Contract signed for exchange cooperation

By Melissa Christensen
Staff Reporter

Through a formal agreement of academic cooperation signed Wednesday by representatives from TCU and Pontificia Universidad Católica de Perú, students can now transfer tuition and course credits between the two universities.

Luis Jaime Castillo, director of international relations at PUCP, and Provost William Koehler signed the formal agreement two years after faculty exchanges were initiated. Approximately 60 faculty members have been exchanged in that time.

Castillo said he is pleased to offer students the same opportunities as faculty receive through the arrangement.

“We (as administrators) are here for the kids,” he said. “The more we can do to move kids around, to give kids the opportunity to experience an exchange, the better our goals are met.”

Castillo said signing the agreement after a period of exchange was best for the success of the partnership.

Tim Cox/SKIFF STAFF Roberto Gonzalez, part of the Lima String Quartet, plays the viola at the guest recital series Wednesday night in the Pepsico Recital Hall.

Larry Adams, associate provost for academic affairs, said PUCP was chosen from several Latin American universities he visited on a tour two years ago.

“Católica is simply the strongest university in Peru,” he said.

Most of the faculty exchanges have been in the fine arts, but Koehler said that tentative plans are being made for cooperative scientific research.

“We should solidify our relationship as if we are almost one university working toward one purpose,” Koehler said.

Ronald Watson, chairman of the art department, said a Peruvian university offers TCU students invaluable opportunities that can’t be found in Fort Worth.

“The reality of Peru is extraordinary,” he said. “It is home to one of the world’s most ancient civilizations, the Incas.”

Through the formal agreement, the host university will pay the room and board costs of visiting professors while the home university covers salaries.

Exchange students will pay tuition to their home university, but will be responsible for all other expenses, such as travel and room and board. Credit transfers will be determined by the dean of the college in which an exchange student is enrolled at the home university.

Castillo said he hoped students would take advantage of other exchange opportunities as well.

“Exchange is not a means, it’s an end,” he said. “It’s one of the best things an undergraduate can do because (the) choices are still broadly open.”

After the signing, Michael Perko, a PUCP art professor, presented Koehler with a calendar featuring artwork and design by PUCP students.

The Lima String Quartet performance in PepsiCo Recital Hall Wednesday included two pieces by Peruvian composers.

Twelve Peruvians and 14 TCU faculty and staff were present at the signing in the Chancellor’s Reception Room. Chancellor Michael Ferrari, who was out of town, and PUCP Rector Salomón Lerner Febres, who was in Peru, will add their signatures at a later date.

Melissa Christensen
m.s.christense@student.tcu.edu