GLOBAL SCHOLAR OF CCSU

Program Description

To recognize students who have successfully completed a variety of international experiences – activities that deepen learning, challenge attitudes, and sharpen skills – Central Connecticut State University offers the distinction of Global Scholar. All matriculated CCSU students are invited to apply; the program is not applicable to international students. The criteria include: attending an info session, engaging in activities arrayed across four categories, and submitting the requisite verification. Upon completion, the Global Scholar achievement will be documented on the student’s permanent CCSU record.

Completion Requirements

I.  Attend an Information Session, which is offered at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters

II.  Earn and complete points (12 points)

Students must earn a minimum of 12 points across THREE (3) of the four categories (A, B, C, D) in order to qualify for program completion. At least SIX (6) of those 12 points must be earned while studying at CCSU. EACH experience/activity can only be used for points in ONE Category.

Category A: International Experience Abroad

Category B: Language Proficiency

Category C: Experience at CCSU with an international focus

Category D: Experience external to CCSU with an international focus

III.  In a folder or binder submit a portfolio containing: 1) the application form; 2) an essay that summarizes learning activities and international competencies (1,000 min. - 2,000 max. words); 3) documentation that verifies completion of/ participation in the required experiences and activities below, and 4) a résumé that references international education experiences. Students must be enrolled at CCSU at the time of program completion. Successful fulfillment of the Global Scholar requirements will be noted on the student’s official CCSU transcript.

