Originally posted on July 21, 2009
The landscape has changed dramatically since the University of British Columbia Senate established the Centre for International Health (CIH) in 1998. Internationalization is now one of five pillars of UBC’s Trek 2010 Vision. UBC is committed to broadening global awareness both on and off the campus through innovative programs and educational outreach that make the concept of global citizenship an integral part of undergraduate learning.
The purpose of this report is to recognize the progress that is being made, learn from what has been accomplished, and draw attention to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. We offer this report as a contribution in the pursuit of UBC’s Treck 2010 Challenge.
As is typical of innovation, creative approaches have heen required, especially given that no funding or academic programs were committed by the university to support CIH’s mandate. Yet, the passion and commitment of numerous dedicated students, faculty and staff have enabled considerable progress by working tirelessly to support the growing interest at UBC to engage in international initiatives and to understand and respond to the broad determinants of health aff ecting the welfare of vulnerable segments of populations worldwide. As we refl ect on how to best “prepare students to become exceptional global citizens… to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada, and the world”, it is timely to take stock of how the university’s international and global health initiatives contribute to this mission. As we plan for the future, we are working closely with students, faculty and UBC administrators to defi ne excellence in commitment to international health engagement, while building on the established strengths of our community. We are especially excited to be undertaking a process for campus-wide development of a strategy for ethical international community service-learning in 2009-2010.
In line with the activities described in this report, we were delighted and honoured to learn that UBC’s 2009 Grad Class Council selected CIH through an online vote of all grads as the campus initiative deserving of its largest gift – as a symbol of the class’ indebtedness to the University, and in support of undertakings that are “creative, support social justice, support sustainability, and support volunteer programs on campus.” The CIH faculty, staff and students are truly grateful and will do our utmost to be deserving of this gift.
Dr. Jerry Spiegel, PhD, MSc, MA
Director
Dr. Shafik Dharamsi, PhD, MSc, BSc, BEd
Associate Director