This spring, more than 7,000 Cougars earned their degrees from the University of Houston. These grads are now preparing to apply the skills and knowledge gained at UH to professional careers if not graduate school.
Several of these graduates are also ready to adapt their talents to destinations far beyond Houston and the United States. Through the auspices of UH’s Institute for Global Engagement, 23 graduating seniors received Global Citizens Credential (GCC) certificates. These accolades were earned by engaging in academic and co-curricular experiences that bolstered their global competencies.
“The Global Citizens Credential is a unique co-curricular program,” said Maggie Mahoney, UH director of global engagement. “Among leading universities, including those recognized by the American Association of Universities and members of the Power Four athletic conferences, UH stands out as one of only 15 such programs.”
Students completing Global Citizens Credentials have raised the bar for their fellow Coogs, and the proof is in their academic performance.
This year’s spring graduates who earned a certificate have a combined grade point average of 3.47 and 87 percent of these students are graduating within four years.
These graduates included Felipe Monroy, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. Monroy’s global experiences at UH helped inform his career aspirations. During his time as a student, he interned with Houston’s World Affairs Council and traveled across the pond for a Learning Abroad experience in Wales. He also is proficient in Spanish.
His time in the United Kingdom was particularly enlightening, he said. Living with up to six roommates and getting accustomed to a different style of teaching and learning could be challenging. At the same time, it built a greater understanding of new cultures.
“I loved doing it,” he said. “I picked up knowledge and confidence during that experience. Ultimately, I came away new international perspectives and a greater understanding of peers from other countries.”
Soccer, he said, was one of the commonalities that helped him bond with the Welsh communities. And as a political science major, he attended plenary hearings to better understand a different political system.
With his new degree and Global Citizens Credential, Monroy now wants to prepare for the Foreign Service Officer Test before pursuing a master’s degree in Spain.
“The Global Citizens Credential will help me prepare for an international affairs career,” he said. “I’m now more qualified for this goal.”
Similarly, fellow Global Coog Carolina Camacho also enjoyed a Learning Abroad excursion and also speaks Spanish. Her trip to Greece provided a wealth of information that she can apply to her career goals. This spring, she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management from the C. T. Bauer College of Business.
She said the GCC has been essential providing her with a broader understanding of the world.
“The GCC has helped me gain new perspectives in how I view things, especially as I travel internationally and interact with different people,” Camacho said.
Students such as Camacho and Monroy completed their GCC by earning points through their participation in UH global activities and attending a capstone symposium. Global activities include Learning Abroad, intercultural events, global courses or global scholarly work. Language proficiency also counts toward the GCC.
The GCC perfectly complements the Institute for Global Engagement’s mission of expanding global citizenry on campus by leveraging partnerships on campus and in the community. Presently, the institute collaborates with colleges and departments at UH, as well as universities around the world. Led by Amb. Michael Pelletier (Retd.), the institute resides within the Office of Provost and tasked with further supporting student success.
Other initiatives supported by IGE include International Education Week, Learning Abroad and assisting students applying for and earning awards such as the Fulbright and Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarships.
“UH’s Global Citizen Credential helps students follow a truly global path through their time here at UH,” Pelletier said. “It communicates their readiness to succeed at a global level to potential employers and graduate schools and others in a clear and convincing way.”