Applications Open for A-State Campus Querétaro
QUERÉTARO, Mexico – Applications for admission to Arkansas State University’s Campus Querétaro are now being accepted, A-State officials announced Wednesday at a media event in Querétaro.
“This is truly a historic day for Querétaro, but also for Arkansas State University,” Dr. Chuck Welch, president of the ASU System, said at the news conference. “Today we embark on a journey together that will change lives, change our university, and change this country. I want to thank Ricardo González for the vision and passion he has put into this project.”
The website for the first American-style residential campus in Mexico — AState.mx — also launched on Wednesday.
“Today marks the next milestone in our partnership to change the way education is provided to the citizens of our country,” Ricardo González, president of the ASUCQ private foundation, said. “The goal of the campus is to supply the growing demand generated by the state of professionals in the automotive, aerospace, appliance and biotechnology areas.”
ASUCQ is the Mexican consortium of investors led by González who are constructing and operating the $75 million university campus.
“Our goal is to bring the system of a Living-Learning Community to Mexico,” Edmundo Ortiz, general director for ASUCQ said. “We know that having a place where students come to live, to interact with each other and to develop their intellectual skills will have a transformational impact upon our region. As the home of more than 1,200 multinational corporations, we know there is a demand for people with the type of skills that come from the American-style residential campus environment.”
A-State CQ’s academic requirements are the same as the main campus in Jonesboro, Ark., for students seeing admission, according to Dr. Brad Rawlins, vice rector for A-State CQ.
“We will have the same high quality of education on our Querétaro campus as what we offer in Arkansas,” Rawlins said. “Students will be held to the same admission standards, and we are committed to hiring world-class faculty who will help us transform higher education in this region. While we are a new university in Querétaro, we bring 107 years of experience in higher education. We have begun searching for associate deans and faculty who are open to finding better ways to achieve student learning.”
Residents of Mexico interested in more information about A-State CQ can use the website to learn about the degree programs offered, the amenities of an American-style residential campus or begin the application process.
A-State CQ welcomes its first freshman class to the 370-acre campus featuring 800,000 square feet of academic and residential buildings located outside of Querétaro for the Fall 2017 semester. During the first year, general education and introductory courses will be taught to the inaugural students.
All coursework at A-State CQ is delivered in English, and the students are considered members of the general student body of Arkansas State. The degree programs will award diplomas valid in both the United States and Mexico.
The initial degree programs cover three major subject areas: business and communications, engineering and technology, and science. Eight undergraduate degrees and two graduate degrees are available for A-State CQ students.
