The purpose of the visit was to discuss the potential for cooperation in founding a new international university there, designed along American lines. During the visit, a white paper was drafted which outlined a vision and some basic principles for establishing such an institution. In December, the concept of such a university was endorsed by the Bremen Senate and by the Academic Affairs Committee of Rice's Board of Governors in December. On the basis of the white paper, a delegation of public officials from Bremen visited the Rice campus last week to take the relationship a step further with the signing of the memorandum of understanding. In Germany, all universities are public, so that a great deal of work has yet to be done to create in that setting a private institution along American lines.
Internationalization is one of the basic themes of our strategic plan.
This aim dovetails nicely with the desire of our friends in Bremen to explore new approaches to instruction and research. I am pleased that we have taken this first step toward working together in this challenging new enterprise. Bremen has also agreed to provide resources during the start-up phase of the university to support planning activities of personnel who will be dedicated to this project by Rice. At the present time, no funds have been committed on behalf of Rice. What Rice brings to the table at this juncture is expertise and advice, and a strong desire to provide European opportunities for our students and faculty.