Syracuse University-University of Seoul MOU Will Support Academic and Cultural Collaboration and Exchange

A delegation of leaders from the University of Seoul visited Syracuse University Jan. 8 to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will advance and expand academic and cultural collaboration and exchange between the two institutions. This is the second meeting between representatives from Syracuse University and the University of Seoul, during which leaders discussed opportunities for a growing relationship that will benefit both institutions.

Among the delegation visiting campus from the University of Seoul were Yongkul Won, president; Jung Hyeun Kim, dean of the College of Engineering; Kang Su Kim, dean of the College of Urban Science; Ji Hee Song, vice president of international affairs; Nohjeong Park, chief secretary to the president; and Eunhwa Shin, head of international partnerships.

They met with Chancellor Kent Syverud; Vice Chancellor, Provost and Chief Academic Officer Gretchen Ritter; and several other University leaders. The group also toured campus. A group from Syracuse, including Chancellor Syverud, Provost Ritter and Dr. Ruth Chen, professor of practice in the College of Engineering and Computer Science, visited the University of Seoul last March.

Among the possible outcomes of the burgeoning relationship between the two institutions are the establishment of a University center in Korea as well as the development of new University of Seoul programs that leverage Syracuse’s study abroad and study away facilities. Other potential activities and programs include the exchange of faculty members; joint research activities, including semiconductor research; and participation in joint seminars and workshops.

The ongoing relationship between the two institutions includes an MOU between the University of Seoul and Syracuse’s School of Architecture that was signed last year.

“As we seek to deepen Syracuse University’s relationships with partners in Korea, we were pleased to welcome leadership from the University of Seoul to our campus,” Ritter says. “We are interested in collaborating across many disciplines with our Korean counterparts, and I am very excited to explore these possibilities.”