China gives greenlight to Husson's joint program with Chinese medical college

Photo / Cheng Anqi During his recent visit to Nanyang Medical College in the southwest Chinese province of Henan, Husson University President Robert A. Clark, toured the campus, academic and research facilities and the college's affiliated hospitals.

Write a Comment

By Staff

Husson University President Robert A. Clark recently visited Nanyang Medical College in the southwest Chinese province of Henan in an effort to build on a relationship that began with the two institutions signing a memorandum of understanding in fall 2016 to offer joint degree programs.

During his visit, Clark met with Fang Jiaxuan, president of Nanyang Medical College, and other senior staff members. He also toured the campus, academic and research facilities and the college’s affiliated hospitals. Gifts were exchanged as symbols of good faith.

Clark also had an opportunity to address more than 600 Nanyang Medical College students and faculty members interested in learning more about Husson University.

Husson University stated in a news release that Clark’s visit reaffirmed Husson’s commitment to work together with Nanyang Medical College to offer joint degree programs.

Under the agreement, Nanyang Medical College students would attend their home university in China for the first three years and then transfer to Husson University for an additional two years in order to complete their bachelor’s degree, Husson spokesman Eric Gordon stated in an email to Mainebiz.

Students from Nanyang Medical College would also have the opportunity to continue their studies and earn a master’s of business administration degree with a concentration in health care management from Husson University’s College of Business if they chose.

Following a meticulous vetting, the program was approved by the Chinese Ministry of Education at the end of April. Husson said it anticipated Nanyang Medical College students would start to enroll in the fall of 2019.

Next steps

Photo / Cheng Anqi

Husson University President Robert A. Clark, right, meets with Fang Jiaxuan, president of Nanyang Medical College.

The memorandum of understanding states, in broad terms, that the two institutions of higher learning will work together to develop joint programs that lead to a bachelor of science in health care and public health and a bachelor of science in biology at Husson University.

Under the agreement, Nanyang Medical College students would attend their home university in China for the first three years and then transfer to Husson University for an additional two years in order to complete their bachelor’s degree. Students from Nanyang Medical College would also have the opportunity to continue their studies and earn a master’s of business administration degree with a concentration in health care management from Husson University’s College of Business if they chose.

The agreement would also allow faculty from Nanyang Medical College and Husson to teach on each other’s campuses, share information about professional teaching methods and practices, and discuss best practices developed at each school.

“The approval process associated with creating joint degrees with Chinese educational institutions can take some time,” said Colleen Grover, Husson’s director of international initiatives. “Unlike a simple transfer program, joint degree programs must meet with the approval of the Chinese Ministry of Education as well as the Provincial Ministry of Education. This process requires Husson to prepare in-depth documentation that attests to the quality of our university.”

Expanding Husson's international connections

In addition to university profiles, Husson was required to submit information about faculty credentials, textbooks, course syllabi, course maps and degree requirements.

Fulfilling the Chinese government’s information requests required the combined efforts of academic program directors associated with the two joint degrees: Patricia Bixel, dean of Husson University’s College of Science and Humanities; Lynne Coy-Ogan, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost; and Diana Hamel, assistant registrar.

All of the submitted materials are intended to smooth the transition from one academic environment to the other, as well as ensure that Husson’s programs remain rigorous.

“This effort will help diversify Husson University’s educational offerings and expand our international connections,” said Clark. “We believe that educational excellence can be achieved through experiential learning and global understanding. The development of learning initiatives between ourselves and the Nanyang Medical College is just one example of our efforts to help Husson graduates become engaged world citizens.”