Partners

Brazil

In 2004, the IPDP team of Dr. Rei Berroa, associate professor of Spanish, and Dr. Kettlewell were invited to explore partnerships and cooperation with the University of Southern Catarina in Florianopolis (UNISUL) and the University of Sorocaba (UNISO) in Sorocaba.

Following presentations at each university, tours and visits with faculty and administrators were conducted.

Special Interest at UNISUL

• The award-winning and published distance learning program
• The Brother Damian community/university cooperation program to bring clean water, roads, and educational programs to a rural community
• The elementary school on campus as a part of the university

Special Interest at UNISO

• Pharmaceutical project with herb farm to assist with health issues for those who cannot afford prescription medications
• Newly constructed campus
• Interest in developing better relations with business and industry

For the third interest, visits were arranged with the local economic development agency for a presentation on their goals and expectations and how the university could collaborate in these ventures. This event was followed by a visit to LUK, a global manufacturing company and discussions of partnerships between LUK and UNISO.

A "Memorandum of Understanding" was signed between Mason and each university to continue dialogue and exploration of research projects and student and faculty exchanges. Student exchanges for 2008 and a faculty research project for 2008-2010 are currently on the agenda.