Alma, Equatorialis Sign Articulation Agreement
Leaders from Alma College and Equatorialis University in Quito,
Ecuador, meeting in Alma Feb. 13, signed an articulation agreement that
provides easy transfer for South American students who wish to earn an
American degree at Alma College.
As part of the agreement, qualified Equatorialis students who have
completed three years of undergraduate work will be able to transfer to
Alma College to complete their senior year on the Alma campus.
Ecuadorian students who successfully complete all academic requirements
will graduate with an Alma College degree.
Candace
Dugan, chairwoman of the Alma College Board of Trustees, presents
soccer balls to Diego del Corral, president of Equatorialis University,
and Xavier Bustamante, executive director of Fundacion Natura in
Ecuador, to commemorate the global collaboration between the two
institutions.
As many as 50 Ecuadorian students may transfer to Alma in the fall of 2012.
“This cooperative agreement launches a unique international
collaboration that brings students together from two continents to
experience a quality education,” says Alma College President Saundra
Tracy. “It provides an extraordinary opportunity for South American
students to enhance their education at an American institution.
“This agreement was built on a long and valued relationship with Diego
del Corral and the Academia Latino Americana in Quito, Ecuador, where
Alma students have traveled for several years to enhance their
Spanish-speaking skills,” says Tracy. “This new collaboration will
further internationalize and enrich the Alma campus.”
Signing
the articulation agreement were, from left: Michael Selmon, Alma
College provost; Saundra Tracy, Alma College President; Candace Dugan,
chairwoman of the Alma College Board of Trustees; Diego del Corral,
president of Equatorialis University; and Xavier Bustamante, executive
director of Fundacion Natura. The signing ceremony took place in the
Tyler-VanDusan Rotunda.
The collaboration with Equatorialis University also provides
enhanced opportunities for Alma College students and faculty to travel
to Ecuador for collaborative research, internships, teaching and
volunteer work. Possibilities include exploring the environmental
wonders of the Galapagos Islands, practicing Spanish language skills,
studying Ecuadorian culture, completing coursework in business and
finance, and fulfilling internships in entrepreneurship.
Alma College has maintained a relationship with the Academia Latino
Americana in Quito for several years. In Spring 2008, the Academia’s
board of directors expanded educational offerings there with the
creation of Equatorialis University, a private, English-language
institution that will offer degrees in business administration and
environmental science. Last fall, the government of Ecuador formally
accredited Equatorialis University.
Posted: Fri, February 13th, 2009 at 3:29PM
