Developing a Global Ethos on Campus – A Systems Perspective

This paper first establishes the need for comprehensive internationalization of institutions of higher education, using frameworks provided by organizations, such as the American Council of Education (ACE) and the International Association of Universities (IAU), as well as by internationalization experts, such as Knight and De Wit. It proceeds with a comprehensive systems analysis of San Jose State University, highlighting the challenges encountered (system traps), while attempting to change course in the oldest public institution of higher education on the West US Coast. Lastly, the paper presents a plan for systemic change, including the leadership elements necessary to challenge the status quo and move the current bureaucratic system towards comprehensive internationalization. Keywords: internationalization, globalization, systems thinking