As the world becomes more complex and interconnected, it is critical that our colleges and universities effectively engage in international research and collaboration, prepare our graduates to be knowledgeable and respectful of different cultures and languages and informed about international and global citizenship, and continue to build a global community through our alumni and friends worldwide.  Any effort to pursue these goals must occur in the context of institutional mission, size, composition of student body and faculty, as well as campus culture, history, resources and funding.  It will require a clear, integrated, comprehensive approach and strong, committed senior leadership. 

A critical component necessary to achieve these goals is strategic international travel by senior leadership.  The purposes of such trips are multi-faceted.

First, the travel needs to focus on strengthening our educational, research and outreach/engagement efforts through building and enhancing relationships and partnerships with: 

• appropriate universities and colleges;
• professional associations of higher education (e.g., Association of Pacific Rim Universities);
• government agencies and ministries (e.g., Education, Science, Agriculture);
• non-profit educational and research organizations and foundations (e.g., Ford Foundation, Fulbright Program). 

Second, the trips should include meeting and supporting our UC Davis students who are studying abroad, and UC Davis faculty who are engaged in research and educational activities overseas.  It should also include, where appropriate, meeting with and informing international students and scholars of the excellent opportunities at UC Davis.

Third, the international travel should provide chances to renew and strengthen relationships with our international alumni and friends to promote the educational and research activities of the campus.

Fourth, these trips should enable the leaders of the campus to further fundraising and development goals with individuals, corporations and foundations consistent with the university’s educational and research needs and the comprehensive campaign plans.

Strategic and frequent international travel by senior campus administrators continues to grow in importance for UC Davis to enhance and strengthen its educational, research and outreach leadership in this complex, interconnected, international arena.