SUNY Potsdam Faculty Develop Partnership with Cuban University

Related Media

SUNY Potsdam faculty members pose for a photo with their partners from the Universidad de Cienfuegos in Cuba during a visit to the campus in June.

POTSDAM, NY (08/12/2016)(readMedia)-- Sixteen faculty members and administrators from The State University of New York at Potsdam recently visited the Universidad de Cienfuegos in Cuba, as the two institutions build an educational partnership.

SUNY Potsdam and the University of Cienfuegos are currently in the process of formalizing a partnership agreement. Potsdam would be the first institution in the State University of New York to develop a long-term partnership in Cuba outside of the country's capital, Havana.

Led by Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Bette Bergeron and School of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Steven Marqusee, a contingent of SUNY Potsdam faculty and staff members traveled to Cienfuegos in June, for a people-to-people educational exchange. Professors from both institutions met to share ideas for building educational programs that could benefit both universities.

"The relationship that we have forged with our excellent Cuban partner, the University of Cienfuegos, affords our students and faculty a unique opportunity to share knowledge with and learn from a culture that, because of the United States embargo, has had to become self-sufficient. As a result, they have had to solve many problems that are now beginning to challenge us: sustainability, universal healthcare and affordable education, among others. We anticipate a long and fruitful relationship with the University of Cienfuegos that will bring our students and faculty together with theirs, to the benefit of both," Marqusee said.

SUNY Potsdam has developed proposals for a number of educational programs in partnership with the University of Cienfuegos, including faculty-led short-term trips, study abroad programs, a first-year abroad program, faculty scholarship and curricular development and a pedagogical exchange.

"By necessity of economic isolation, Cuba has built a unique and deeply applied educational system, focused on leveraging hands-on learning and experimenting with new approaches to classroom education," said Dorf Endowed Director of Applied Learning Jenica Rogers. "This partnership is an opportunity for SUNY Potsdam's community to explore the diversity of approaches developed by Cuban higher education, and to learn about their disciplines as Cubans do."

Faculty members have proposed two short-term study abroad courses to be offered in Cuba during SUNY Potsdam's Winterim session in January 2017. Biology instructor Raymond Bowdish is developing a course in sustainable agriculture, to be offered in partnership with the Wagner Institute for Sustainability and Ecological Research. Dr. Brent Crow, an assistant professor of community health, is putting together a class focusing on public health practices as well.

In March 2017, the Crane Latin Ensemble from SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music will travel to Cienfuegos to lead a music performance and educational tour, accompanied by dance students from the College's Department of Theatre and Dance. Next fall, SUNY Potsdam has proposed to host its first visiting scholar from Cienfuegos as well.

In the long term, SUNY Potsdam would like to develop a unique first-year spring semester study abroad program for 15 to 20 select freshmen, hosted at the University of Cienfuegos. In addition, the College would also offer long-term study abroad programs for upperclassmen, providing an authentic Cuban experience for students intrigued by the country's culture and history.

The SUNY Potsdam partnership with the University of Cienfuegos would be one of only four programs established in Cuba by SUNY institutions, and would be the only general study abroad program offered outside Havana in the system.

In April 2015, SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher traveled with Governor Andrew M. Cuomo in New York's first trade mission to Cuba in 56 years, following the lifting of the U.S. economic embargo with the country. The SUNY Office of Global Affairs has been working closely with the Cuban Ministry of Higher Education to establish more partnerships between SUNY campuses and Cuban institutions.

Currently, more than 5,500 SUNY students study abroad each year through 1,100 study abroad and exchange programs in 60 countries on seven continents. In 2014, SUNY was the first system of higher education to join the Institute of International Higher Education's "Generation Study Abroad" initiative, committing to increasing participation in study abroad programs 25 percent by 2020.

For more information about international education at SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/academics/international.

Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges -- and the oldest institution within SUNY. As the College marks its bicentennial in 2016, SUNY Potsdam will celebrate a 200-year legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 4,100 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and leadership in the arts. Empowered by a culture of creativity, the campus community is nearing the completion of Take the Lead: The Campaign for Potsdam, which has raised $33.5 million for scholarships and programs.

###