Impact of the Project

There are three principal reasons I am requesting support to travel with this group in China this summer.

1. The group will visit study abroad / internship programs in:



• Hong Kong (Syracuse University/City University of Hong Kong/Syracuse University Abroad)
• Shanghai (Council on International Educational Exchange)
• Hangzhou (Zhejiang University International Affairs Office, Lutheran College China Consortium) and
• Beijing (Institute for the International Education of Students)

It will also engage in preliminary discussions with representatives of two colleges in Hangzhou, to explore opportunities for developing summer field study programs:


• Zhejiang College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Zhejiang University of Technology

I would represent the Provost's Office in these discussions and thereby demonstrate institutional interest and commitment. In the event that preliminary discussions in Hangzhou are satisfactory, my presence might help to move them further forward than otherwise would be possible. I would be able to assure that sufficient attention is given not only to institutional objectives and priorities, but also to financial and other constraints. Should the conversations proceed in unexpected directions, I would be able to speak for the administration (or decide when it would be inappropriate to do so).

2. As the Provost's budget officer, I review annual operating budget requests from all departments, programs, and administrative offices in the Provost's area (including International Education, academic departments, and SCE, which manages summer field study programs). I evaluate requests in light of institutional and other priorities, make recommendations to the Provost, and work with him to prepare the final budget requests that are presented to the Cabinet. I also develop multi-year budget plans. Direct knowledge of study abroad opportunities and knowledge of field study programs under development would facilitate my budget work and significantly assist in both institutional planning and setting institutional priorities.



3. One of the stated purposes of Wittenberg's Freeman project is to "provide opportunities for . . . administrators with no formal background in Asian studies to add an Asian dimension to their . . . administrative activities and to familiarize themselves with East Asia, with its culture, with current issues in the region, and with the curricular choices facing Wittenberg's EAS Program." In part, aside from the specific tasks noted above, I request support to gain this familiarity with East Asia.