Explore
Our
Visit Options

Global Scholars Distinction

Academics / Global Scholars Distinction

Distinguished. Globally minded. Intellectual achievement.

The Global Scholars Distinction (GSD) is meant to honor students who distinguish themselves as globally minded scholars and who demonstrate a high quality of intellectual achievement within their international experiences. Students achieving the mark of GSD will receive recognition upon graduation and on their transcript.

A person stands next to a display board about Perugia, Italy, featuring photos and text.

Requirements

How to Earn the Global Scholars Distinction (GSD)
To earn the Global Scholars Distinction at SMCM, students must complete two main requirements:

  1. Internationally Focused Experience (16 credits total)
    Students must participate in an SMCM-approved international experience that totals 16 credits. This can be completed in one of the following ways:

    • Option A: Complete an Integrated Inquiry that includes or concludes with:
      • An SMCM-approved short-term education abroad program, or
      • An SMCM faculty-led study tour
    • OR Option B: Complete a semester-long SMCM-approved study abroad program
  2. GSD Workshop Course and Final Requirements
    Enroll in a one-credit GSD Workshop, taught by an SMCM faculty member. This course helps students complete the final steps of the GSD:

      1. Campus Involvement
        Work with the Office of International Education (OIE) and/or the International Languages and Cultures (ILC) Department to assist with at least one international campus event, such as the Study Abroad Fair.
      2. Global Scholars Fair Presentation
        At the end of the semester, present your global learning journey at the Global Scholars Fair (GSF) open to the entire campus.

        • Create a display (e.g., a poster, slideshow, etc.)
        • Give a short presentation describing your international experience and how it connects to the GSD learning goals
      3. E-Portfolio Submission
        Compile an e-portfolio that includes:

        • A 1–2 page “Ars Universus” statement reflecting on how your international experiences—both abroad and on campus—helped you meet the GSD learning objectives
        • Projects and papers from your global learning courses
        • An updated resume that highlights your international experiences and the skills you gained

        This e-portfolio is the primary way SMCM will assess whether you’ve met the requirements to graduate with the Global Scholars Distinction.

Questions?

A man with a black jacket and blue shirt looks forward.

A man with a black shirt and glasses smiles.

Dr. José Ballesteros
Email GSD Coordinator, (AY25-26)
jrballesteros@smcm.edu

Requirements

The GSD can be earned by completing the following:

1) Participation in an SMCM-approved internationally focused experience for a total of 16 credits, specified as:

Option A) An Integrated Inquiry that either includes or is “capstoned” by an SMCM-approved short-term education abroad program or an SMCM faculty-led study tour;

OR

Option B) The completion of a semester-long SMCM-approved study abroad experience.

2) Fulfillment of the final requirements of the Global Scholars Distinction by enrolling in a one-credit GSD Workshop course, taught by a SMCM faculty member. This course will guide and support students to complete the following final requirements:

a) Collaboration with the Office of International Education (OIE) and/or the International Languages and Cultures (ILC) Department to assist in at least one international campus activity, such as helping with the Study Abroad Fair;

b) Presenting their achievements in global learning by putting on a Global Scholars Fair (GSF), held at the end of the semester, which will be open to the whole campus. At the GSF, students will create a display (e.g., poster, slideshow, etc.) and make a presentation, in which they will detail and discuss their IE experience relative to the GSD learning objectives;

c) Gathering together all of their class projects and papers from their Global Learning classes into an e-portfolio. This e-portfolio will begin with a one-to-two page “Ars Universus” statement, in which Global Scholars articulate their achievement of the GSD learning objectives through their international experiences, including in the classroom, on campus, and as part of their study abroad experience. The portfolio will also include an updated resume that incorporates each student’s IE experience and the professional skills gained through their time abroad and in their internationally focused classes. This portfolio will serve as the chief means of assessing whether the student has met the requirements to graduate with the Global Scholars Distinction.