Internationalisation
UniSA actively embraces internationalisation, which it
defines as the process of integrating a global dimension into its teaching,
research, service and engagement functions following the definition of
internationalisation developed by Canadian academic Jane Knight in 1994:
Internationalisation is the process of integrating an
international/intercultural dimension into the teaching, research and
service functions of the institution.
UniSA seeks to foster international and intercultural perspectives, initiatives and partnerships that are supported across the University and contribute to the reputation of the institution and the success and satisfaction of students, graduates and staff. Building on its recognised leadership in onshore and transnational teaching and internationalisation of the curriculum, UniSA has in recent years focussed on developing international engagement on campus, supporting student mobility, better understanding the needs of international students and forming strategic partnerships that support teaching and research priorities.
In 2004, AUQA commended major aspects of UniSA's
internationalisation activity, but recommended that more specific
performance indicators and targets be developed, along with strategies for
achieving them (p. 26). The University developed its
Strategic Plan in 2006 which includes internationalisation as one of
seven strategy areas:
The University will foster international, intercultural and global
partnerships and perspectives in education, research and engagement to
contribute to the success and competitiveness of graduates and staff and to
the achievements of the University.
The Strategic Plan outlines eight key result areas (KRAs) to direct achievement and evaluate outcomes (six are included in Internationalisation, and two from other strategy areas):
-
International recognition
-
Internationalisation of campus, community and services
-
Internationalisation of the curriculum (from Teaching and learning strategy area)
-
Internationalisation of research and research education
(from Research and research education strategy area) -
International onshore education
-
Student mobility
-
Transnational education
-
Alumni.
New Horizons (Section 1.1.2) affirms UniSA's commitment to internationalisation, embedded in teaching, research, engagement and services. New Horizons signals a phased reduction in transnational education as a critical element in the achievement of the core goals of improving teaching and learning and enhancing research performance (Section 1.1.3) while maintaining a strong international focus within these activities.