SJ0075 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SJ0075 LRB095 14427 RAS 40332 r

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The components of international education include the following:

(1) programs that teach foreign languages, increase international awareness, address global economic and political issues, and provide substantive learning about other countries and cultures;

(2) the exchange of U.S. and international students and scholars participating in study abroad programs and serving as cultural ambassadors between countries and cultures; and

(3) multi-national and cross-cultural collaborations in research, which lead to new knowledge and advancements in science and breakthroughs in technology, business, and the arts; and

WHEREAS, The State's economic development and workforce are intrinsically linked to international issues, as Illinois is one of the largest export states in the nation; and

WHEREAS, Global business and finance, foreign trade, and tourism are key sectors of the Illinois economy; and

WHEREAS, It is vital that the State of Illinois recognizes how international education programs contribute to our State's preparedness and future competitive advantage in these arenas; and

WHEREAS, Higher education should ensure that Illinois graduates have the knowledge and cross-cultural skills necessary to function effectively in the global workforce; and

WHEREAS, higher education in Illinois should emphasize academic programs with an international focus, including area studies, foreign language instruction, and study abroad opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Illinois institutions of higher education welcome international students and scholars and recognize that these students increase campus diversity, enable more enriching learning environments, contribute their talents and perspectives, strengthen our campuses, and enhance students' awareness and understanding of others; and

WHEREAS, Illinois higher education should aim to educate graduates to be internationally aware and have competencies to address global challenges in business, economics, environment, politics, and social welfare; and

WHEREAS, The United States' national security, economic interests, competitiveness, and future capacity for leadership, as well as the same interests of the State, depend significantly on our ability to provide students and future leaders with the best education possible; and

WHEREAS, Illinois has played a significant role in the establishment of the national Paul Simon Study Abroad Act [U.S. H.R. 1469 S.991] to create a more globally informed American citizenry by increasing funding and opportunity for Americans to study abroad; and

WHEREAS, The U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of State have sponsored International Education Week to increase national awareness of the importance of international education; Illinois institutions should proudly participate in these annual events and increase access to and expand study abroad opportunities for students in diverse academic fields and from all economic backgrounds; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that the State of Illinois recognizes that international education is an essential component of higher education and that international education programs help ensure that students are prepared to meet the challenges of a global society; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage and recommend that students, faculty, administrators, and policy makers promote international education as part of the curricular and extracurricular life at Illinois colleges and universities, and that the State supports international educational endeavors which contribute to the global awareness of community members, business leaders, educators, public officials, and all of the residents of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to Symon G. Ogeto, Illinois State Whip for NAFSA - The Association of International Educators.