Canadian Society for the Study of Higher Education

Globalization has been a striking characteristic of the past few decades.  The developments in the economy, energy, and education have all become ever more dependent on globalized networks.  At the same time, problems such as climate change, which can only be addressed on a global scale, feature ever more prominently in our globalized media.

Higher education has also become more international, even globalized.  Concomitantly, countries such as Canada have developed mass systems for higher education; these systems now serve the majority of the population through a highly diversified system of institutions. Many of these institutions are "going global" in various ways, including massive expansion of online delivery of programs, worldwide recruiting of students, partnerships with institutions in other countries, and establishment of off shore campuses. While the globalization of higher education presents exciting opportunities, there are concerns.  Chief among these concerns is that globalization can result in neglect of the traditional social justice function of many public and private institutions, particularly if the reason for "going global" is primarily financial. 

This conference will focus on both the opportunities and dangers of globalization of higher education.  It will bring together researchers, administrators, policy analysts, and students from Canada and elsewhere. Within the overall theme of the conference, proposals for concurrent sessions and panels are invited on the following subthemes, or other relevant issues:

1.     How globalization of higher education can serve - or subvert - the social justice objectives of our institutions.

2.     Who is marginalized or exploited in the globalization of higher education? For example, what are the benefits and unintended consequences of a globalized student body and faculty?

3.     What are the experiences of those who learn and teach in a globalized institution, and what do they lead us to understand about a globalizing university?

4.     How can online and distance modes of education delivery address social justice issues locally and/or globally?

5.     What are the pros and cons of International or joint degree programs, off shore branch campuses, and virtual campuses for international students, their host institutions, communities, and countries?

Conference Keynotes:

Dr. Simon Marginson, University of Melbourne

Dr. Martin Carnoy, Stanford University

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