IU President Michael McRobbie is leading a delegation of faculty from multiple IU campuses through China and South Korea for speaking engagements and alumni gatherings.
The trip began Dec. 2, according to a press release from IU newsroom.
On Thursday, McRobbie signed a cooperative agreement with one of the oldest, most prestigious Chinese universities, Beijing Normal University. He will also sign an agreement between Tsinghua University, often called the MIT of China, and the School of Engineering and Technology at IU-Purdue University Indianapolis.
IUPUI’s Transportation Active Safety Institute intends to begin working with Tsinghua’s Department of Automotive Engineering on researching autonomous cars.
“It is one example of the international engagement demonstrated by our faculty and through IU’s mission, which links us with some of the best universities all around the world, including many across Asia,” McRobbie said in the press release.
There are more than 3,200 students from China enrolled at IU, and there are more than 5,800 alumni living in China. According to the press release, IU hopes to continue sending students to both countries on study abroad programs.
IU has more than 4,600 alumni living in South Korea, according to the press release. Many of them are part of the Korean Alumni Association, which is currently celebrating its 30-year anniversary.
Those joining McRobbie on the trip are David Zaret, IU vice president for international affairs; Lee Feinstein, dean of the School of Global and International Studies; and Laurie Burns McRobbie, IU’s first lady.
Also on the trip are administrators from the Maurer School of Law, the Kelley School of Business, the School of Education and the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IU-Bloomington, as well as the School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI.
McRobbie and the delegation are expected to return Dec. 10.
Cody Thompson
