Courtesy of The University of the District of Columbia
Michigan Technological University (MTU) and the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) have signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) focused on the values of diversity, equity, inclusion and sense of belonging (DEIS) that empowers both universities to tap into each other’s strengths and expertise.
With a shared understanding that DEIS contributes to a thriving and innovative workforce and society, MTU and UDC held a collaborative session on UDC’s Van Ness Campus on February 3 that culminated in a ceremonial signing of the MOU. During the session, members of MTU’s leadership and faculty toured UDC’s Nanotechnology, Advanced Manufacturing, and Water Resource Research Institute and led a research presentation in conjunction with UDC’s leadership, faculty and students.
The MOU’s scope includes:
- student exchanges and graduate study articulations,
- faculty collaborations and visiting professorships, and
- joint funding proposals and philanthropy.
Under the MOU, MTU will also provide mentorship in helping UDC attain R2 status within the Carnegie Classification system for research universities. In return, UDC will provide cultural responsiveness mentorship to MTU.
“We are thrilled to partner with a leading historically Black land-grant university such as UDC,” said Wayne Gersie, vice president for diversity and inclusion at MTU. “We honor the academic strength and value UDC and other HBCUs bring, not only to Michigan Tech but to global research and the global economy.
“The contrast between our locations, combined with our similarities as publicly funded institutions, creates synergy ripe with potential,” Gersie continued. “This partnership will create many convergent opportunities where each University’s mission and vision will extend beyond our local communities and have a national and global impact. Moving forward, we hope this relationship can be a benchmark for institutions to model.”
According to UDC President Ronald Mason Jr., the MOU is an incredible opportunity for both universities to expand their global reach.
“We look forward to seeing how our partnership impacts not only our respective schools but the world,” he said. “This collaboration is a collective commitment to go beyond common boundaries.”
“With this MOU, MTU and UDC embark on a new venture that will enhance both institutions, along with our faculty and students, as we walk together on the Road to R2 by 2024 and in the spirit of UDC’s current strategic plan, The Equity Imperative,” shared Victor R. McCrary, UDC’s vice president for Research.
The MOU encourages individual colleges and departments within each University to collaborate on mutually supportive endeavors. Colleges, departments and faculty will be able to create sub-agreements underneath the MOU umbrella. The Universities intend to grow the MOU into a consortium of higher education institutions.
