Towards a More Globally Engaged University
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is dedicated to expanding internalization, global education, and global engagement in alignment with its core mission and Vision 2026. Through an inclusive and forward-thinking approach, the Global Education Advisory Committee (GEAC) has developed a Global Strategy that reflects KPU's values and ambitions. This strategy strengthens KPU's global presence while ensuring sustainable international student enrolment and fostering a diverse, inclusive, and anti-racist campus community. Grounded in the values of Vision 2026 and informed by the work of the 2023 Global Task Force, it charts a path toward a more interconnected and globally engaged university.
Shaped by extensive discussions and consultations throughout 2024, this strategy envisions KPU as a leading destination for international students. It also positions KPU as a responsive and enriching environment for domestic learners, and a vibrant, culturally diverse workplace. It provides a shared roadmap for the KPU community, ensuring that internationalization is not only effective and sustainable but also meaningful, resilient, and inspiring.
What is a Global Strategy?
The leading directions that KPU endorses to expand opportunities for international and domestic students as well as educators and other employees—at a local and international level.
Internationalization
A process whereby an educational institution integrates global dimensions and perspectives into the institution’s mission. From the delivery of education through provision of services, engagement in research, and the nurturing of global partnerships, internationalization fosters and shapes the university’s values and aspirations.
Global Education
Building knowledge of diverse perspectives to cultivate greater awareness of global systems and international issues. Intercultural and international perspectives can be honed, too, by greater awareness of the many distinctive peoples of Canada.
Global Engagement
Fostering global citizenship through experiential learning; aspiring to solve complex global issues through collaboration. Key aspects of global engagement include student and faculty mobility, collaborative research, curriculum internationalization, community and global partnerships, and cultural exchange and dialogue.
Guiding Principles
Elevated Student Experience
Ensure the post-secondary experiences of domestic and international students meet the high standards KPU aspires to provide.
Support for Innovation and Faculty Success
Enable faculty and other employees to thrive in a globally engaged teaching and working environment.
Sustainable Enrolment Practices
Ensure KPU is able to attract and retain international and domestic students in numbers that area sustainable.
Enhanced Partnerships
Promote KPU as a leader in global education and international collaborations, rooted in and aligned with our polytechnic identity.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism
Foster a globally minded learning, working, and teaching environment rooted in values of equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism.
Goals
1. Enhance Global Engagement and Develop Globally Minded Students
KPU is committed to making global learning accessible to all, removing barriers, and fostering meaningful international connections. As global engagement grows, we propose key steps to enhance international study, research, and partnerships.
a) Strengthening Global Partnerships
- Assess KPU’s research infrastructure to identify gaps hindering international collaboration.
- Establish strategic partnerships with institutions that align with KPU’s values, supporting student and faculty exchanges, joint research, and global initiatives.
- Enhance travel safety policies, risk mitigation, and emergency response plans to protect KPU travellers.
- Coordinate international delegations and visiting scholars to ensure legal, financial, and security standards are met.
b) Aligning International Efforts
- Create a centralized hub for tracking KPU’s global partnerships, including student exchanges, research collaborations, and development projects.
- Promote awareness of global opportunities and foster synergies across international initiatives.
- Support diversity in international student populations while strengthening global engagement for faculty and staff.
c) Expanding Global Education
- Increase opportunities for study abroad, research, and virtual international experiences such as COIL.
- Enhance KPU’s role in international development through capacity-building projects and knowledge exchange.
2. Create Capacity for Equitable, Diverse, Inclusive, and Anti-racist Internationalization
KPU is committed to being a leader in equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI), and anti-racism, embedding these values in global learning and institutional practices alongside decolonization and reconciliation. This commitment will strengthen KPU’s impact locally and internationally.
a) Building Cultural and Anti-Racist Competencies
- Invest in professional development to support inclusive classrooms.
- Prioritize cultural competency and EDI values in hiring practices.
- Embed global and intercultural competencies within the curriculum.
b) Transforming Learning Through Decolonization and Anti-Racism
- Provide intercultural training for senior leaders and regular workshops for faculty and staff.
- Develop a coordinated plan to enhance internationalized teaching and learning.
- Offer professional growth opportunities to help faculty navigate diverse classrooms.
- Address challenges faculty face in implementing internationalization goals.
- Recognize and celebrate contributions to global engagement and EDI leadership.
3. Advance Global Education
KPU is committed to expanding access to education, reducing financial and structural barriers, and creating opportunities for learners worldwide. Through global engagement and open educational practices, we support diverse students at every stage of their journey.
a) Enhancing Educational Recognition and Global Learning
- Strengthen recognition of prior learning and transfer credit for international and domestic students.
- Explore Transnational Education (TNE) initiatives, including global campus partnerships, overseas KPU program delivery, distance learning, and joint degree programs.
b) Championing Open and Accessible Education
- Expand the use of Open Educational Resources (OER) like KPU’s Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) initiative.
- Develop open assessments that integrate international and domestic student perspectives in creating shared educational resources.
- Facilitate regular faculty, staff, and student dialogues to enhance learning and community-building.
4. Connect Community, Campus, and Alumni with Internationalized Initiatives
Internationalization at KPU goes beyond recruitment—it’s about creating a connected, supportive environment where international and domestic students thrive together.
a) Fostering a Balanced and Sustainable Student Population
- Diversify international recruitment while ensuring alignment with government regulations and institutional capacity.
- Invest in financial supports like entrance scholarships, tuition awards, and merit scholarships to attract a broader student base.
b) Strengthening Connections Between Domestic and International Students
- Launch mentorship programs where alumni with international experience support students.
- Establish local and global alumni chapters to provide guidance, promote KPU abroad, and foster international engagement.
- Create inclusive spaces, events, and student-led initiatives that encourage cultural exchange.
c) Grounding International Students in the KPU Community
- Develop programs that introduce international students to Canadian and Indigenous cultures and domestic students to global perspectives.
- Build partnerships with alumni, municipalities, and organizations to enhance support networks.
- Continuously enhance transition supports, from pre-arrival resources to first-semester programming.
d) Enhancing Student Supports for Holistic Success
- Strengthen services addressing housing, food security, and student well-being.
- Eliminate barriers that contribute to the ‘othering’ of international students.
- Regularly assess and refine student support systems to meet evolving needs.
What's Next?
This strategy sets the stage for KPU’s internationalization journey, providing a dynamic framework to guide our Faculties and divisions in shaping globally engaged learning experiences. As the world evolves, so will our approach—continuously adapting to new opportunities and challenges while staying true to our institutional mission. Through this ongoing commitment, KPU will empower students, faculty, and staff to connect, collaborate, and lead on a global scale, reinforcing our role as a pioneer in international education.
