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Chinese
University presidents take interest in American Universities
By Eileen M. Rafferty ‘06
 On
Dec. 10, a delegation of 24 Chinese University presidents and vice presidents
studying American universities attended a series of mini-seminars at Villanova
under the direction of Dr. John R. Johannes, vice president for Academic
Affairs. Interested in advancing the higher education system in China,
they are members of the National Academy of Education Administration of
China (NAEA), which is partnered with the University of Pennsylvania Graduate
School of Education (Penn GSE).
“One of the goals of the program is to create a training framework
for senior university administrators that will suit the conditions of
China, by drawing on the experience and resources of world-leading universities,”
stated Penn GSE vice dean for International Programs and Development Cheng
Yan Davis.
Working on developing a permanent program, the delegates are attending
lectures at the University of Pennsylvania and other local universities
for five weeks.
 Since
they were already familiar with the general standard of American higher
education, the presentations delivered at the University were closely
concentrated on Villanova’s approach to education. The curriculum
of the Colleges of Commerce and Finance, Arts and Sciences and Engineering
schools each lectured on their individual curriculums. A seminar was given
on the utilization of technology as a source of learning. Also given was
a presentation on how the faculty and value of instruction are evaluated.
“This was a valuable opportunity to showcase many of the curriculum
and technology achievements of Villanova and also to help fellow academics
in China solve some of their problems in those areas,” said Johannes.
Based on the results of this five-week pilot program, the program between
NAEA and Penn GSE will build from here. “This may also open up doors
for cooperative ventures with these Chinese universities in the future,”
Johannes said.
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