Campus News
Campus exploring dual-degree program with University of Indonesia
Campus leaders last week welcomed an Indonesian delegation for the signing of a memorandum of understanding that recognizes the growing institutional relationship with the University of Indonesia.
UC Santa Cruz officials and members of the University of Indonesia delegation at last week's MOU signing. (Contributed photo)
UC Santa Cruz leaders recently welcomed a delegation from the University of Indonesia, including the university’s rector, for the signing of a memorandum of understanding recognizing the growing institutional relationship between the two universities.
Chancellor Cynthia Larive praised the formalized collaboration, adding that UC Santa Cruz values bringing together people with a wide range of life experiences and perspectives, from all corners of the globe, calling it the best way to develop answers to society’s most vexing questions: “It fosters problem-solving, innovation and creativity, all things that we value deeply. It also promotes inclusion, and helps us to build a more vibrant campus community.”
UC Santa Cruz and the University of Indonesia share notable strengths in the Physical and Biological Sciences, Engineering, and Social Sciences. UC Santa Cruz was first approached by University of Indonesia officials through Baskin Engineering and the Division of Global Engagement to explore the development of what are known as “2+2” or dual-degree programs. The program would involve UI students studying in their native Indonesia for two years, then attending UC Santa Cruz for two years and earning a UC Santa Cruz degree, similar to a transfer student. Course credits would then be transferred back to UI, where students would also earn a degree.
“The MOU reflects our shared commitment to academic innovation and to developing globally focused programs and initiatives that enhance pathways between our institutions.”
Chancellor Cynthia Larive
Soon after the initial contact by UI in May 2023, Sri Kurniawan, Associate Dean of Research at Baskin Engineering, traveled to Indonesia to explore possible collaboration and to learn more about shared institutional goals. The now-signed MOU signals a commitment to work together to develop new academic programs and partnership activities, such as faculty research collaboration and perhaps graduate student exchanges. A “3+1+1” masters degree pathway is also a possibility.
Welcoming the UI delegation on May 2 were Chancellor Larive; Baskin Engineering Dean Alexander Wolf; Associate Dean for Research Sri Kurniawan; Associate Dean for Graduate Experience Roberto Manduchi; Associate Dean of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs Stefano Profumo; Associate Dean for Undergraduate Experience Jim Whitehead; Global Engagement Faculty Director for International Exchange Guido Bordignon; and Assistant Vice Provost of Global Engagement Becky George.
The UI delegation included Rector and Professor in Chemical Engineering Dr. Ir. Heri Hermansyah; Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Professor in Architecture Dr. Kemas Ridwan Kurniawan; Director for Internationalization of Education and Assistant Professor in Civil Engineering Dr. Fadhilah Muslim; Vice Dean for Resources, Ventures and General Administration Dr. Dalhar Susanto; and Associate Dean for Students and Alumni Dr. Romadhani Ardi.
While on campus, the visitors from UI also met with Baskin Engineering leadership, specifically to discuss a 2+2 dual-degree program. UI has been offering dual-degree programs to their students for 25 years, mainly with universities in Australia and more recently the UK. UI’s program has become very popular and is growing rapidly so they reached out to UC Santa Cruz to be their first U.S.-based partner.
“We are honored to be working so closely with the University of Indonesia, which has been a pioneer in this area,” Larive added. “The MOU reflects our shared commitment to academic innovation and to developing globally focused programs and initiatives that enhance pathways between our institutions.”UC Santa Cruz was recognized for its internationalization efforts in 2023 when it was selected to receive the prestigious 2024 Senator Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization from NAFSA: Association of International Educators. UC Santa Cruz’s Division of Global Engagement was established in 2016 to amplify the campus’ international efforts. University leaders adopted a Strategic Plan for Internationalization during the 2021-22 academic year. A goal of the plan is to foster partnerships to create or expand international collaborations.