7110-9 International Cooperation, Exchanges and Training Policy

Preamble

This policy is derived from the Vanier College Declaration of Intent: International Cooperation, Exchanges and Training. It is inspired by the principles of the Vanier College Mission Statement, which includes fostering an appreciation of the cultural and ethnic diversity of Vanier’s students and staff and advocating the development of a sense of civic, social and environmental responsibility at both local and global levels. The policy also embodies the principles of the Declaration of Interculturalism at Vanier College, which emphasizes the value of providing a welcoming learning environment that encourages openness to all. The policy is integral to the implementation of the Strategic Management Plan of 2004 to 2009, which encourages the development of international projects at the College. This policy is consistent with the objectives of the Ministry of Education, Sport, and Leisure specifically referred to in article 6.01 of the Act of the Colleges as well as with the Ministry framework detailed in “To succeed in internationalizing Quebec education: a mutually advantageous strategy.”

Goals

This policy provides the framework of principles, objectives, procedures, and responsibilities according to which the College will select and develop its international projects and partnerships. It affirms our intention to promote access to our training and skills and our intention to pursue projects, which reflect respect for human rights and cultural diversity while promoting civic responsibility, cooperation, and sustainability. 

Principles

Projects carried out in the framework of this policy will conform to the following principles: 

1. Projects must respect the educational mandate of Vanier College. As educators, we work to empower others through education and this practice must inform any activities undertaken
2. Projects must conform to the Mission Statement of the College and the policies of the College.
3. The College should favour projects representing an enhancement to students’ educational experience.
4. Vanier should favour partnerships with educational institutions and non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) as well as with private organizations and agencies where the goal is training or technological transfer.
5. Projects should avoid any partnerships with any foreign military or police agencies.
6. Projects should be based on principles of solidarity that ensure that all parties are seen as equals, cooperating for a common cause with development as the ultimate goal. Activities and partnerships must consider the impact on human rights and the environment.
7. Projects must respect Quebec, Canadian and international laws, and the laws of the country in which the proposed activity is to take place.
8. Projects must be designed to protect the rights and safety of the College personnel and students who are involved.
9. While this policy encourages personnel and students to become involved in international activities, participation in any activity is entirely voluntary.
10. Projects should respect the principles of academic freedom especially as described in the Institutional Policy on the Evaluation of Student Achievement (IPESA)
11. International agreements on intellectual property must be respected.
12. Projects must be self-financed or must be financed by the revenues of other international projects.

Objectives

1. To implement international development, training, and cooperation projects. Such projects would promote Vanier College’s educational expertise both locally and internationally. They would draw on the skills of the personnel and students of the College as well as foster further development of these and other skills. Such projects would build Vanier College’s expertise in developing and implementing international projects.
2. To integrate an international and intercultural dimension into the program of studies and into the activities of the students, where appropriate. Our students require the skills and knowledge to function in a global environment as well as attitudes of tolerance and understanding. Our programs and activities will integrate, where appropriate, dimensions of an international and intercultural nature. Students’ international activities and projects that promote the development of vocational and technical knowledge, skills and abilities will be supported where possible.
3. To provide students, staff, and faculty with opportunities for involvement in international projects. Exchanges and activities with partner institutions abroad will promote the development of knowledge, the understanding of other viewpoints, and the solving of problems within a worldwide perspective. Institutional networking and linkages will be promoted within Quebec and Canada and internationally.
4. To welcome international students to the College and its programs. We value the contribution of these students to our community and will endeavour to help them become part of this community. At the same time, we acknowledge the priority of the needs of students from Quebec and Canada.

Procedure

1. The community is encouraged to propose projects to the appropriate Faculty Dean or supervisor. Faculty Deans and/or supervisors bring projects to the Academic Dean and the Coordinator of International Projects.
2. Academic Council is consulted on any pedagogical project with foreign countries prior to any decision of the College. (By-Law No. 3, The Academic Council, 2001). Such consultation should be initiated early enough to permit substantive discussion across the Vanier community.
3. The College approves international projects.

Responsibilities

1. The Director General is responsible for the application and the evaluation of this policy and is the College spokesperson for all international projects.
2. The Academic Dean is responsible for ensuring the validity of the academic and pedagogical aspects of international projects.
3. Departments/programs are consulted if the international project is program dependant.
4. Vanier employees who are participating in the College’s international cooperation, exchanges, and training projects have certain responsibilities:
   1. They must immediately and fully disclose to the College any financial and/or personal gains received from potential partners for the development, endorsement or promotion of any projects with the College. 
   2. They must remain exclusively as Vanier College employees throughout the duration of the project. 
   3. They must follow the Protocol for Vanier College Employees: International Projects. (To be prepared) 
   4. If conducting student trips to international destinations, employees must follow the Protocol for Student Trips.
5. An Advisory Forum for International Projects will meet on an ad hoc basis as needed and will explore questions and issues related to specific international projects as well as future directions.
6. Those with international experience will be encouraged to attend. Meetings will be convened by the Coordinator of International Projects. 
7. The Coordinator of International Projects is responsible for encouraging the development of international projects and appropriate policies and protocols, providing coordination where necessary.