A delegation from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH) of the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City visited the University of Minnesota Crookston in October to discuss an agreement renewal and the possibility of a new joint program, plus internship support for students in education and English proficiency score criteria, based on recent discussion with senior leadership, faculty, and staff. Dr. Tran Thanh Huong, director of the Center for International Education (CIE-USSH), and Dr. Tran Cao Boi Ngoc, advisor for the joint program with UMN Crookston, were in attendance.
During the collaborative meeting on campus, Huong, Megan Bell, Ph.D., UMN Crookston’s current associate vice chancellor for business, arts, and education, and Josh Parrill, current director of the Student Success Center, visited about course replacements in the areas of humanities, education, and sustainability, and Huong and Ngoc mentioned modifications to the renewal of the current dual institution agreement. The possibility of a new joint program in business was also discussed with determinations still to be made. With a strong interest in education programs among the students who transferred here, the delegates had a separate meeting with Crookston’s Associate Professor Shari Daniels, Ph.D.
“During the years of the COVID-19 pandemic, UMN Crookston and CIE-USSH worked on an articulation agreement which was approved,” explained Sok Leng Tan, UMN Crookston director of global programs. “The agreement renews automatically each year for UMN Crookston, yet expires in 2026 for USSH which was part of the reason for the visit. CIE-USSH is a central unit that takes care of joint degree programs with Australia, China, and the U.S., and UMN Crookston is their only U.S. partner for undergraduate programs.”
Following the meeting, both USSH and UMN Crookston leaders exchanged gifts with a nod to favorites such as special edition Vietnamese coffee and UMN Crookston branded apparel and souvenirs. Aside from campus meetings, the USSH guests enjoyed a tour of UMN Crookston, author and artist events at the university, meals with students, faculty, and staff on campus and at local establishments, and a stay in the Evergreen residence hall.
“This partnership benefits the students at both institutions through educational and cultural opportunities,” said UMN Crookston Senior Vice Chancellor Rosemary Johnsen, Ph.D. “The USSH students enrich the vibrant Crookston campus community while receiving a University of Minnesota education that boosts their international career trajectories.”
