Office of International Academic Activities

About OIAA

The Office of International Academic Activities extends the University of California's mission of teaching, research and public service worldwide through collaborative relationships with foreign educational institutions and governments. As economic, socio-political and technological issues have increasingly assumed global dimensions, UC has expanded efforts to provide its students with the knowledge and skills to succeed in multicultural environments nationally and internationally and encourage UC faculty to engage in the internationalization of knowledge. Making these vital opportunities available to the UC community helps extends the University's public service mission to the international arena.

Mission Statement

UNIVERSITY of CALIFORNIA
INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH, EDUCATION and OUTREACH MISSION

Mission: As socio-political, economic, science, and educational agendas assume global dimensions, the University of California’s mission is to provide leadership for international discovery, learning, and engagement. The University recognizes its critical mission: to engage UC faculty, staff and students in comparative and international research and internationalization of knowledge for the benefit of California, the nation and the international community; to enhance UC faculty and students’ knowledge and skills for success in diverse, multi-cultural environments and for responsible, global citizenship; and to extend the University’s public service mission worldwide.

Strategic Goals: The University strives for excellence in its pursuit of this mission through the following strategic goals:

• Promote and support research by faculty and graduate students on scientific and international issues in collaboration with counterparts in other countries around the globe through grants and the support of campus and multi-campus organized research units;

• Facilitate collaborative, cross-national, faculty and student exchange and research to address issues and problems of global significance;

• Recruit and retain outstanding international faculty for their contributions to research and to the education of the next generation of California’s students to be culturally knowledgeable and globally competent citizens;

• Enhance access to world-wide information through a strong UC library system including extensive resources as well as the exchange of print and electronic media through international networks;

• Support the global academic community on campus through accurate data collection, visa processing and advising for the international students and faculty engaged in international exchange, research and education;

• Offer rigorous courses of study at all academic levels, disciplines and professions including international language programs, to increase students’ understanding of global issues and cultural differences and their ability to communicate effectively;

• Provide opportunities, support and financial aid for students in all majors and at all levels to participate in the highest quality and diverse study abroad programs as a means to enrich their academic preparation, international understanding and personal development;

• Admit and support the most highly qualified undergraduate, graduate, and professional students from other countries in sufficient numbers and geographic diversity to strengthen the research and education programs and to stimulate a deeper understanding of the values, perspectives, and cultures of other peoples;

• Provide opportunities for domestic and international students, scholars and faculty to interact effectively and routinely in educational settings;

• Extend the University’s international engagement and public service through programs designed in collaboration with faculty, students and public officials from international organizations, institutions and governments;

• Foster innovative public education to explore global issues and showcase world cultures;

• Build strong and effective international alumni networks to promote the international research, education and related university goals.

Developed and endorsed by the University of California International Leaders Council, March 2004.