University of Toledo-University

of Salford Exchange

Program(me):

30 Years of Successful Exchanges

The University of Toledo

Public, 4-year Research University founded in 1872

Student enrollment of ~20,800

16,200 undergraduate

4,600 graduate

Academic Programs housed in 14 Colleges

147 Associate/Bachelor’s

168 Masters

65 Doctoral and First-Professional

~5,990 Faculty and Staff

The University of Toledo: Student

Characteristics

Majority of students from Ohio and Michigan

Students from 36 states and District of Columbia

Average High School GPA: 3.26

About 29% of student population are first generation

university students

About 38% are considered low income by the federal

government

The University of Toledo:

International Students

International students make up about ~8% of the total

student population

Students from 49 different countries

Largest populations from China and Saudi Arabia

The University of Salford Public, origins date back to the Royal Technical Institute founded in 1896

Granted University status in 1967 (‘Plate Glass’ University)

Main Campus, Peel Park, located approx 1 mile west of Manchester centre

New campus located at Media City, Salford Quays

Student enrollment of 18,516

UG= 14,362; PGT=3,492; PGR=662 (12.5 FT: 1 PT)

4 Colleges, including CST

School of Computing, Science & Engineering

School of Environment & Life Sciences

ELS students = 1587

51 academics; 35 considered Bioscience

The University of Salford: Student

Profile

Majority of students from Manchester/North West

England (eg. ELS = 64%)

Student population includes significant numbers that

are first generation university students

Mature Low Participation Neighbourhood (POLAR3) =

21.8% (benchmark = 13.9%) (data from HESA)

Significant numbers are from low income areas –

Salford is considered an area of high deprivation

Significant presence (2,417) of International students

(over 130 countries).

College of Science & Technology /

School of Environment & Life

Sciences: Student Profiles

PGR:PGT:UG ratio in ELS ~ 1:3:22 (UoS: ~1:6:22)

UGs in ELS studying Bioscience = 1,092 (81% of UGs)

Student:Staff ratio ~30:1

CST ELS (% of College)

Total UG 3,942 1,348 (34%)

Total PGT 1,256 178 (14%)

Total PGR 349 61 (17.5%)

Total Students 5,547 1,587 (28.6%)

UoS International Agenda Understand & develop international partnerships for

research, programme development & to enhance the

student experience

Nurture the UoS reputation & global brand

Increase international research collaborations

Transform the programme portfolio

Enhance the student experience to improve

employability & equip students with the knowledge,

skills & attitudes for the global economy

Agreements signed with HEIs in 39 countries

USA: 10 Institutes

ELS International Reception: a

VC welcome!

October 2009

‘Our international students make a key contribution to our University, contributing to

the breadth and excitement of what we do. Today, the whole field of trans-national

education is changing rapidly, both because of evolving demand and because of the

significant new opportunities that advanced digital technology brings. Like all other

universities, we need a focus and effective international strategy to be effective and

competitive in this new world.’ (Martin Hall, July 2014)

International Agenda: Incoming v

Outgoing (13-14)

UoS Incoming: ~ 13% of all UoS students are Tier 4

UoS outgoing: International work placement = 49; Study

Abroad = 106 (predominantly Erasmus) (1% of total UG

population)

School of Environment & Life Sciences

Incoming Tier 4 students = 220 (14% of total)

Outgoing: 27 (2% of total)

15 on work placement (5 Europe, 10 International)

12 studying Biology/Biochemistry at Toledo

Chronology of the Exchange

Program

1982-1983 – Agreements drafted and signed

1984 – First Salford Chemistry students exchange at UT

1987 – First Biology students exchange

1996 – First Physics students exchange

1997 – First Bioengineering student to Salford

2014 – April 26, 30th Anniversary Reunion Celebration at the University of Toledo

2014 – New exchange discussions initiated between UT College of Communications and the Arts and Salford College of Arts & Social Sciences/School of Arts and Media

30th Anniversary Celebration

April 26, 2014

Who was involved in establishing &

administering the Exchange? Early Years: 1984-1990

University of Salford

Vice Chancellor John

Ashworth

College of Science &

Technology: Dean Dave

Power and Director Roy

Whitehead

Profs. David Molyneux and

Ron Lawson

University of Toledo

President James McComas

College of Arts & Sciences:

Dean Al Cave and Assistant

Dean Carlo Blanco

Profs. David Dollimore and

Bob Niedzielski (Chemistry)

Dr. Ernie Dubrul and Prof.

