Internationalization Policy at TRU

Mission Statements and Strategic Direction

TRU’s Strategic Plan: 2007–2012

The globally minded campus perspective is incorporated throughout the strategic plan. In addition to the successful integration of international students, there is an enhanced emphasis on the internationalization of the experience of our Canadian students and faculty members.

Mission Statement

“TRU is a comprehensive, learner-centred, environmentally responsible institution that serves its regional, national, and international learners and their communities through high-quality and flexible education, training, research, and scholarship.”

Goals

TRU will be the university of choice for:

1. Student engagement
2. Integration of research and scholarships with teaching and learning
3. Aboriginal students and First Nations
4. Open learning
5. Environmental sustainability
6. International opportunities
7. Career success

These goals apply to all students, including international students.

Thompson Rivers University Strategic Plan 2007-2012 (Excerpt)

"Thompson Rivers University has a rich history of being open and accessible to students from around the world, and of extending the expertise of the university to the international community. Building on the legacy of thirty years of international connections, the university seeks to balance success in the international context by creating expanded international opportunities and experiences for Canadian students and faculty and staff members, and by increasing levels of international awareness and understanding within the university community.

As the university of choice for international opportunities, Thompson Rivers University will:

• Increase the number of international learning opportunities for TRU students
• Increase opportunities for TRU faculty members to teach and conduct research internationally
• Develop partnerships with international universities for joint research, scholarship, and faculty exchange opportunities
• Review curricula to identify courses and programs where it is appropriate to incorporate international perspectives and increase awareness of global issues
• Develop an international presence on the Williams Lake campus and create activities that will profile and celebrate internationalism on all TRU campuses
• Expand TRU’s academic activities internationally
• Expand support and services available to international students
• Expand training for faculty and staff in order to develop cultural awareness and sensitivity to the issues faced by students from international backgrounds"

Thompson Rivers University Policy on International Students (Excerpt)

"The Government of British Columbia has a commitment to forging stronger links between the Province and the International community. With greater economic interdependence on a global scale, societies need to work together towards a stable and peaceful world economy. Cultural understanding is an important precursor to increased economic ties, and education is a major vehicle that can enhance these cultural and social bonds.

The education of students from other countries in British Columbia and the education of British Columbian students offshore lay the cultural, personal and economic foundations for improved international relations and economic development. The links established through the educational sector will, over the long term, result in expanded, positive international relations in other sectors of our society, making essential contributions to our social, cultural and economic goals.

The presence of international students at Thompson Rivers University enriches the educational experience for the overall student body. Study Abroad provides opportunities for University students to study and travel in other countries. University faculty and staff benefit from the personal and professional development opportunities provided by working within a cross-cultural educational milieu."

TRU Calendar pp. 15–16. Please refer to the TRU Calendar for the complete policy; including Assumptions, Policy, and Guidelines.

Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) Guidelines

The CBIE’s Guidelines for Ethical Practice informs the approach, policies, and procedures at TRU.

CBIE’S Guidelines for Ethical Practice
In keeping with the mission of the Canadian Bureau for International Education, CBIE's Guidelines for Ethical Practice in International Education provides guiding principles for all member institutions to ensure the fair and equitable treatment of international students in Canada. The goal of these Guidelines is to provide standards of integrity for all facets of international student programs, against which member institutions can measure their own performance.

It is understood that international education is a broad term comprising many elements: international research, international curriculum, development education, and education for international understanding, cooperation and peace. These Guidelines focus on a particular element, the provision of services and programs for international students.

These Guidelines are a statement of principles which all members accept by virtue of their membership in CBIE, but it is not a substitute for the mission statements, goals and objectives, and job profiles which each institution must develop to satisfy its own needs in its own unique context. While these principles are intended primarily as the basis of the services provided for international students, they are intended to apply as well, whenever possible, to the services provided for Canadian students who seek opportunities to study abroad.

It is incumbent upon members to ensure that their own institutional code of ethics makes reference to international education in all its facets, including:

• International student services and recruitment
• Study abroad
• International projects
• International research collaboration
• Off-shore campuses and cross-border activity
• All other international education activities in which the institution engages

In addition to these principles, all members should be aware of the provincial and federal charters and laws which are applicable, especially in such matters as confidentiality of personal files and regulations concerning the dignity and integrity of individuals and their human rights.

Services
CBIE member institutions shall:

1. Recognize that individuals from different cultures and educational systems have differing needs, and develop support services which promote the adjustment of international students to life and study in Canada and assist them with problems which could affect their programs.
2. Maintain respect and sensitivity toward international students, taking into account, in any intervention, the culture and values of both the institution and the student.
3. Promote the interests of and the acceptance of international students in the campus community, and provide opportunities for interaction between international students and other members of the campus community and, whenever possible, of the surrounding community.
4. Promote understanding among all members of the institution, of the special academic, social and cultural needs of international students, with special emphasis on the needs of women and visible minorities among these students.
5. Make every effort to appoint advisers and counsellors who have the requisite education, training and experience to administer these services, and to provide them with appropriate resources and opportunities for professional development, including those relating to immigration law and regulations.

Admissions and Recruitment
CBIE member institutions shall:

1. Develop a policy and plan for the enrolment of international students and, whenever possible, a program of financial assistance for them.
2. Make every effort to develop consistent and coherent criteria for the admission of international students (with special reference to language requirements, previous education and level of academic achievement), and make these available in published form
3. Make every effort to train staff to evaluate academic transcripts from abroad and to establish equivalencies.
4. Make every effort to match the stated goals of applicants with the academic programs available at the institution, and to inform applicants promptly as to whether a match is possible.
5. Develop realistic descriptions of costs, living accommodations and the possibility of financial aid, to provide to applicants before or upon acceptance.
6. Establish a policy on training in the language of instruction of the institution (i.e. English or French as a second language) with particular reference to the availability and cost of courses, level of proficiency to be achieved, and the relationship to admission to academic programs to which the applicant has applied.
7. Enter into exchange agreements and international education contracts only when they meet the criteria expressed in these Guidelines.

Study Abroad and Exchanges
CBIE member institutions shall:

1. Provide information and advice on international study for Canadians.
2. Ensure that information about international education opportunities is current so that students can make informed choices.
3. Promote study abroad and exchanges through international linkages and the development of credit transfer arrangements.
4. Promote appropriate orientation for participants to assist them to select and commence a program of study abroad.
5. Develop realistic descriptions of costs, living accommodations and the possibility of financial aid, to provide to applicants before or upon acceptance.
6. Establish a policy on training in the language of instruction of the institution (i.e. English or French as a second language) with particular reference to the availability and cost of courses, level of proficiency to be achieved, and the relationship to admission to academic programs to which the applicant has applied.
7. Enter into exchange agreements and international education contracts only when they meet the criteria expressed in these Guidelines.

Adopted 8 November 1993. Amended 15 November 2005.