Conclusion

Any reasonable list of challenges for American colleges and universities over the next several decades—some ambitious pundits even say for the 21st century, but centuries always turn out to be longer than early-years seers anticipate—includes the need to develop appropriate global orientations central to the core mission. The globally responsible university requires a reorientation of purpose, deep and lasting commitment—but also a wide array of specific actions and activities. It is the combination of commitment at all levels and the wealth of detailed effort that produces the global outcome. Global education adds a significant chunk to the functions of senior university officials, as well as to many staffing areas, if the effort is at all serious, whatever organizational mechanisms emerge. It is not surprising, in this context, that institutional responses vary, with some schools placing much higher priority on a wider range of global activities than others.