Woon Jyung (Biology)

Prof. Ron Lawson, Dr. Dai Davies, Mr. Carlo Blanco, and

Dean David Power with artist Christine Healy

Salford c.1987

Who was involved in

establishing/administering the

Exchange? Early Years: 1990-Present

University of Salford

Heads of School: David Storey

and Judith Smith

Dean Steve Donnelly

School of Environmental & Life

Sciences Course Tutors:

Ron Lawson (1990-1998)

Steve Heath (1998-2006)

Darren Brooks (2006-Present)

Physics - Ian Morrison (2011-

Present

University of Toledo

Program Directors/Advisors:

Biology – Patsy Komuniecki

(1990-2009) & Brian

Ashburner (2009-Present)

Chemistry – Julian Davies

(1990-2000) & Max Funk

(2000-2012)

Physics – Scott Lee (1996-

Present)

Exchange Program

Participants 1984-Present University of Salford Students exchanging at University

of Toledo – 236

University of Toledo Students exchanging at University

of Salford – 210

UT Alumni Success Stories: What have our graduates gone on to do?

University of Toledo alumni of the UT-Salford Exchange Program:

210 total participants; 195 graduates

70 MD (includes 10 DO) degrees

10 MD/PhD degrees

23 PhD degrees

20 Masters degrees

Scattering of other degrees: JD, DVM, DDS, MBA, etc.

All total: 160 advanced degrees earned to date; 78% of participants have earned an advanced degree

Dr. Joel Mayerson

Exchange Participant 1988-1989 Dr. Joel Mayerson

B.S. in Biology, University of Toledo, 1990

M.D., Johns Hopkins University, 1994

Current Position:

Associate Professor of Orthopaedics, The Ohio State University Waxner Medical Center/The James Comprehensive Cancer Center

Chief, Division of Musculoskeletal Oncology

Director, Orthopaedic Residency Program

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgFjBT8QszY

Program Recruitment at the

University of Toledo UT students spend their Junior (3rd) year at the University of

Salford

Student recruitment starts in the fall of the students first year Presentations during 1st year Orientation classes Early academic advising of interested students to ensure the

correct courses are taken prior to participating in the exchange program

Recruitment reception – Early in the fall semester Specifically target qualified Sophomore (2nd year) students Email invitation to attend the reception and participate in the

exchange program Follow-up throughout the fall semester Alumni involvement – Alums of the program are the best recruiters!

Recruitment of Salford Exchange Students

(Biology/Biochemistry):

UCAS points for Biology/Biochemistry with studies in the

USA = 260-300 (same as Salford-based courses)

International students must have IELTS = 6.0

Salford Alternative Entry Scheme

Open Days

‘We are looking for applicants with a keen interest in the

living world and a desire to develop their skills and career

aspirations through lab work and in the field. We anticipate

that students on this programme will be keen to study

overseas and to broaden their horizons.’

Exchange Program Details Tuition

Paid to students home institution, no tuition paid to host institution (some minor fees paid by Salford students to UT)

Accommodations

UT students live in University housing on campus

Salford students typically live in off-campus apartments adjacent to campus

Curriculum

Course equivalencies established at each University

Re-evaluated annually, especially if there are any changes to courses/modules

Final grades sent to Program Director/Course Tutor and converted to the home institution grading scale

Academic Advising

Program Director/Course Tutor serve as the academic adviser for the guest students

Fees and Funding

Full-time Home/EU: £9,000

International students: £12,540

Exchange year: 50% discount

VC Excellence Scholarship: £2,000 in year 1 for ABB

grades at ‘A’ Level

SNSP: Greater Manchester residents with household

income <£25,000 receive £2,000 tuition fee discount &

£1,000 grant (in 1st year)

Exchange year: Global Placement Bursary (£1,000)

Year 1(Level 4)

Exchange students take the same modules as their peers

Tutorials cover ‘study skills’ but additional sessions are

held for exchange students

Toledo tutor visits Salford March/April: meetings and

reception

Toledo accommodation reserved

Progression decisions made by late June

Visas obtained, flights booked

Fingers crossed!

