Strategic Framework
Strategic Framework for Penn’s Global Initiatives 2023-2028
2022 marked ten years since the adoption of Penn’s first global strategic framework and the establishment of Penn Global.
In the decade since 2012, the University has been transformed as a preeminent global institution. International student enrollment has increased by more than 50% to nearly 7,000, more than 2,000 students annually study abroad for credit each year, and hundreds of Penn faculty collaborate with peers and partners around the world to lead innovative research, teaching, and training initiatives across all seven continents.
We have also witnessed the strategic expansion of global programming opportunities, such as Penn Global Seminars and the Global Research and Internship Program, established global hubs in Perry World House and the Penn Wharton China Center, and invested in the people, ideas, and partnerships of Penn through key initiatives like the Holman Africa Initiative and the China and India Research and Engagement Funds.
Our continued success as a leading global university depends on our deepening commitment to global engagement going forward.
Our current strategic framework builds upon the achievements of Penn Global’s first ten years to expand existing signature initiatives and pilot new, innovative programs. The framework also commits to bringing global engagement opportunities to greater communities of students, faculty, and scholars than ever before. Above all, this framework reinforces Penn Global’s mission of bringing the world to Penn and Penn to the world.
At its core are three pillars: (1) ensure every Penn student has a meaningful global experience; (2) produce research for global impact; and (3) advocate for global engagement, rebuilding and strengthening Penn’s global networks. Each pillar is discussed in more detail below.
All Penn students, including graduate and professional students, will have global experiences, either in the United States or overseas, fostering a deeper understanding of diverse people, cultures, and ideas. Under this pillar, we will:
Collaborate with our campus and international partners to strengthen existing or pilot new programs designed to meaningfully deepen students’ global engagement throughout their time at Penn. New programs will include but are not limited to: summer credit-bearing opportunities, summer policy institutes, a global studies program, and a gap-year initiative.
Continue to grow our robust suite of study abroad opportunities, including semester study abroad, global research programs, and embedded global seminars.
Augment study abroad opportunities for Penn students, particularly graduate and professional students and underrepresented, less-traveled students.
Penn’s broad range of global insights are positioned to inform the most pressing challenges facing our world. Penn Global supported programs will strengthen links between research and policy to generate new knowledge and amplify impact. Under this pillar, we will:
Strengthen linkages and partnerships with our campus and international partners to support, leverage, and increase global engagement and research for impact.
Expand the scope of Perry World House’s impact by cultivating a strong roster of visitors; piloting a professorship program in partnership with Penn schools to recruit faculty with global backgrounds; and developing new programs including a global human rights program or debate series.
Promote research and engagement (including among graduate, professional and post-doctoral researchers) in key regions and on cross-border issues around the world through new and existing global funds.
Develop initiatives to highlight and support graduate, professional, and postdoctoral research with global dimensions.
There is an urgent need to reengage and reinvest in global partnerships and relationships. Advocacy for international student mobility and global research are critical to Penn’s continued preeminence. Under this pillar, we will:
Collaborate with campus partners to develop and expand the provision of online education opportunities, such as Penn’s new Global Learners Program, which serves displaced learners abroad through online offerings.
Support the global strategies of Penn schools, centers, and institutes.
Support Penn participation in multilateral dialogues related to pressing global challenges, such as climate, human rights, housing and development, etc.
Establish a University strategy on immigration advocacy to proactively engage policies and processes that support international student and scholar mobility.