, the Crown Center for Middle East Studies, and the International Business School are all indicative of the University's commitment to developing into a more global force.
The OGA has the duty to maximize the potential of these programs already in place, a sentiment echoed by its director, Dan Terris-who also heads the International Center for Ethics, Justice and Public Life. His new center should collaborate with professors, academic departments, international students, the Intercultural Center and other relevant clubs. Speakers such as Jimmy Carter, Alan Dershowitz, and Daniel Pipes visited Brandeis last year to discuss the Middle East, but the OGA should aim to attract a diverse group of guests to shed light on a broader range of international issues.
A successful Ethics Center Felloship program, which sends students abroad to complete coursework and internships is well publicized and receives numerous applicants each year. Terris needs to apply a similar template to OGA programs, making sure he communicates with students about the trips, speakers and other events offered by the center while ensuring the accessibility of those opportunities.
Mr. Terris is wisely not doing anything new right away; he said that it's important that he first listen to faculty and students when formulating the OGA's vision. It's also encouraging that, although Brandeis hasn't been ahead of the curve in establishing this center, it isn't playing catch-up, either. According to Mr. Terris, universities have been creating similar offices for only about a decade. With a strong framework of international initiatives already intact, Brandeis' version shouldn't take very long to exert its influence.
Associate Editor Ben Terris is Dan Terris' son; he recused himself from this editorial.
Brandeis' partnership with Al-Quds University in Jerusalem, the Crown Center for Middle East Studies, and the International Business School are all indicative of the University's commitment to developing into a more global force.
The OGA has the duty to maximize the potential of these programs already in place, a sentiment echoed by its director, Dan Terris-who also heads the International Center for Ethics, Justice and Public Life. His new center should collaborate with professors, academic departments, international students, the Intercultural Center and other relevant clubs. Speakers such as Jimmy Carter, Alan Dershowitz, and Daniel Pipes visited Brandeis last year to discuss the Middle East, but the OGA should aim to attract a diverse group of guests to shed light on a broader range of international issues.
A successful Ethics Center Felloship program, which sends students abroad to complete coursework and internships is well publicized and receives numerous applicants each year. Terris needs to apply a similar template to OGA programs, making sure he communicates with students about the trips, speakers and other events offered by the center while ensuring the accessibility of those opportunities.
Mr. Terris is wisely not doing anything new right away; he said that it's important that he first listen to faculty and students when formulating the OGA's vision. It's also encouraging that, although Brandeis hasn't been ahead of the curve in establishing this center, it isn't playing catch-up, either. According to Mr. Terris, universities have been creating similar offices for only about a decade. With a strong framework of international initiatives already intact, Brandeis' version shouldn't take very long to exert its influence.
Associate Editor Ben Terris is Dan Terris' son; he recused himself from this editorial.
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