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GVSU College of Computing signs a 1+1 collaboration agreement with the Institut Teknologi Bandung
September 30, 2024
The College of Computing at GVSU is committed to building and increasing international agreements with top international universities. "We are making great progress in creating partnerships with prestigious international universities to attract talented students," said Marouane Kessentini, dean of the college of computing." These partnerships are part of an overall strategic plan for growing entrepreneurship, graduate education and research in the College of Computing.
On Wednesday, September 25th, Grand Valley State University’s College of Computing signed a collaborative 1+1 agreement with the School of Electrical Engineering and Informatics (STEI) at the Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB). This agreement will allow students from STEI-ITB to pursue a College of Computing graduate program after completing their first year of graduate studies at ITB. This is the first 1+1 agreement for the College of Computing.
Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), located in West Java, Indonesia, is a globally renowned research institution, currently ranked 256th in the QS World University Rankings. STEI-ITB's offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, with a strong emphasis on cutting-edge technologies, innovative research, and the cultivation of high-caliber future leaders.
In the summer of 2023, Dr. Hans Dulimarta, a professor of computer science and alumnus of ITB, visited ITB and reconnected with two former colleagues. During their conversation, the idea for a double degree program, similar to the one now in place, was born. “Finalizing and signing is an important milestone, but what matters the most is having Indonesian students be here on our campus,” Dulimarta said.
“This agreement is a testament to Dr. Dulimarta’s dedication and his deep connection to both GVSU and ITB,” said Dean Marouane Kessentini. “His efforts in fostering this partnership reflect our commitment to enhance our programs and this agreement is the first of many in the future to make the GVSU College of Computing their U.S. academic home and to contribute to the economic growth of greater grand rapids.”
Alongside Dulimarta, Dean Kessentini, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, Robert Adams, and Assistant Dean, Rachel Salinas, supported this endeavor by meeting with ITB and GVSU officials. “Our first international agreement provides a valuable opportunity to advance the strategic initiatives and international priorities of our new College. We look forward to strengthening our relationship with ITB students, faculty, and staff,” said Assistant Dean Salinas.
Kate Stoetzner, Director of the Padnos International Center, expressed her excitement about welcoming ITB students and the positive impact this will have on the GVSU student body.
The College of Computing is further advancing this initiative by expanding its agreements to include 3+2 programs, designed to enhance the advantages of combined BS to MS degree pathways. Under these agreements, students from leading international universities will complete three years at their home institution before coming to the GVSU College of Computing to finish their undergraduate degree and pursue their graduate studies through the combined degree model.
“I am delighted to have supported the approval of this inaugural international partnership initiated by the College of Computing,” said Dr. Felix Ngassa, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs. “I look forward to contributing to the establishment of many more partnerships in the future. These collaborations will not only boost enrollment but also play a critical role in facilitating student exchange programs, diversifying our student body, and strengthening our global reputation.”
Article written by Shelby Harrison.