Dr. Steve O. Michael, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, is attending the British Council’s Going Global event as a conference speaker in Hong Kong, China, from March 10-12. The three-day annual conference provides an opportunity for delegates from all over the world to debate the trends in international education, from strategy to implementation.

Michael is the U.S. representative, addressing the issue: “Stretching or Shrinking the Bachelor Degree: Four vs. Three vs. Two – Who Has Got it Right?”

This session focuses on curriculum reform in undergraduate education, in particular Hong Kong’s move in 2012 to extend degree programs from three to four years, and how this contrasts with moves in the UK to shrink the degree from three to two years, and in the United States to consider three years as an alternative to four. Does duration matter and what can universities do with the extra time to enhance not only knowledge and skills, but global citizenship and other values young people need to face the challenges of the 21st century?

“Why are some universities in the UK and United States looking at shorter programmes, and flexible courses delivered in the workplace? Is this necessary to widen participation, and how are they doing this so as not to compromise on the value of a university education? Can societies still afford the luxury of four over three, or even two?” asked the conference materials.

Michael was the first Vice President and President-elect for the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, an organization sponsored by the American Council on Education. He is renowned for his work on institutional diversity and is published widely on higher education finance, strategic planning, marketing, accreditation, internationalization and academic entrepreneurship.

For more information visit the Going Global website.