UC, Monterey Institute of International Studies exploring incorporation of institute into UC

The University of California and the Monterey Institute of International Studies jointly announced today that they are in preliminary discussions regarding the possibility of the Monterey Institute becoming part of the University of California.

Q&A about today's announcement

A first step in the process would be to formulate a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two institutions. The MOU would have to be reviewed by appropriate state officials to secure state enrollment funding, and would be subject to approval by the Institute's Board of Trustees and the UC Board of Regents. Approval of the MOU would lead to the development of an implementation plan.

If the Institute does become part of the University of California, it would be administered as a unit of UC Santa Cruz, although its expertise and resources would be available systemwide.

The Monterey Institute of International Studies was established in 1955 and offers graduate programs in international policy studies, translation and interpretation, language teaching, and international business. Approximately one-half of the Institute's 700 students come from outside the United States. Students must be proficient in at least one non-native language prior to admission to the Institute.

"The Institute has a unique and distinguished history in serving the nation's need for graduates with a wide-ranging perspective on issues that transcend national boundaries," said University of California President Richard C. Atkinson. "The University of California is pleased to explore this possibility as a means of enhancing its abilities to serve the State of California and the nation," he added.

"I couldn't be more pleased. Becoming part of the world's greatest public research university would provide the Institute tremendous opportunities to build on and leverage its expertise and academic resources," said Institute President Chester D. Haskell. "At the same time, I believe the Monterey Institute can enhance the academic and research efforts of the university, particularly in concert with our neighbor, the University of California, Santa Cruz, " he added.

"California's future is increasingly global, and a bringing together of the Monterey Institute and the University of California would greatly benefit the people of California," said M. R. C. Greenwood, chancellor of UC Santa Cruz. "The Institute would bring unique expertise to the university and its students and greatly increase the research capabilities of both institutions," she added.

The Monterey Institute includes the Graduate School of International Policy Studies, the Graduate School of Translation and Interpretation, the Fisher Graduate School of International Business and the Graduate School of Language and Educational Linguistics. The Institute also includes the internationally renowned Center for Nonproliferation Studies, Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies and Center for East Asian Studies.

The Institute is located in downtown Monterey, California.