Newswise — A national commission led by Michigan State University President Peter McPherson formed to advise Congress on study abroad issues will hold its first meeting Monday, Dec. 6, in Washington, D.C.
Members of the Abraham Lincoln Study Abroad Fellowship Program Commission will discuss how to expand study abroad opportunities and access for U.S. universities and colleges.
McPherson and other commission members will be available for a media briefing following the 1 to 5 p.m. meeting at 1307 New York Ave. N.W. The meeting is open to the public.
The new commission, created by federal law and announced in October, is the vision of the late Sen. Paul Simon, D-Ill. His proposal envisions fellowships for 500,000 students per year to study abroad.
"I look forward to working with other commission members to develop ideas that will be helpful in increasing the number of students in high-quality, safe study abroad programs," McPherson said. "A study abroad experience is crucial as we seek to prepare college students for the global marketplace."
Thirteen of the 17 bipartisan commission members were appointed by congressional leaders, including McPherson as chairman. McPherson's appointment to the commission comes as he wraps up his 11th and final year as MSU president.
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