Year 2 (Level 5): The Toledo Year

Arrival ~ 2 weeks prior to classes starting

Fall semester: 14 Credit Hours

Spring semester: 16 Credit Hours

Classes ALL science and mixture of 2000, 3000, 4000 level

Paid employment & volunteer research opportunities

Salford tutor visit mid-January: student & staff meetings

(‘Joint Board of Study’)

Most students request flight amendment and stay in US for

1 – 3 months

Grade Comparisons US Exchange & Salford Level 5 Mean Marks 2010-11

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Degree Programme

%

Biochem

Biochem USA

Biology

Biology USA

Exchange groups have slightly elevated average grades

Year 3 (Level 6): The Return to Salford

40 credit research project & 80 credits of taught modules

Toledo debrief meeting held

Outstanding finance repaid to University

Students invited to meet next outgoing exchange group

Graduation, July 2013 Exchange meeting, April 2014

Final Year Debrief Meeting

The ‘Added Value’ Enhancement of academic achievement

Differences between mean Level 5 & 6 % marks:

Biology = 2.9; Biology/USA = 4.5 (data since 2007)

Degree classifications

The opportunity to study, network and work overseas

Biology (%) Biology/USA (%)

First 20 15

Upper Second 39 62

Lower Second 27 23

Third 14 0

Testimonials from the 30th

Anniversary Celebration

Former Dean of Arts and Sciences Al Cave

“…it is good to know that the program is still flourishing. Hard to believe it's been 30 years. Seems like yesterday when I took the idea to [Former UT President] Glen Driscoll whose first reaction was "sounds pretty risky to me. " But a lot of good people on both sides of the Atlantic made it happen.”

Allison Cihla, M.D. (Exchange @ Salford 2001-02)

“Although today [September 11] marks the 12th anniversary of one of the biggest tragedies in American history, it also marks the 12th anniversary of one of the biggest adventures of my life- my year abroad! Remembering the people who became my friends and family when I was so far away from home.” 09/11/13

Alison Fedyna, M.A. (Exchange @ Salford 2007-08)

I can't believe it's been nearly 7 years since my exchange year as it seems like just yesterday that I was figuring out public transportation and gallivanting all over Europe. I don't think I completely understood what an amazing opportunity it was at the time, nor how much my life changed because of it. I grew up in a rural community so studying at Salford completely altered my life outlook. It showed me that there were far more possibilities to life than I had ever imagined. It taught me to dream bigger, and have the confidence to shoot for goals that previously seemed out of my reach. I can say with certainty that the Salford program is one of those pivotal turning points in my life, and I know that if I hadn't done it, there is little chance my life would be where it is today.

Testimonials from the 30th

Anniversary Celebration

Vice Chancellor Martin Hall – VC Blog 2011

“Exchange programmes bring together universities across the world, and constantly renew the academic networks that enable both new research and innovation in teaching. One of our longest-standing relationships is our partnership between our School of Environment and Life Sciences and the Department of Biological Sciences at The University of Toledo, Ohio. This programme was set up in 1984 …... “The network effect is evident in both the anniversary symposium programme, and in the messages of support sent by alumni of the exchange and [Dale Fort] field course. “We should use this programme as a model of best practice for similar opportunities in other fields of study.”

