The Centers for Global Advancement and International Affairs (GAIA Centers)
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, has long been committed to delivering the highest quality education to its students. Rutgers faculty are leaders in innovative research and extend their excellence in teaching and service to the university, the state, and the global community. As part of its commitment to "Jersey Roots, Global Reach," the university established the Centers for Global Advancement and International Affairs in 2011. The GAIA Centers work toward developing a comprehensive, campus-wide set of international initiatives and services, initiating collaborative projects and strategic partnerships around the world, and expanding students' opportunities for international study and research. The GAIA Centers are founded on four pillars: Global Education, Global Programs, Global Relations, and Global Services.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Centers for Global Advancement and International Affairs is to ensure that Rutgers University attains its full potential as a globally engaged institution of higher education, representing the university's motto, "Jersey Roots, Global Reach," throughout its teaching, research, and service. Every Rutgers graduate must be equipped with the knowledge, awareness, and skills necessary to meet the increasingly complex challenges of the 21st century. Rutgers faculty must have opportunities to engage with their peers around the world to address pressing issues that transcend national borders.
GAIA will lead and serve as a catalyst for engaging and advancing the university's global mission through:
- Global Education
Fostering the development of global citizenship in Rutgers students by providing opportunities for international study, research, internships, service learning, and multicultural experiences that are integrated with and support the learning goals of the academic majors.
- Global Programs
Internationalizing our campus and surrounding communities by developing and facilitating programs that foster teaching, learning, and research while encouraging and supporting international and global engagement for faculty, staff, and students.
- Global Relations
Cultivating strong and consequential partnerships with universities, governments, and communities abroad to encourage the exchange of knowledge, ideas, expertise, technology, and cross-cultural dialogue.
- Global Services
Providing members of the Rutgers community and visitors with quality and timely services that support both the growth and strength of our university's global network and integrate international visitors into the Rutgers campus community.
