FAQ

How much time must I commit to attending Global Encounter?

Come for an hour, or two, or stay the whole time. Global Encounter is flexibly structured to accommodate a range of time commitments. Although walk-ins are welcome, we urge you to register on-line. We need your input!

Can I give input for more than one country/region?

Definitely. Although we suggest you start with your primary country/region of interest, Global Encounter is designed to let you share your thinking about more than one country/region.

Who should participate in Global Encounter?

Any member of the MSU community who has an interest in MSU’s future strategic international direction:

  • Faculty
  • Staff
  • Administrators
  • Graduate students
  • Undergraduate students
  • Visiting international scholars/professionals

To register for Global Encounter I must select “my country of primary interest.” I’m interested in international things generally, not in one or two specific countries. How should I register?

Global Encounter discussions will take place at tables organized by countries or regions. Selecting a country of primary (and secondary) interest helps conference planners know how many persons are interested in specific locations and plan table organization. Just because you select a country as your primary interest doesn’t mean that you must stay there the entire time. You should feel free to move to wherever you want to be involved in discussion. There’s also a place for persons focused on international issues on campus. (See below.)

I’m more interested in internationalization of the MSU campus and Michigan overall. Is there a place for me at Global Encounter?

Internationalization is not only “out there” with our international neighbors. It involves the MSU campus, Michigan, and the U.S. overall. There will be a Global Encounter table for the United States—primarily “East Lansing – Michigan”— where conversation will focus on the impacts of internationalization on the campus and the state. “Internationalization at Home” (how students and faculty who are not internationally engaged, e.g., don’t study or conduct research abroad, can benefit from MSU’s international engagement) will be a key topic, as will Internationalizing Student Life. If these topics match your interests, select “United States” as your country of primary interest.

I know where the Breslin Center is, but how do I find the North Auxiliary Gym?

Enter the Breslin Center at the Ticket Office on the south side of the building (behind the Magic Johnson statue). Go through the foyer turn left and go down one flight of stairs. The North Auxiliary Gym is located on your right at the end of the hallway.

Where can I park for Global Encounter at the Breslin Center?

Faculty and staff can park free in Lot 63 E, which is on the east side of the parking lot south of the Breslin Center (access from Shaw Lane). Public parking is available in Lot 63 W, which is on the west side of the parking lot south of the Breslin Center (access from Harrison Road).

What is the goal of Global Encounter?

Our primary goal is to generate fresh and diverse perspectives to position MSU to be the premier world-grant institution of the 21st Century. Additional goals include:

  • To gather feedback from members of every segment of the campus community regarding what our international efforts should look like 10 years from now and beyond
  • To spotlight MSU’s current engagement around the world
  • To take a first step toward identifying strategic countries/regions, partners, and programmatic themes where MSU can have transformational impacts
  • To set the stage for future world region- or country-specific dialogues
  • To generate excitement about and commitment to MSU’s continuing and future global engagement