The main purpose of this course is to compare different models of higher education from both an historical and contemporary perspective. The national system of higher education in the United Kingdom will be the subject of meetings with higher education officials in London, and elsewhere in the UK.  The Cambridge University model for US Higher Education will be discussed and compared to the model that has been developed in the polytechnics or “New” universities in England.  Both ancient and Modern universities in Ireland and Scotland will be examined as will the growing two–year technical colleges in the UK.

The contemporary theme of “harmonization” of the many national higher education systems will be discussed in the context of efforts by the European Union. This supranational scheme for degree coordination and student mobility (the so-called “Bologna Process”) will be compared to the state-based higher education system in the US.

Class Sessions:  The class will meet on campus prior to travel to Europe on March 3.  Participants will keep a detailed journal during the trip and write a paper (about 15 pages) focusing on an aspect of the national and supranational higher education systems in the UK and EU compared to the state-based system in the U.S.  (Doctoral students [HIED 844] will complete additional assignments.)  The class will also meet once following the return to ODU in mid-March.

Note:  This course is a core requirement for students enrolled in the International Higher Education Leadership track in the MSEd Higher Education program and an essential part of the PhD programs in Higher Education and Community College Leadership.

▲Students must register and pay for spring term 2010 credit in order to participate in this program.

HIGHLIGHTS Explore and Experience Edinburgh, Dublin, and London University of Edinburgh AND Napier University or Stephenson College in Scotland University of Cambridge, Anglia Ruskin, and 3 Universities in England to be determined Trinity College AND Univeristy College Dublin or Dublin Institute of Technology

Faculty Leaders:                                                                                                               Dr. Ted Raspillar is Associate Professor of Community College Leadership and serves as Director of the Community College Leadership program. He has extensive international travel experience.  Dr. Dennis Gregory is Associate Professor of Higher Education at Old Dominion University and has served as director for the Higher Education graduate programs. He has been a part of the Study Abroad Program since 2007.

ITINERARY March 3rd: Depart Norfolk March 4th: Arrive Edinburgh; coach tours March 5th: University of Edinburgh and Napier University or Stephenson University March 6th: Open day of research in Edinburgh March 7th: Depart Edinburgh for Dublin; coach tour of Dublin March 8th: Visit Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin or Dublin Institute of Technology March 9th: research in Dublin; travel to London, coach tour of London March 10th:Visit two or three colleges in London TBD; Theatre in London March 11th:Travel to Cambridge, visit University of Cambridge and Anglia Ruskin University or TBA March 12th: Open day for research in London March 13th: Return to Norfolk   *Subject to Change: The office of Study Abroad reserves the right to make changes to a program in light of currency fluctuations, changing security and safety conditions, or any other unforeseen circumstances.

Dr. Dennis Gregory                                          OR    Office of Study Abroad Higher Education Program                                      212 Spong Hall, 2nd Floor 168-6 Education Building                                         Bolling Ave. and Hampton Blvd. 757-683-3702 or dgregory@odu.edu                     757-683-5378 or studyabroad@odu.edu HIED 744 or HIED 844 (3 credits) (spring term registration) Priority Application Deadline: November 13, 2009 Cost Information Download Application  (Turn in application with $250 deposit to the Office of Study Abroad, Spong Hall, Room 212, Norfolk, VA 23509)