By Kaylee Lindenmuth
News Editor

On Friday, Aug. 10, KU officials along with officials from Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce in Pune, India, signed an articulation agreement that will allow Symbiosis students to transfer into the College of Business and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

The signing, which occurred virtually, was the first of its kind between India and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

“This agreement is a great opportunity for Kutztown University to continue strengthening our commitment to providing cross-cultural exchanges,” said KU President Dr. Kenneth Hawkinson, who presided over the ceremony. “Our campus is home to about 100 international students from 30 different countries from around the world. We currently have four students from India, and we are looking forward to having more Indian students come to KU as part of this agreement.”

The agreement, effective this semester, includes programs in business, psychology and English, which may extend to faculty exchange and short-term programs at a later date.

“This is one of the remarkable achievements of the Symbiosis College,” said Symbiosis chairman Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar in a media release. “Internationalization is in our DNA. Our students will be enriched by experiences at Kutztown University. We appreciate this relationship.”

“Kutztown University is increasing its international student population through partnerships, exchanges, and brand awareness,” said Dr. Roger Douglas, KU director of International Admissions and Services. “The KU-Symbiosis College agreement is a means to not only branding Kutztown University internationally but adding to the diversity of our campus.”

According to a media release, the agreement “will benefit future and current Symbiosis students by streamlining the transfer process to Kutztown.”

“The agreement will also become a gateway for research collaboration, faculty exchanges and scholarly activities between KU and Symbiosis College,” the release continues. “As the partnership develops both institutions will seek opportunities for expanded growth between additional academic programs, if appropriate.”