SPC Framework: Fostering Catalytic Partnerships

Fordham and GSAS must continue to leverage both ongoing and new partnerships and collaborative ventures to advance many of the above-described priorities, and also as a meaningful priority in and of itself. GSAS does its best, most far-reaching work in solidarity with inter-institutional research teams and inter-school partnerships, cross-institutional faculty and student exchanges, and leadership of and participation in multi-organizational consortia. It is within such forums where catalytic energies converge, the frontiers of knowledge are forged, and artificial boundaries dissolve. Fordham’s reputation is strengthened by such engagement, and our location in New York City provides a unique appeal for such endeavors. Moreover, the mutual hospitality that characterizes GSAS partnerships infuses cross-cultural awareness and proficiency among members of the Fordham community; and allows us to showcase the immense talents of our students, faculty, and alumni to audiences around the world.

GSAS is proud of its accomplishments in this area and plans to continue to dedicate the necessary resources to extend its catalytic partnerships locally, nationally, and globally, through the following:

• Design innovative agreements with new institutional partners, including exploring new models of student exchange at both the Master’s and Ph.D. levels; co-tutelle arrangements for Ph.D. candidates; and transfer articulation agreements with international partners for select programs. 
• Expand the number of institutions with whom GSAS partners for advanced placement and modified admissions agreements with domestic and international institutions for select programs where partners that may lack a graduate program in an area where GSAS offers niche programs (e.g. Cybersecurity, Elections and Campaign Management, Humanitarian Studies, Public Media).
• Explore tailored dual-degree opportunities within GSAS and/or across schools, especially at the Master’s level, whereby students build their own dual Master’s curriculum in closely related disciplines for fields of study.
• Augment existing partnerships with institutions close to home that will complement professional development and experiential learning for GSAS students, and offer collaborative research opportunities for faculty (e.g. Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum; Bronx Zoo/Wildlife Conservation Society; NY Botanical Garden; American Museum of Natural History; AmericanIrish Historical Society; Northwell; International Rescue Committee; Jesuit Refugee Services; Catholic Relief Services; United Nations agencies and programmes).