Global Acumen Initiative
Being successful business leaders in the 21st century requires global acumen. As such, the School of Business has implemented a global acumen requirement for all undergraduate business majors. UP's School of Business defines global acumen as the ability to identify, appreciate, and understand the cultural, economic and linguistic components of other cultures while reflecting the values and principles of our unifying global communities. Ideally, each student will achieve the Traveler, World Citizen or Sojourner Scholar level according to the Global and Intercultural Learning Outcomes.
The School of Business defines Global Acumen as the ability to identify, appreciate, and understand the cultural, economic and linguistic components of other cultures while reflecting the values and principles of our unifying global communities. As such, the School of Business has implemented a Global Acumen requirement for all undergraduate business majors.
More About the Global Acumen Meaningful International Experience
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Defining A Meaningful International Experience
A major component of Global Acumen is the Meaningful International Experience (MIE). The MIE may be different for every student and must be pre-approved by the dean’s office. Students will determine the most appropriate MIE for themselves (1). All students will register for a one credit course, BUS 496- Meaningful International Experience, either during or after they have completed the MIE.
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Qualifying Criteria for a Meaningful International Experience
An MIE must be a post-secondary experience. The following qualify:
• Any documented activity abroad that results in University of Portland credit (2). This may
be through either:
- Studies Abroad Program (3)
- Internship
- Individually directed study or research project with a business or a faculty
member.• Any documented meaningful experience, abroad or domestic, that meets one of the
following criteria:
- An experiential academic course activity with a significant international component.
- A work, internship, coaching, or volunteer experience of at least three weeks in
duration that intentionally incorporates international objectives
- Travel of at least one-week's duration within the context of an educational program that includes systematic reflection/processing (4). Personal travel does not qualify.
- Sponsored research abroad
- Other experiences that the School of Business has defined as educational and related to collegiate internationalization (5).
(1) All expectations and documentation regarding MIEs will be made available to students through the online platform UP - Engage. The MIE proposal form and the Post-MIE Reflection form must be completed before student will qualify for graduation.
(2) Credits may be either resident of transfer. Credits may be based on a combination of overseas and on-campus study, such as an on-campus course with overseas component.
(3) International students may fulfill the MIE requirement with their studies at the University of Portland.
(4) Examples of qualifying experiences include those offered through a University program, such as the Entrepreneur Scholars Program and the Moreau Center.
(5) All experiences must be approved through the School of Business.For more information or questions about the Global Acumen requirement, please email busglobal@up.edu or contact the School of Business office at 503-943-7224.
Student Spotlight:
August Urban - Class of 2019 Operations and Technology Management
"The international travel aspect of the E-Scholars program was one of the most valuable experiences that it gave me. When you set foot in another country, you’re totally out of your comfort zone – and that’s the point. By traveling internationally, you broaden your mindset and understanding of the industry you’re going into as well as on a global scale. You start to think in a much grander scale of how your business will work, how it will benefit others, and what you can do to reach more people with your message. "
Global Acumen FAQs
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How do I know when to sign up for BUS 360 and BUS 496?
BUS 360 is required by everyone; no need to worry. You’ll be guided by your academic advisor in the Dean’s suite regarding when you should take this course. BUS 496 will be taken during or after your MIE, once your experience has been approved.
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How do I know when to sign up for the 3xx/4xx level course?
For many of you, the upper level course will be a required part of your chosen degree. If your degree does not have one, your academic advisor or the global acumen coordinator will work with you to find a match.
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What should I do now?
Most of your attention needs to be spent on your Meaningful International Experience (MIE). We want you to engage in an experience that interests YOU; therefore you need to find out what that is through planning and discernment. It’s never too soon to start thinking about!
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When should I do my MIE?
Anytime! Usually the summer after your first year and beyond, but if you are currently engaged in an MIE or plan on having one your second semester of your first year, you’ll just need to fill out the paperwork located in UP-Engage.
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How will my Global Acumen requirement be tracked?
You will receive regular information about this requirement from the global acumen coordinator (busglobal@up.edu). It is crucial that you read and respond to these emails; if you do not, you will not be eligible for graduation.
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What do I do if I have more questions?
For more information or questions about the Global Acumen requirement, please email busglobal@up.edu or contact the Pamplin School of Business office at 503-943-7224.
Student Spotlight:
Bhanu Pamma - Class of 2019 Operations and Technology Management
"I had the opportunity to travel to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as part of KPMG's Global Internship Program. It was my first time ever traveling to Asia so there was definitely a culture shock. I interacted with individuals from different cultures, tried a variety of traditional foods, and explored Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Working outside the United States enhanced my ability to adapt to new situations and broadened my perspective while polishing my communication skills. Now I can come back to the United States and be confident in interacting with people who have a different working style than mine as well as be comfortable with taking any opportunity that comes my way."
