Global engagement
The Office of Global Engagement (OGE) develops and promotes global partnerships that advance UVic's strategic goals for internationalization, which includes:
- Providing support to UVic faculty and staff in furthering their international activities
- Coordinating international partnerships, projects and programs that enhance UVic's diverse intercultural and global environment
- Organizing and hosting international delegations
Global Engagement Strategy
The Office of Global Engagement has the mandate to support the implementation of the University´s Global Engagement Strategy 2023-2028, which highlights the priorities for the next 5 years to become a truly global institution.
April highlights
Delegation from the University of Waikato
OGE welcomed a visitor from a long-standing partner institution, the University of Waikato. Iain White, Assistant Vice Chancellor Impact, engaged in discussions with a number of campus colleagues about possible new avenues of collaboration. Participating units included the Office of VP Research & Innovation, the Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium, the Accelerating Community Energy Transformation initiative, the Institute for Integrated Energy Systems, the Faculty of Law, and Ocean Networks Canada.
OGE strengthening ties in China
Staff of OGE and other UVic colleagues visited international partners in China. Sheryl Karras, Director, Office of Global Engagement, along with Xianjing Zhang, Global Engagement Officer, and Ralf St. Clair, Professor of Curriculum and Instruction, Faculty of Education, visited East China Normal University (ECNU). Sheryl and Xianjing also visited Hangzhou Dianzi University to support the finalization of an articulation agreement with the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science. Their final stop took them to Yunnan University, a partner for the Faculty of Fine Arts, where they were joined by Dr. Xuekui Zhang (Department of Mathematics and Statistics) to review a new departmental agreement.
GAC students meet & greet
OGE hosted an April gathering with ELAP, SiCS, and SEED scholarship recipients as they wrap up their scholarship program at UVic. This academic year, UVic welcomed undergraduate and graduate students from Brazil, Kenya, Morocco, Panama, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
International Community of Practice
The April edition of our International Community of Practice was a dynamic and engaging session. OGE shared updates on the database project and we welcomed special guests from the K4C Dr. Budd Hall and Dr. Rajesh Tandon (UNESCO Co-Chairs in Community Based Research and Social Responsibility in Higher Education), and Dr. Alfonso Reyes, former President of the University of Ibagué, Colombia.
OGE launched its first e-newsletter
OGE launched our first e-newsletter, highlighting the breadth and depth of UVic’s global connections. Each edition will showcase international initiatives and celebrate the contributions of our students, staff, faculty, alumni, and partners around the world.
Faculty Spotlight of the Month
Each month, OGE spotlights a UVic Faculty to showcase its global activities. This May, we celebrate the Faculty of Social Sciences.
Upcoming events
World Partnership Walk
May 23, 2025
For more than a decade, UVic has supported the World Partnership Walk (WPW), a global initiative led by the Aga Khan Foundation Canada to fight poverty and improve the quality of life for millions in Africa and Asia. The walk is once again being supported by UVic and we’re hoping to maintain our position as the top Canadian post-secondary fundraising team!
This year, we will hold a mini-walk on campus on Friday, May 23, 12:00-1:00pm (meet in the lobby of JCC). Join UVic's team or order samosas to raise money for this important cause.
Click here for details on how to support and participate.
Africa@UVic event
May 28, 2025
OGE will honour Africa Day with a special gathering that brings together UVic faculty, staff, and students engaged in work related to Africa. This inaugural event will celebrate existing connections, foster new ones, and create space for dialogue about UVic’s current and future engagement with Africa partners, communities, and scholarship.
Our service approach
Meet the team
Associate Vice-President Executive lead of OGE and UVic's Global Engagement Strategy
Office: JCC B216 avpglobal@uvic.ca 250-721-6405
Director Manages OGE, TNE initiatives and international collaboration opportunities
Office: JCC B202a gedirector@uvic.ca 250-472-4101
Associate Director, Global Partnerships Manages global academic partnerships and institutional delegations
Office: JCC B202a gpadir@uvic.ca 250-472-4688
Research and Data Manager Manages global related data, Research Circles, Impact Rankings, OGE website
Office: JCC B224 raulmendoza@uvic.ca 250-472-4827
External Engagement Manager Oversees MITACS, ELAP, SICS scholarship programs, manages diplomatic or consular delegations
Office: JCC B224 gemgrext@uvic.ca 250-853-3586
Global Engagement Officer Oversees global partnerships, institutional delegations, SEED and CSC scholarships
Office: JCC B215 globalagreements@uvic.ca 250-721-8110
Events & Marketing Coordinator Supports OGE events, promotion and communications, and oversees SIAF and One World award programs
Office: JCC B226 ogemec@uvic.ca 250-472-4519
Administrative Assistant to the AVP Global Engagement Administrative support and calendar management for AVP and Director, Global Engagement
Office: JCC 202A international@uvic.ca 250- 853-3875
Contact information
Jamie Cassels Centre (JCC), Room B202
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Mailing address
Global Engagement
University of Victoria
PO Box 3025 STN CSC
Victoria, BC V8W 3P2
Canada
Courier address
Global Engagement
University of Victoria
Room B202, Jamie Cassels Centre (JCC)
3800 Finnerty Road (Ring Road)
Victoria, BC V8P 5C2
Canada