Testimonials from the 30th

Anniversary Celebration

Dr. George Ingram, Senior Lecturer, University of Salford

“I remember when the Salford-Toledo exchange programme commenced back in 1984 and also the first cohort of USA students under the auspices of Carlo Blanco. It was a successful field trip to Dale Fort Field Centre in Wales which the students enjoyed tremendously. Over the years the tradition of doing field studies continued with Prof. Patsy Komuniecki taking over in 1991 and more recently Dr. Brian Ashburner. Over the years I have had the pleasure of teaching very motivated, industrious and high academic calibre Toledo students who were a credit to their University and progressed to highly successful careers. I know they all enjoyed their time at Salford and we certainly enjoyed having the American culture at the University. With my personal 40th year of going to Dale Fort this year, 75% was spent with Toledo students! I can only look back and reminisce with fond and nostalgic memories of the association between the two Universities. May the link continue for another 30 years! All my very best!”

Testimonials from the 30th

Anniversary Celebration

Challenges on the UT side of the

Atlantic! Recruitment

Many students are hesitant to spend a full academic year abroad

According to IIE, only ~4% of US students who study abroad do so for the full academic year

Finances

UK Visa requirement to document maintenance funds (~12,000 US dollars) scares off a lot of students

Reality is that for students who live on campus at UT, going to Salford is actually cheaper than staying on campus at UT

Tuition is the same but fees paid to UT are reduced, no need to purchase textbooks at Salford, and housing at Salford is cheaper than on-campus housing at UT

Grading

Delay in grading for UT students can affect Federal Financial Aid – We have been able to work around this but it takes cooperation from the UT Office of Financial Aid

The Challenges

Obtaining the US study visa

Finance: Student Finance England

Housing

The curricula and curricula changes

Communication: ‘does no news = good news?’

Managing student expectation

Work placements

Tracking students post graduation

"I decided to take part in the exchange mainly to experience living and studying

in the USA but also enhance my prospects by adding something different to my

degree. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and met some fantastic people

along the way. The way of studying and indeed the way of life over there is more

different than I could have possibly imagined and I am so glad I had the

opportunity to experience it. Still, to date, the exchange year has been the most

challenging yet rewarding years of my life. I would definitely recommend it to

anyone considering it".

Dr Nicole Dodd, UoS exchange student 2005-6

‘I chose to partake in the exchange programme to immerse myself in the

American culture, enhance my degree and to develop my academic skills

by experiencing the different education system. Toledo provided just that

and also a unique opportunity to travel and befriend a diverse range of

people, many of whom I am still in contact with. I have subsequently

completed an MSc and PhD and I feel that my future prospects were

immensely improved by the programme and thus I recommend it highly’.

Dr Robert Coles, UoS exchange student 2005-6

Student Reflections

Further Reflections: Returning to

the US

Tracking often difficult post graduation

7 UoS students have completed/are completing PhDs

at Toledo (supervisor: Prof Rick Komuniecki)

Dr David Pearson: University of

Salford Physics Exchange Student

Dept. of Radiation Oncology, University of Toledo

Future of the Exchange

Current MOU up for renewal in 2016

New MOU in discussion between UT College of Communication and the Arts and Salford College of Arts & Social Sciences/School of Arts & Media Global News Project Produced by the School of Arts & Media at

Salford

24 Universities world-wide broadcasting news 24 hours per day starting in 2014-2015 – UT Department of Communication will participate

http://www.salford.ac.uk/arts-media/about/arts-and-media-news-folder/worldwide-success-for-global-news-relay

Jointly-created original theatre piece for Edinburgh festival and possibly New York fringe theatre

Working on details for student exchange

Length of exchange (semester v. full academic year)

Course equivalencies

Keys to Success Common student demographics

Common research interests

Supportive administrations at both institutions

Student success both during the exchange year and after

graduation

Champions of the program(me)

Reciprocal annual visits by Course Tutor/Program Director

Acknowledgements

Dr. Patricia Komuniecki, Vice Provost and Dean of the College of Graduate Studies

Dr. Sammy Spann, Director, Center for International Studies and Programs

Michelle Ploeger, International Education Specialist

Pete Thomas, Office of International Student & Scholar Services

Emeritus Prof Ron Lawson

Emeritus Prof David Storey

Dr. Steve Heath

Prof Judith Smith

Prof Ian Morrison (Physics)

ELS administration team

Dr. Brenda Leady (Toledo)