FIRST CLASS GETS TO WORK AT MSU DUBAI (continued from front page)

It was through this doorway--which leads into the main lobby of the building that houses MSU Dubai--that MSU's newest students entered to begin their academic careers...

With the first class at MSU Dubai now in place, the university has begun to establish what Provost Kim Wilcox calls the MSU presence in the Middle East.

Wilcox was in Dubai on Aug. 24 to welcome the more than 50 undergraduate students that began their academic careers at MSU.

“What we’re doing is creating in Dubai a Michigan State presence,” he said. “It’s the same way we think of Michigan State in East Lansing as more than just classes or more than professors teaching and doing research. It’s a more robust reality.

“Right now, halfway across the globe, students are taking classes at Michigan State University.”

Brendan Mullan, MSU Dubai’s executive director, said he was proud to see the first class begin.

“The MSU Dubai class of 2012 will establish a tradition of leadership excellence and civic engagement in Dubai and beyond,” he said.

The Dubai International Academic City, located about 20 minutes from the Dubai business district, addresses the enormous demands for higher education in a nation noted for its growing positive regional and world influence.

MSU has full academic authority and quality control over courses and programs, and MSU’s regular course, program, degree, admissions and accreditation requirements will be maintained. Diplomas will be standard MSU diplomas.

Initially, MSU is offering bachelor’s and master’s degree programs selected because of the value to Dubai and the wider region while preserving core MSU admission, degree and quality standards.

Examples of degree options at MSU in Dubai include media, communications, public relations, computer engineering, construction management, family studies and business-related programs. The MSU faculty and administrators have consulted extensively with Dubai’s corporate and government leaders to identify relevant academic offerings.

To hear Wilcox discuss his trip to Dubai, listen to a podcast with spartanpodcast.com/?p=468.