The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has signed an exchange agreement with the University of Virgin Islands (UVI) in the United States of America.
The partnership aims to foster a dynamic environment for cross-cultural learning, teaching, and academic enrichment.
The two institutions formalised the agreement at a brief signing ceremony on Monday, November 6, having assented to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2019.
Under the terms of the agreement, students and faculty members from both institutions will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a diverse academic environment, promoting international exposure and academic growth.
Exchange students and faculty members at the host institution will stay for a period of one semester or an academic year.
The Pro Vice Chancellor of UPSA, Professor John Kwaku Mawutor, explained that the academic collaborations will enable UPSA students to study at UVI and vice versa, while faculty members will offer their teaching expertise to the host institution.
Provost of UVI, Dr. Camille A. McKayle, who joined the meeting virtually, expressed her excitement about the new partnership with UPSA.
She said the exchange agreement symbolises UVI’s commitment to fostering global perspectives and fostering a culture of academic excellence.
She added that the partnership “will not only enhance the educational experience of our students and faculty members but also elevate the standard of teaching, learning, and innovation.”
Registrar of UPSA, Dr Koryoe Anim-Wright, believes the partnership is a significant milestone.
“This partnership aligns with the mission of both UPSA and UVI to prepare students for an increasingly interconnected world,” Dr Anim-Wright said.
Director of the UPSA Centre for International Education and Collaboration, Professor Abigail Opoku Mensah, pointed out that the academic collaboration between the two universities exemplifies the global outlook of higher education institutions and underscores the vital role of academic cooperation in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
She stressed that the agreement is expected to facilitate the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and pedagogy transcending geographical boundaries.
Present at the signing ceremony were Professor Richard Nader, UVI Vice Provost for Research and Graduate Studies, Joseph Oppong, Fulbright Scholar at UVI as well as Deans and officials of the UPSA Office of Doctoral Programmes.
