Office of International, Engagement and Access Programs
We bridge academic learning with real-world experiences, create dynamic programs to contribute to the public good, and pursue excellence initiatives that promote student success.
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About Us
The Office of International, Engagement and Access Programs (IEAP) plays a key role in the College of Arts and Sciences. IEAP bridges academic learning via international partnerships and education abroad opportunities to foster informed, global citizenship. The office connects and collaborates to support community-engaged scholarship and partnerships that contribute to the public good. IEAP pursues excellence via broad initiatives to promote student success and a deeper understanding of the world.
International Partnerships and Programs
The IEAP office coordinates the UL-QLU Panama Undergraduate Program with our international partner Quality Leadership University (QLU) in Panama City, Panama. This decades-long partnership has produced thousands of Panamanian student alumni, who transfer to UofL after two years of coursework at QLU, a UofL official off-campus instructional site.
The IEAP office supports and funds faculty who lead and engage in international service-learning projects, in partnership with the Office of Student Affairs' International Service Learning Programs (ISLP). The ISLP office offers educational trips for students around the globe, while making a positive impact on international communities. These opportunities also allow faculty to lead and facilitate students' learning and engagement in structured activities to address human and community needs by connecting academic knowledge with real-world application. These interdisciplinary programs contribute to campus internationalization by infusing classrooms with various cultures and preparing students to be more receptive to global and comparative perspectives.
The IEAP office also provides guidance and resources for faculty to develop and lead cross-cultural learning opportunities through international agreements, international exchanges and education abroad programs that enrich the global perspective, international experience and global competencies of faculty, staff and students who participate in the programs.
Students are encouraged to visit the UofL International Center to access information and explore the resources curated to promote and enhance student opportunities to engage in global initiatives.
Community Engagement Partnerships and Programs
The IEAP office works to connect, collaborate and cultivate community impact via the programs and initiatives within A&S and with the UofL Office of Community Engagement. Community engagement describes collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity. Through A&S partnerships grounded in reciprocity, our work aligns and contributes to enhancing scholarship, promoting academic values and addressing pressing societal issues.
To guide and enhance these efforts, the Arts and Sciences Community Engagement Advisory Council (CEAC) was convened to ensure that our initiatives reflect the evolving needs of the communities we serve. The CEAC also facilitates the annual Community Engagement Awards given to faculty and staff whose work encompasses outstanding research, curricular engagement and service with a community partner.
Key Partners include the Yearlings Club, the Louisville Metro Office for Immigrant Affairs and Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS). We also work closely with the Anne Braden Institute (ABI) for Social Justice Research, which is an independent unit within the office.
Community and Culture Programs
The IEAP office facilitates educational, engagement and empowerment initiatives that promote welcoming community and supportive culture within Arts and Sciences and with the UofL Office of Institutional Equity. We work to ensure broad representation and engagement in programs, policies and practices to foster a culture of belonging and shared responsibility with the aim to build an environment for all.
To guide and enhance these efforts, the Arts and Sciences Community and Culture Standing Committee — in partnership with the IEAP Associate Dean — leads our strategic planning efforts and facilitates the annual awards given to faculty and staff who embody a commitment to upholding the College's core values in its mission and vision.
The IEAP Associate Dean serves as the Arts and Sciences representative and liaison with the UofL Office.
Anne Braden Institute for Social Justice Research
Advancing social justice research and activism, fostering dialogue and collaboration to bridge racial divides and address systemic inequities locally and globally.