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GAP Certification Recipients


CONGRATULATIONS!

Spring of 2005 Recipients
75 students receive GAP certification
By Alison Watkins, Communications Director, Office of International Programs

Seventy-five University of Kansas students were recognized April 28 for completing the Global Awareness Program (GAP) this semester.

At the end of its first year, 91 undergraduates received certification for studying abroad, taking classes with an international focus, and participating in international co-curricular activities. Currently, 230 students, including those who completed the program this semester, are enrolled in GAP, which is coordinated by the Office of International Programs. GAP participants represent most of KU’s academic schools, and more than 90 percent are domestic students.

“We are thrilled with the number of students who have completed GAP and who have enrolled. GAP has received support from administrators and faculty campus wide,” said Jane Irungu, GAP coordinator.

Certification will appear on the students’ transcripts and will inform future employers that they have completed a course of study and activities that gives them international understanding.

Stephanie Kirmer, a graduating senior, has been involved in international activities during her four years at KU.

“Not only will it reflect well on me to have the GAP certificate on my record, but having international experience will make it easier for me to do work with an international focus in graduate school. The certificate shows that I was willing to go out of my way as an undergraduate to get a wider experience than just the basic liberal arts education, and I know that graduate programs will appreciate this,” Kirmer said

The program, open to all undergraduates, began in fall 2004, with current students participating retroactively. The Office of International Programs responded to Provost David Shulenburger’s charge for every undergraduate to have an international experience, on and off campus. At the recognition, Shulenburger told the audience that he wants incoming students to see KU as a place dedicated to international education.

“GAP is one of the reasons that KU received the Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization. GAP’s success demonstrates that students understand the importance of international education,” said Diana Carlin, dean, Graduate School & International Programs.

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