2007 Senate Joint Resolution 72
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: recognizing and encouraging international education as an essential component of the future of this state.
Whereas, international education is a critical component of higher education in this state, contributing to the economy of the state and to a diverse college environment in which both academic and extracurricular programs are enhanced; and
Whereas, international education is critical to promoting a broadened world view among the students of this state, thereby preparing those students for life and work in the global economy, and to creating a diverse academic environment through the exchange of scholars and students between countries, thereby building the foundation for future business success; and
Whereas, higher education should emphasize international education, including foreign language instruction and study abroad, in order to ensure that graduates have the cross-cultural skills that are necessary to function effectively in the global work force; and
Whereas, the Wisconsin legislature recognizes the social importance of cultural awareness, the need to promote study abroad programs that serve the students of this state, and the economic significance of international students who come to this state for the educational opportunities provided by this state; and
Whereas, the economic gain for this state as a result of hosting international students and their families is estimated to have exceeded $151,902,000 in the 2005-06 academic year, and a strategy at the state and national level is needed to ensure this country's status as a magnet for international students and scholars; and
Whereas, the economy of this state is inextricably tied to the rest of the world, and state economic development depends upon a deliberate strategic development plan that includes recognition of the role of international education in all its facets; and
Whereas, heightened cultural awareness is critical to this country's national interests and is a critical component of its foreign policy, and the colleges and universities of this state play a key role in promoting that cultural awareness by developing foreign language skills and foreign area expertise through foreign language study, study abroad programs, and faculty exchange programs; and
Whereas, the national security, economic interests, and global competitiveness of this country depend significantly on this country's ability to provide future leaders who have had the best education possible; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the Wisconsin legislature recognizes that international education is an essential component of the future of this state and supports and encourages students and faculty to promote international education as a part of the curricular and extracurricular life at the state's colleges and universities to ensure that students, as future leaders, are prepared to meet the challenges of a global society.
