School of Ed Partners with Middle East Technical University

Agreement includes exchange program for faculty of both Schools of Education

Friday, December 18, 2015

A new international partnership and exchange program between IU's School of Education and the School of Education at Middle East Technical University (METU) in Turkey will give faculty from both schools the opportunity for international collaboration on education research.

Dean Terry Mason welcomed Dean Gölge Seferoğlu of METU, who met with faculty to discuss opportunities for joint research and exchanges through the new partnership. The agreement will allow faculty members from each institution to develop joint research on topics of mutual interest within the field of education. The partnership will also include a faculty exchange component for up to two faculty members from each institution per academic year.

"Middle East Technical University is one of the premier institutions of higher education in Turkey," said Mason. "We are indeed pleased to enter into a partnership with METU that will greatly benefit our students and faculty as well as theirs."

The relationship between the Schools of Education at IU and METU developed following IU President Michael McRobbie's September, 2014 trip to Turkey. It was recognized that METU's School of Education already had strong ties to IU, and in April of 2014, former dean Gerardo Gonzales and present dean Terry Mason traveled to Turkey to identify collaborative opportunities that would be beneficial to both schools.

"In my several visits to METU I have been impressed with the quality of their educational programs and the enthusiasm of their faculty and students for pursuing educational innovation and progress," expressed Mason. "This will be an excellent opportunity for collaboration between our two institutions."

Faculty interested in participating in the program will identify a partner faculty member with whom to collaborate. The proposals may be from any subfield or department within the schools of education. They will apply to the program as a team with the application process beginning in February.

Dean Terry Mason welcomes Dean Golge Seferoglu of Middle East Technical University (METU)Dean Terry Mason welcomes Dean Gölge Seferoğlu of Middle East Technical University (METU)