The University of California and the Monterey Institute of International Studies jointly announced today (Monday, April 28) that they are in preliminary discussions regarding the possibility of the Monterey Institute becoming a part of the University of California.

A first step in the process would be to formulate a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the institute and university. The MOU would have to be reviewed by appropriate state officials to secure state enrollment funding and would be subject to approval by the institute's Board of Trustees and the UC Board of Regents. Approval of the MOU would lead to the development of an implementation plan.

If the Monterey, Calif.-based institute becomes part of the University of California, it would be administered as a unit of UC Santa Cruz, although its expertise and resources would be available to all UC campuses.

Established in 1955, the Monterey Institute of International Studies offers graduate programs in international policy studies, translation and interpretation, language teaching, and international business. Approximately one-half of the institute's 700 students come from outside the United States. Students must be proficient in at least one non-native language prior to admission to the institute.

"The institute has a unique and distinguished history in serving the nation's need for graduates with a wide-ranging perspective on issues that transcend national boundaries," said University of California President Richard C. Atkinson. "The University of California is pleased to explore this possibility as a means of enhancing its abilities to serve the state of California and the nation."

"I couldn't be more pleased. Becoming part of the world's greatest public research university would provide the institute tremendous opportunities to build on and leverage its expertise and academic resources," said institute President Chester D. Haskell. "At the same time, I believe the Monterey Institute can enhance the academic and research efforts of the university, particularly in concert with our neighbor, UC Santa Cruz."

"California's future is increasingly global, and a bringing together of the Monterey Institute and the University of California would greatly benefit the people of California," said M.R.C. Greenwood, chancellor of UC Santa Cruz. "The institute would bring unique expertise to the university and its students and greatly increase the research capabilities of both institutions."

The Monterey Institute includes the Graduate School of International Policy Studies, Graduate School of Translation and Interpretation, Fisher Graduate School of International Business,and Graduate School of Language and Educational Linguistics. It also includes the internationally renowned Center for Nonproliferation Studies, Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies, and Center for East Asian Studies.

Additional Questions and Answers

Q. What is the nature of the discussions underway between the Monterey Institute of International Studies and the University of California?

A. The Monterey Institute of International Studies and the University of California are in preliminary discussions regarding the possibility of the Monterey Institute becoming part of the University of California. If the institute does become part of the university, it would be administered as a unit of UC Santa Cruz, although its expertise and resources would be available to all UC campuses.



Q. Why make the institute part of the University of California?.

A. The Monterey Institute is a unique, internationally renowned graduate school. Its mission to educate bilingual professionals is valuable and complementary to the purposes of the University of California. California is a multicultural society and a major factor in a global economy. The Monterey Institute brings specialized academic assets to the university -- expertise in international policy including international security issues, such as the spread of weapons of mass destruction and terrorism, international business, linguistics and language, and translation and interpretation. Adding the institute would enhance the university's ability to serve California and the nation.



Q. Would the Monterey Institute students become enrolled at UC?

A. Student status, degree requirements, admission processes and requirements, financial aid structure and relationships with UC student services operations are among the host of student-related issues that would be addressed before the Monterey Institute could be fully integrated into the UC system.



Q. Would Monterey Institute faculty automatically become members of the UC faculty?

A. Faculty appointments, salaries and benefits, academic structure, degree requirements, and other academic issues would be addressed during the coming weeks and months if both institutions decide to proceed with the affiliation.



Q. Will Monterey Institute staff automatically become UC staff?

A. Staff appointments, salaries, and benefits will also be addressed in the negotiations.



Q. What will happen to the Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) and other Monterey Institute research centers?

A. If the institute is incorporated within the UC system, the relationship between CNS and other institute centers to related centers within UC would need to be addressed. There would be many other issues, including how joint projects might be managed, how research appointments would be made, fundraising for research centers, and governance and oversight of the centers.



Q. What's the next step?

A. The next step in this process is to formulate a Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions. The MOU would have to be reviewed by appropriate state officials to secure state enrollment funding and would be subject to approval by the Monterey Institute Board of Trustees and the UC Board of Regents. With approval of an MOU, the next step then would be the completion of an approved implementation plan.

Additional Media Contact

Monterey Institute of International Studies, Linda Ford (831) 647-3545; linda.ford@miis.edu