Diversifying and Multiplying ... New Dean of International Studies
22 January 2003

You may have noticed recently that new life is springing up around the Registry entrance - the blinds are up, the lights are on and the 'International Team' is jumping into action…

The 'International Office' has been expanded and now consists of three - soon to be four - bodies who are busily discussing plans for diversification and multiplication in DCU.

Dr. Xiaojun Wang is managing the China-Desk and initiated the recently launched 'Pilot Foundation Programme', which is currently being offered at DCU. This programme has proved to be very successful and plans are underway to offer this and other similar programmes in the coming academic year. Xiao has full responsibility for Chinese students and the development of further links with China.

Angela Mitchell has taken up the position of International Officer in Christine's absence and is responsible for exchange programmes worldwide. She will be dealing with all aspects of these exchanges and looks forward to working with both students and staff in the near future. Please feel free to contact Angela with any suggestions for improvement of the present situation.

Armed with the knowledge that my colleagues are busily developing these areas, I, the recently appointed Dean of International Studies, am free to pursue two overarching goals:
- to introduce multicultural education into DCU and, in doing so, ensure a level playing field for students from diverse cultures and, at the same time, offer Irish students the possibility of personal and academic development through intercultural encounters on campus.
- To recruit high calibre international students in various global markets

Over the coming months I will be meeting University Management, Schools / Faculties and Student Representatives and putting together a policy on multicultural education in DCU. The success of this policy will depend entirely on co-operation from both staff and students alike and will be apparent in the daily life here at the University. I sincerely hope that you will take this opportunity to become involved in the work of the International Office and help develop a truly multicultural campus.

We look forward to the many challenges ahead and to working closely with the University community.

Claire Bohan
E:claire.bohan@dcu.ie
T: 700 8820

Angela Mitchell
E:angela.mitchell@dcu.ie
T: 700 8602

Xiaojun Wang
E:xiaojun.wang@dcu.ie
T: 700 8362