CWU seeking to build a relationship with Cuba

Central Washington University was selected as one of 12 institutions nationwide to participate in the 2015 International Academic Partnership Program, which this year aims to forge new relationships between colleges in the United States and Cuba, according to a news release from CWU.

The selection comes on the heels of the resumption of diplomatic relations and the opening of embassies in Washington, D.C., and Havana on July 20 after decades of estrangement.

“There’s a whole new set of relationships developing with Cuba,” said Ann Radwan, executive director of Central Washington University’s International Studies and Programs, in the release.

The Institute of International Education administers the partnership program. It also organizes the Fulbright Program.

CWU’s Office of International Studies and Programs faculty, students and administrators will participate in a range of training opportunities this year to plan and prepare as the university embarks on creating educational partnerships with Cuba.

In addition, the university will establish a campus steering committee to work on partnership development. Mark Auslander, anthropology and museum studies professor and director of the Museum of Culture and Environment, will chair the group, which is scheduled to begin by the end of July.