At TCU, we believe truly educated people of the 21st century must become actors in the world, not incidental observers. Consequently, we must engage our students far beyond our campus borders in meaningful ways.

Graduating students with a global point of view was made an intrinsic element of our mission in 1999 when the university redefined the mission statement: “to educate ethical leaders and responsible citizens in the global community.” TCU thereby took its place among institutions of higher education that strive to take an expansive look at a world.

During the past 17 years, we developed a rich collection of courses, study abroad opportunities and global engagement programs. In fact, nearly 38 percent of our students have international experiences while attending TCU. Merit and need-based scholarships enable a broad segment of the student population to study abroad.

At TCU, we realize that to graduate citizens of the world, we must offer students more than travel with a study component — we must make international education commensurate with its prominent place in our mission. In 2013, the university community searched for one big idea to unite our efforts to enhance student learning. Discovering Global Citizenship was chosen for this Quality Enhancement Plan that would drive TCU’s efforts over half a decade.

As a result, some students, faculty and staff conduct research at the City of Knowledge in Panama through The TCU Global Academy or Study Abroad, preferably in underrepresented locations, such as China or India. We address real-world problems in North Texas with Local Global Leaders. The campus community interacts with groundbreaking Global Innovators, takes a Virtual Voyage with digital technology across the physical and political voids that separate us, and learns from distinguished Visiting Scholars from developing countries.

Global Realities

While TCU’s international future is bright, there is more work to do. The Center for International Studies adopted “Global Realities” — six frames of reference for examining the global issues that our graduates will face:

·  Human rights and social justice

·  Cultural heritage and modern identity

·  Global communication and education

·  Ethical and innovative leadership

·  Healthy people and societies

·  Sustainable development

In addition, TCU soon will launch the “Purple Passport — Your Global Citizenship Credential” that will allow students to pursue a deeper dive into global realities. The TCU Global Citizenship credential is designed around the fact that there is a difference between knowing and practice.

The credential is intended for ambitious students and initially awarded to only three percent of the undergraduate population.

In the 21st century, what affects one of us affects us all. Consequently, it is TCU’s obligation to prepare our students to be ethical and responsible citizens of the world.

Victor J. Boschini, Jr.

Chancellor