Mission and Committees

GEO Center Mission

Founded in 2005, the Colleges of the Fenway Global Education Opportunities (GEO) Center provides shared resources to faculty, staff, and students from across the colleges who are committed to study abroad, cross registration, and globalization.

The GEO Center works directly with directors of international programs, study abroad and international student advisors, and international admissions personnel at each of the colleges to facilitate and coordinate aspects of programs related to study abroad, support of international students, cross registration for travel courses, the TerraDotta information management system, and processes and procedures related to emergency preparedness and management.

Vision

The COF GEO Center led the effort in creating a shared vision of internationalization among the colleges.  With participation from key stakeholders from all six institutions, five priorities were identified:

  • COF schools will define and document impact of international education.
  • Funding resources for international education will be identified, promoted, and made accessible to students, faculty, and staff.
  • Opportunities for students and faculty/staff to gain service-oriented, professional, and/or career-based global learning experiences will be available and accessible.
  • International partnerships will be sustainable, strategic, comprehensive, and will tie local opportunities for intercultural learning with global opportunities.
  • The number of students, faculty, and staff participating in international education activities will increase.

The full “Dynamic Visioning Document” can be viewed here.

Committees

The GEO Center works with committees comprised of representatives from all six colleges in order to fulfill its mission of supporting internationalization efforts for the Colleges of the Fenway. The committees foster collaboration among individuals, departments, and institutions with regard to all aspects of internationalization.

GEO Center Advisory Board

Makes recommendations on policies and practices that align with COF members’ strategic priorities for internationalization; provides feedback, direction, and support to the GEO Center staff.

Study Abroad Council

Shares best practices and collaborates on marketing, orientations, fairs, and other projects related to students studying, working, or volunteering abroad.

International Students and Scholars Advisors Committee (ISSAC)

Provides support to international students through tax and career workshops; shares best practices for international student support, retention, and community building.