Office of International Programs records

The Office of International Programs (OIP) at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte was established in 1975 as the Program for International Studies. The impetus to create such a program came from the desire of Chancellor Dean Colvard, articulated in 1966, to increase international awareness at the university and in Charlotte.

This information and the following quoted history comes from a booklet in “Center for International Studies Reports” (Box 3, Folder 167 of this collection).

“In 1970, the first concrete step toward establishing an international program was taken. The Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs appointed a committee of students, staff members, and faculty members from nine departments and charged it with the task of developing recommendations for an International Studies Program.

“Three years later, on March 1, 1973, the International Studies Committee submitted its final report to the Vice Chancellor. In its formal recommendations, the committee proposed establishing an International Studies Program; developing a curriculum model that would allow students to have an interdisciplinary concentration in International Studies in addition to meeting department requirements for the baccalaureate; expanding overseas opportunities for faculty members and students; and increasing international activities for the entire university and the Charlotte community.

“After a year and a half of review, final authorization came on August 25, 1975, when Chancellor Colvard announced that he was establishing the Program for International Studies at UNCC, fulfilling a long-term commitment.

“As the international activities became increasingly varied during the latter part of the 1970’s, the Program for International Studies became the Center for International Studies to reflect its more comprehensive scope.”

From 1980, the Center was located in the Division of Research and Public Service, and in the 1990s its name was changed to the Office of International Programs. As of 2018, OIP is located in the Division of Academic Affairs.