We are faculty members in a comprehensive research institution. If we truly believe that disciplined inquiry is a habit that will improve the lives of our students, if we truly believe that first-hand knowledge of other cultures and ways of living is an essential tool for any individual who hopes to thrive in today's society, we must be willing to alter our curricula and reallocate existing budgets to incorporate these values into the educations we offer. Second, I recognize the difficulties of this assignment because of the seemingly endless expectations that are held for faculty on our campus. It may be cold comfort, but comfort nonetheless, to realize that the demands on faculty throughout the nation are increasing. All comprehensive institutions are striving for more faculty involvement in the freshman-sophomore year, at the same time they are attempting to increase external research funding.
Higher education is both in transition and under attack.
It is imperative to our long-term survival that we make clear the value of the degree obtained from the University of Kansas, and both the richness and the rigor associated with an education at this place. I will do my best to find some resources centrally to apply in areas where they can advance these goals for large numbers of students. For example, a good way to make international experiences available to students and to enrich curricular content is to take classes abroad for short periods. Faculty will need assistance in coping with logistics. Adding personnel to the Office of Study Abroad might do a great deal to facilitate these opportunities for students across campus.