International Speakers Program

The objective of the International Speakers Program is to encourage discussion and debate at UF on major international and global issues. We do this by providing matching funds to departments, schools, and colleges that bring speakers to campus to address issues with an international or global focus of broad interest.

Proposing a Speaker

Proposals requesting our support may be submitted at any time and will be reviewed in a timely manner. The dean, director, or department chair of the proposing school, college, center, or department submits proposals to UFIC. A proposal should include the following information:

• Speaker's name and resume
• Proposed time, topic, and location of presentation
• Estimate of audience size and composition and a description of what efforts will be made to publicize the event.
• Brief description of the anticipated outcomes
• Description of other activities to be accomplished by the speaker while he/she is on campus
• Budget including other sources of funding
• Name(s), rank, and campus address (including email) of faculty responsible for the speaker's itinerary
• Statement of support and endorsement of the dean.

Criteria for Selection

Criteria for selection include the potential of the project for advancing international and global education at UF, the extent of interaction with students, particularly undergraduates, and the degree to which the project supports the international objectives of the department, school or college. Preference will be given to those proposals that also have committed funds from the department, school, college, center or other funding and reach a broad audience. Bonus points will be given for the timeliness of the topic and speakers that are proposed and supported by more than one department.

Any logistical, advertising or other support for the speaker's presentations will be the responsibility of the inviting department, school, college or center. UFIC can provide advice and additional funds to assist in publicizing the event. Speakers at conferences or workshops are eligible for support as long as the event is advertised and open to the public.

Financial Support

Typically the Program will underwrite up to half of the cost of a speaker, not to exceed $1500. Preference will be given to those proposals that also have committed funds from the department, school, college, center or other funding. Occasionally, additional funds are made available for promotional use.

Reports

A brief report on the speaker's presentation and affiliated activities is to be submitted via email to the International Center within two weeks after the speaker's presentation(s). This report should summarize the activities and include a brief summary of the speaker's remarks. The report will be posted on the UFIC website.

Questions regarding the International Speakers Program Fund should be directed to:

Leonardo A. Villalón, Ph.D.
Dean, International Center

or Vanessa Fayo
Executive Secretary
352 273-1536

Past Speakers and Activities