St. Edward's University is formalizing its alliance with Université Catholique de l’Ouest to establish a branch campus of St. Edward's University in France. Officials from Université Catholique de l’Ouest, the largest private, Catholic university in France will visit St. Edward's on July 7 and 8 to sign an official agreement.

St. Edward's welcomes the following officials from Université Catholique de l’Ouest:

• Guy Bedouelle, Rector (President)
• Patrick Gillet, Vice Rector (Provost)
• Benoit Raveleau, Director of Continuing Education and The Psychology Institute

On July 8, at 1 p.m. in the Maloney Room, university officials from both institutions will sign a memorandum of understanding that will formalize the presence of St. Edward's in France at Université Catholique de l’Ouest.

During their visit to Texas, the French delegation will meet with university officials and faculty members. The delegation also will tour Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve and learn more about the university's plans to create an interdisciplinary natural resource laboratory at Wild Basin.

Initially, St. Edward’s will offer professional educational programs in Angers, France for French and American students. Professional Education courses scheduled to begin in September 2008 include: 

• Project Management
• Information Technology
• Business English
• Management and Sales

Other programs to be added during the next five years will include:

• Study Abroad
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• University Preparation courses

More news on St. Edward's University in France can be found at www.stedwards.fr

Global Understanding Initiative broadens for university
This expansion to France is part of the university’s Global Understanding Initiative that provides students with opportunities to see themselves in the context of a global community. Through this program St. Edward’s is committed to helping students demonstrate knowledge of politics, economics, culture and communication through a global framework and to participate in international experiences.

Université Catholique de l’Ouest (UCO)

Established in 1875, the Université Catholique de l’Ouest is a private, Catholic university offering a full range of degree programs.  UCO enrolls more than 9,000 students on three campuses (Angers, Vannes/Arradon and Guingamp) and has a faculty of 400.  The school is particularly known for its Centre International d’Etudes Françaises (CIDEF) which enables students to master French language and culture.