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VCU was one of three universities honored by by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities this week for internationalization efforts. (Allen Jones, University Marketing)

Nov. 10, 2020

VCU recognized for its internationalization efforts

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By VCU News staff

The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities has recognized Virginia Commonwealth University with the Gold Award for Global Learning for its internationalization efforts.

VCU was one of three universities honored by the organization this week. The University of California, Davis received the Platinum Award for Global Learning, Research and Engagement and the University of Pittsburgh received the Gold Award for Global Engagement.

“Internationalization of campuses is critically important to the success of students and our universities,” said Peter McPherson, president of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, a research, policy and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening and advancing the work of public universities.

“The pandemic is creating new challenges to advancing global learning, research [and] engagement, but also new opportunities,” McPherson said.

VCU has prioritized increased inclusion in global learning programs for the past six years. The university launched a globally oriented living-learning program that is one of the first credit-bearing courses of its kind. More than half of those enrolling are Pell Grant recipients and 46% are first-generation college students. The university also achieved a 23% increase in study abroad participation since the 2014-15 school year.