Summary of Program Requirements

Description / Explanation/Example(s)
Admission / √ / Students must be matriculated in a CCSU undergraduate, graduate, or official certificate program. Students can apply for, and be awarded, this credential at any time during their CCSU career, as long as they are enrolled at the University.
√ / Students must attend an Info Session that is scheduled on a predetermined date at the beginning of each semester.
Completion / Personal Achievement of International Competence by the Student (see appended listing of the International Competencies for CCSU Students) / The essay will be a self-assessment of the student’s achievement of international competence in Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes – and how those accomplishments enhance understanding, deepen overall education, and promote career goals
√ / Completion Requirements: Students must earn a minimum of 12 points across THREE of four categories (A, B, C, D) in order to qualify for program completion. EACH experience/activity can only be used for points in ONE Category. A minimum of SIX points must be CCSU experiences . / For credit-bearing courses, no points will be awarded for grades below C (2.0).
√ / Portfolio that contains 1) the Application Form; 2) Evidence/Record of international activities and experiences; 3) an Essay of a minimum of 1,000 and a maximum of 2,000 words that reflects on international experiences as they relate to the achievement of the student’s personal international competence), and 4) a Résumé that references international education experiences. / Students will document International Competency activities in a portfolio that will be used to verify the completion of program requirements (e. g. academic transcript recording long-/short-term study abroad; transcript of foreign language courses; dates and summaries of international experiences at CCSU or outside CCSU); military service record; record of volunteer work; etc.
Category A / Points / International Experience Abroad / Explanation/Examples
Students will earn point values for their overseas experiences, as specified in the examples below. For credit-bearing courses, no points will be awarded for grades below C (2.0).
6 / Study Abroad -- Full-time semester or year-long overseas study offered by CCSU or another provider (for credit)
No points awarded for grades lower than C (2.0). / Refer to the following website for examples of CCSU Study Abroad opportunities:
www.ccsu.edu/studyabroad
4 / Course Abroad – Short-term overseas program offered by CCSU or another provider (for credit)
No points awarded for grades lower than C (2.0). / Refer to the following website for examples of CCSU Courses Abroad opportunities:
www.ccsu.edu/coursesabroad
4 / Internship or Practicum Abroad (for credit) / International work/research experience –MORE than two months.
3 / Military service overseas deployment (not for credit
3 / International Volunteer Experience or Overseas Employment – MORE than one month duration (not for credit) / Examples: Cross Cultural Solutions, International Service Learning, Ecoteer, Global Vision International, Habitat for Humanity, Engineers Without Borders, etc.
2 / Internship or Practicum Abroad (not for credit) / International work/research experience -- FEWER than two months.
2 / International Volunteer Experience or Overseas Employment – LESS than one month duration (not for credit) / Examples: Cross Cultural Solutions, International Service Learning, Ecoteer, Global Vision International, Habitat for Humanity, Engineers Without Borders, etc.
2 / Passport to Global Citizenship Program – Short-term overseas program offered by CCSU (not for credit) / Refer to the following website for examples of CCSU Passport Program opportunities:
www.ccsu.edu/passport
2 / CCSU International Field Experience (not for credit) / International field trips that may or may not be associated with a particular class. For example: attending an international conference related to a program of study, participating in an international competition, or conducting field research for a special project.
Category B / Language Proficiency / Explanation/Examples
A language that is additional to the student's FIRST language. No points will be awarded for grades below C (2.0).
6 / Completion of 6 credits in ONE language beyond CCSU language requirement with grade of C (2.0) or better (for credit) / Two CCSU language courses offered by the Modern Languages Department, beyond courses in the SAME language that were used to fulfill the CCSU language requirement, and with earned grades of C or better (the current CCSU catalog has the course listing)
3 / Additional points for completion of course(s) in SAME language beyond CCSU language requirement with grade of C (2.0) or better (for credit) / CCSU language course(s) offered by the Modern Languages Department, beyond courses in the SAME language that were used to fulfill the CCSU language requirement, and with an earned grade of C or better (the current CCSU catalog has the course listing)
3 / Students will earn 3 extra points for each CCSU language course in ANOTHER (different) language (for credit) / ANY foreign language
Points are offered for a language course(s) that is different from and in addition to the courses required to fulfill the CCSU language requirement, and with an earned grade of C or better.
3 / Proficiency at Intermediate Level – via proficiency test, or demonstrated by other means (for credit) / ANY foreign language
Category C / Experience at CCSU with an International Focus / Explanation/Examples
Students will earn point values as specified below for courses, volunteer service, or employment experiences that have an international focus and are offered by CCSU in the U.S. For credit-bearing courses, no points will be awarded for grades below C (2.0).
3 / Presentation, poster session, publication, or other significant activity at CCSU, as appropriate. / Presentation at an orientation session, workshop, conference, or other event, e. g. the CCSU International Festival; the Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement Day (URCAD); CCSU’s Celebration of Foreign Languages; the Unpacking Your Study Abroad (reentry) Workshop; the Graduate Research and Creative Presentation Event; publication of an article about an International experience; etc.
3 / A 3-credit CCSU course that has an international focus, and is in addition to the courses that fulfill the International General Education requirement (for credit) / Course offered by CCSU that has an international focus and has been designated “International”. Points are awarded for an International course beyond the 6-credit General Education requirement.
3 / Students will earn 3 extra points for each additional CCSU course that has an international focus, and is in addition to the courses that fulfill the International General Education requirement (for credit) / Points for each additional course offered by CCSU that has an international focus and has been designated “International”. Points are awarded for an International course beyond the 6-credit General Education requirement.
3 / Internationally-focused Volunteer Service or Employment at CCSU – MORE than one month duration (not for credit) / For example: volunteer or work experience with the CIE, Africana/Latino/East Asia Centers, China Center, Confucius Institute, IELP,
International Festival, MOSAIC, Study Abroad Fair, a special research project, language tutoring, etc.
3 / Students will earn 3 extra points for each additional Internationally-focused Volunteer Service or Employment at CCSU – MORE than one month duration (not for credit) / For example: volunteer or work experience with the CIE, Africana/Latino/East Asia Centers, China Center, Confucius Institute, IELP,
International Festival, MOSAIC, Study Abroad Fair, a special research project, language tutoring, etc.
Category D / Experience external to CCSU with an international focus / Explanation/Examples
Students will earn the full point value for the FIRST course or the FIRST volunteer or employment experience with an international focus that is offered external to CCSU and in the U. S. One (1) point will be awarded for each additional course or experience. For credit-bearing courses, no points will be awarded for grades below C (2.0).
2 / Internationally-focused Course completed at another post‐secondary institution in the United States (for credit) / A credit course offered by another U. S. post‐secondary institution (eligible for transfer credit at CCSU) that has an international focus.
1 / Students will earn 1 (one) point for each additional Internationally-focused Course completed at another post‐secondary institution in the United States (for credit) / A credit course offered by another U. S. post‐secondary institution (eligible for transfer credit at CCSU) that has an international focus.
2 / Internationally-focused Volunteer Service or Employment in the United States -- MORE than one month duration (not for credit) / For example: volunteer or work experience with a transnational organization, local civic/cultural organization, or multinational corporation (e. g. Spanish-Speaking Center of New Britain, Hadassah of CT, Caribbean Women’s Network, World Affairs Council, etc.).
1 / Students will earn 1 (one) point for each additional Internationally-focused Volunteer Service or Employment in the United States -- MORE than one month duration (not for credit) / For example: volunteer or work experience with a transnational organization, local civic/cultural organization, or multinational corporation (e. g. Spanish-Speaking Center of New Britain, Hadassah of CT, Caribbean Women’s Network, World Affairs Council, etc.).

Note: Students who believe that they have a valid comparable international experience not listed here may petition for eligibility by providing external validation.