Ithaca College

Submitted on behalf of Dr. Tanya Saunders:

I am pleased to announce that President Rochon has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Shanghai Normal University, a comprehensive university located in the financial and business capitol of China.

Last week, the College welcomed Dr. MAO Xuncheng, Dean of the School of Finance and Business and Assistant to the President for International Affairs at Shanghai Normal University. Dean MAO brought with him the MOU signed by President ZHANG Minxuan. This MOU is noteworthy because it demonstrates the commitment between both institutional presidents to continue discussions regarding the establishment of a center based at the Shanghai Normal University campus.

A goal of IC20/20, the proposed center in China is expected to offer Ithaca students a gateway to understanding the global economy in action and opportunities to interact with Chinese students in the classroom, in the pursuit to discover solutions to “real world” issues. The China center will be distinct from other College centers around the world by its emphasis on purposeful interaction between Shanghai Normal University and Ithaca College students.

Like Ithaca College, Shanghai Normal University is committed to international engagement for the benefit of its students, faculty and staff in preparation for meaningful collaboration across cultures and national boundaries. Shanghai Normal University is located in a vibrant international city that will offer Ithaca students a diversity of cultural and internship experiences in keeping with Ithaca College centers in London, Los Angeles, and New York City. Although discussions regarding a center in China are still underway, we are encouraged by the receptivity of Shanghai Normal University to ideas of mutual benefit, including faculty and student exchange. We are enthusiastic about the positive working relationships being forged with Shanghai Normal University’s leadership as our discussions unfold.