Fordham Graduate Schools Expand Global Programs, Ambitions

NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Fordham University Graduate School of Business Administration and Graduate School of Education announced today a partnership to expand their global footprint through the creation of Fordham Graduate Global. 

Fordham Graduate Global's first initiative is the Academic Accelerator Program (AAP), designed to prepare talented international students for rigorous study at a top American institution. The AAP will be located near Fordham's Lincoln Center Campus in Manhattan.

Fordham's Dean of the Graduate School of Business Administration, David A. Gautschi, said students from around the world are increasingly interested in obtaining a U.S. graduate degree, yet many lack proficiency in English and research methods, as well as experience in an American classroom environment that are essential to success in both the academic and social settings.

By better preparing international students, Gautschi added, the AAP creates a win for multiple stakeholders – domestic students, international students, the university, and the local and national economies.

"This partnership with Shorelight Education is about changing the growth trajectory of the school and expanding options and horizons for all students," said Gautschi. "It's innovative, it's student-focused, and it's a central part of our enrollment development strategy."

"As Deans and higher education administrators, the time for us to innovate is now," said Jim J. Hennessy, Dean of the Graduate School of Education at Fordham. "This partnership is an example of a collaboration among our graduate professional schools at Fordham to do just that."

One of the essential elements of the partnership is that the Fordham graduate schools are in control of all academic matters.  This ensures that all AAP activities meet the University's academic standards, including those impacting curriculum, admission criteria, faculty qualifications and student success measures. 

"Fordham is a great American institution with innovative leaders who want to reach students from around the world and create a dynamic global learning environment in New York City," said Tom Dretler, CEO and Co-Founder of Shorelight Education.  "This partnership is about helping the university make that possible and changing students' lives for the better."

About Fordham University

Founded in 1841, Fordham is the Jesuit University of New York, offering exceptional education distinguished by the Jesuit tradition to more than 15,100 students in its four undergraduate colleges and its six graduate and professional schools. It has residential campuses in the Bronx and Manhattan, a campus in West Harrison, N.Y., the Louis Calder Center Biological Field Station in Armonk, N.Y., and the London Centre at Heythrop College, University of London, in the United Kingdom. http://www.fordham.edu/

About Shorelight Education

Shorelight Education is a U.S.-based education company that funds and manages joint venture partnerships with universities to drive institutional growth, create new revenue streams, and expand options for students.  Shorelight brings the capital of a private equity firm, the global reach and assets of a multinational corporation, the know-how of seasoned higher education operators, and the values of a mission-driven institution to its partnerships. www.shorelight.com

SOURCE Fordham University