The University Administration Support Program (UASP)

Pilot Project Grants 2005-2007 - Round 2

Boris Gladkikh
Professor, Computer Science Department
Tomsk State University
Grant: Administrative Reforms Within the Computer Science Department

This project builds on a previous UASP pilot grant to reform academic processes at the department level. The primary goals within the Computer Science department are to develop a two-level educational model, a credit system compatible with the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), and an extended grading scale according to ECTS. In addition, the project aims to incorporate features of the American academic system such as students’ independent work, midterm testing, written exams and grade point averages, and an information system to support academic management.

Elena Ryabenkaya
Director, International Relations Department
Southern Federal University
Grant: Taking Southern Federal University to the World

Three universities in the Rostov region have been restructured to form the Southern Federal University (SFU). This restructuring requires the coordinated development and creation of a new International Relations Sector. This project aims to introduce SFU to the community by creating a new web site and marketing materials, and providing regular consultations on SFU’s international activities to domestic and international students and professionals. The project will also provide opportunities for professionals to exchange experiences in managing international relations and professional development for the Office’s staff.

Mikhail Pevzner
Vice Rector, International Relations Office
Novgorod State University
Grant: Creation of an Advisory Center for International Education

This project aims to improve international relations at Novgorod State University (NovSU) by creating an Advisory Center within the office. With more than 300 international students studying at NovSU and bilateral cooperation with 20 partner universities throughout the world, this project will establish a structure to coordinate and support such activities and turn short-term partnerships into long-lasting collaboration. The specific project goals are to consult teachers and students on professional training opportunities, exchange and scholarship programs, and existing international partners. Training courses for university students and the community will be organized with guest lecturers from Russia and abroad, an information database and Center library will be created, and the marketing and promotion of Center activities and dissemination of student and teacher achievements. The Advisory Center’s creation will contribute to NovSU’s strategic goal of internationalization.

Andrey Tolstikov
Vice-Director, Technology Transfer Office
Tyumen State University
Grant: Technology Transfer and Technopark Development

Tyumen State University strives to further develop its existing Technology Transfer Center and create a Technopark which will commercialize research results, develop close ties with industry, promote economic growth, and generate income for both research and education. Technological advances are in great demand in Tyumen as it is Russia’s largest oil and gas province with high investment potential. The goals of the project are to establish the Technopark with newly hired staff, train staff and university administrators by presenting U.S. university best practices in technology transfer through close collaboration with U.S. partners, and implement these best practices at Tyumen State University. The project will also bring together U.S. experts, Technopark staff and university administration for a “Technology Transfer in Russia” conference in Tyumen.

Natalia Nevezhkina
Vice-Director, Institute of Foreign Languages
Far Eastern National University
Grant: Faculty Development and the Office for Professional Development

This project will create a Center for Professional Development at Far Eastern National University. The Center builds on the existing Methods Council which currently is limited to instructional design without working directly with faculty and students. The Center for Professional Development aims to support faculty’s curricular and methodological practice by offering consultations for faculty or academic units on teaching and learning topics, workshops and conferences for professional development, and a library of teaching and learning publications. The project also aims to award programs in recognition of outstanding teaching, research, and service and issue individual professional development grants to faculty and students.