Friday, December 2, 2011

BJBIE Meets with Alma College to Discuss Potential Collaboration

On December 2, 2011, BJBIE met with the provost of Alma College, Michael Selmon.  BJBIE was introduced to Alma College through their affiliation with the Osgood Center and their exceptional Model UN programs.  

Jing Xu, Michael Selmon, and Christine Kahler
Alma College is a private liberal arts college in Alma, Michigan with a student population of around 1,500.  It has a remarkably low student/faculty ratio – 13:1 – meaning students are guaranteed more personal relationships with their professors and a small community feel on campus.  Alma boasts particularly strong programs in biology, environmental studies, biotechnology, cellular and genetic studies, and physiology and health sciences among others.  They are also known to have an outstanding performing arts program that includes choir, orchestra, theater and dance.

BJBIE and Selmon discussed possible future areas of collaboration between organizations through a unique business model that would integrate Pathway Programs, the promotion of Business in Chinese language curriculum into their Chinese program, and providing more cultural immersion opportunities for Alma’s students in China.  Alma College operates on a 4-4-1 academic calendar with 14-week terms in the fall and winter and a four-week term in May, which allows students the opportunity to pursue international programs during the May term.  BJBIE believes the marriage of the three programs at Alma College will provide the ideal synergy to enhance the college’s China-focused curriculum and programming, providing more opportunities for American students to engage in the Chinese language and culture, and affording the opportunity for Chinese students to immerse themselves in a top-rate small liberal arts college in the US.  

BJBIE truly enjoyed their meeting with Alma College and the accompanying parties.  We believe the meeting was a huge success, and look forward to working with Alma College in the future.


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