Skip to main
University-wide Navigation

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 6, 2023) — As the University of Kentucky continues to become a more globally engaged campus, it is important that all faculty and staff have the opportunity to be informed about UK’s many international connections and to contribute to internationalization themselves.  

 Established in the spring of 2020, the Global Engagement Academy (GEA) offers free professional development for faculty and staff to build cross-cutting competencies in international education and engagement. Since the program’s inception, 254 UK faculty and staff have participated in the 104 sessions that have been offered so far. The fall 2023 GEA will help past participants build on the foundational knowledge of previous courses, while welcoming new participants just getting started.

“The Global Engagement Academy supports faculty and staff by giving them, in a very accessible way, the tools they need to effectively navigate the complex and changing landscape of international higher education, research and service,” said Sue Roberts, associate provost for internationalization. “Faculty and staff becoming more globally aware and engaged enhances teaching, service and research and is key to advancing our institutional mission and strategic plan, the UK Purpose.”

 Through the academy, participants are exposed to various aspects of campus internationalization — making it an ideal professional development opportunity for those who may be interested in teaching or conducting research abroad themselves, or who may be supporting global learning and research. It will also help faculty and staff learn how to work effectively with students and scholars from other countries, manage international transactions and represent the university globally. 

 Participants will learn from experts across campus about implementing policies and best practices regarding international engagement, while developing cross-cultural communication skills and identifying university resources for international engagement.  

Faculty and staff can choose to take as few or as many of the academy’s short courses as they want, and there are no pre-requisites. Courses are an hour and a half each, and they are offered in person and virtually.

  This fall, two foundation courses are being offered: Internationalization and Global Trends and Global Mobility. Electives offered include: 

  • Advising International Undergraduate Students
  • Around the World in Advising: Facilitating Conversation about Education Abroad with Advisees
  • The Fulbright Program and Its Role in Campus Internationalization
  • Global Health 101
  • Hiring International Employees (H1B and Green Card)
    • International Recruiting 101 
  • International Travel Readiness
  • Marketing to International Populations

Those who complete three foundation courses and any three elective courses will receive the GEA certificate of completion and become eligible to apply for a $250 academy grant to support their professional development plans. 

Click here to register for fall GEA offerings. To learn more about the Global Engagement Academy, visit the UKIC website. If you have questions, please contact GlobalEgAcademy@uky.edu.