International Programs
The traditional mission of the land-grant university is teaching, research, and extension.
The programs in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences frequently depend upon the experiences our faculty have gained by working in foreign countries. Such experiences may lead to the introduction of new crops from abroad, but they give us access to germplasm and the genetic traits which are crucial for the improvement of Georgia’s crops and livestock lines, nearly all of which are foreign in origin.
In addition, opportunities for involvement in international programs often provide all college faculty with new insights in such areas as information management, technology transfer, teaching methodology, and other subjects relating to faculty responsibilities. The college has a major responsibility to Georgia and the developing world to be involved in international programs.
Commitment
The mission of the college includes promoting Georgia agriculture in the international arena. As more producers and agribusinesses move onto the international stage, they must be prepared, both with competitive products and with an understanding of the systems. International literacy will be a central component of the future growth, productivity and prosperity of Georgia agriculture. An appreciation for the value of globalization both within the college and in its clientele is essential. Our CAES strategic plan provides two basic goals for our international programs. They are:
- Develop a consciousness of globalization
- Establish an international agricultural center to encourage a consciousness of globalization
The mission of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Science in international programs is:
- To broaden and enhance the education experience of faculty and students;
- To promote the development and exchange of new knowledge and agricultural technology through cooperative programs which will benefit Georgia agriculture;
- To increase the export of American goods and services;
- To assist the alleviation of world hunger and poverty.
The college administration will make a concerted effort to communicate support of faculty participation in international activities and institute procedures to carry out the international mission of the college.
Positive statements will be included in policy manuals on faculty participation in international activities.
CAES administrators and Promotion/Tenure Committees will be encouraged to recognize international activity accomplishments in faculty performance evaluations, promotion and tenure.
Funding
Procedures for collecting a reasonable portion of the training fees for students enrolled in the International Institute of Applied Agriculture and related CAES programs for use in international activities will be established.
An International Agriculture Program Endowment Fund with the University of Georgia Foundation will be established. This will be used to support international agricultural activities.
CAES departments/units will be encouraged and assisted in seeking funds from international granting agencies.
External and Internal Relationships
Special efforts will be made to inform the public of the benefits of CAES involvement in international activities and to impress upon them that the benefits of international cooperation flows both ways.
International agricultural activities of CAES will be reported in CAES annual reports and other CAES publications.
There will be an increased use of the Education, Communication, and Technology unit to inform the public of the importance of international agricultural activities.
Coordination
A person will be designated to coordinate international activities. This person will be responsible for coordinating international activities and serve as a liaison between contracting/granting agencies. This person will carry the title of Coordinator of International Agriculture.
Organizing and Hosting Foreign and Domestic Tours
Administrators, faculty, and staff are encouraged to host educational tours that are an official part of University sponsored educational programs that are categorized as official business.
Faculty, staff and administrators may serve as organizers and/or hosts for domestic and foreign tours, provided personal vacation is taken when hosting or directing any commercial tour, and all planning activities are confined to weekends and evening hours. It is important that no reference be made to the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences or any academic department in advertising brochures and pre-registration forms. College letterhead stationery should not be used to solicit or encourage individuals to take part in any foreign or domestic commercial tour.