Functioning as a network, the global centers encourage teaching and research that require working across disciplinary boundaries, having a presence in multiple regions, and engaging non-Columbia experts and scholars from those regions. Some of the centers' programs and research initiatives are country-specific, some regional, and an increasing number are multi- regional, even global. While the network is in its start-up phase, each center has started by building strong links with universities and institutions in its respective region. The long-term ambition is that many programs will have a global reach and involve multiple centers in the network engaged in truly global conversations.
In order to realize the promise of this new model for the University all central and global planning and programmatic efforts could align in a strategy such as the one we discuss here. This strategy can serve as a point of alignment for a group of activities that are, by design, disparate and opportunistic, but will certainly benefit from program coordination and message synchronization. Furthermore, having a coordinated and branded strategy will also position Center directors and University fund raisers to solicit large gifts more effectively from a wider circle of potential funders.
In keeping with this opportunity, we suggest the following broad mission for Columbia Global Centers:
Columbia Global Centers promote and facilitate the collaborative and impactful engagement of the University's faculty, students, and alumni with the world to enhance understanding, address global challenges, and advance knowledge and its exchange.
This contribution will be driven by a network of actual and virtual centers around the world, with New York as the critical ma** of faculty and student activity. The work of the global centers will involve all aspects of the Morningside campus and all our sites and relationships worldwide in order to create a new model for academic engagement with faculty, students, alumni and global communities.