In 2013, Colorado State was awarded the Simon Award for Campus Internationalization. According to NAFSA, the national organization for international educators, CSU was one of three universities recognized among select institutions for overall excellence in internationalization efforts as evidenced in practices, structures, philosophies, and policies. NAFSA’s Senator Paul Simon Spotlight Award is presented to institutions with specific innovative international programs or initiatives.
CSU was cited for its efforts to increase international student enrollment and enhance the educational experience for those students. Cooney has led the efforts to make CSU an attractive destination for international students, and those efforts have been rewarded with a 70 percent increase in enrollment over the past five years.
Progress across the board
In addition to increased enrollment, CSU has established the first Confucius Institute at a Colorado university, created new living spaces for international students and established working relationships with several international universities. CSU has also greatly enhanced its education abroad program, with nearly 1,400 students participating in 2012-13.
Simon Award for Campus Internationalization
Additionally, CSU ranked No. 2 in the United States in international student satisfaction with their educational experience according to a major world-wide survey of international students by International Student Barometer in 2013.
