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Canada Connect

CSC Canada Connect Artwork.png

Canada Connect is a platform for generating and maintaining strategic partnerships between MSU, the Canadian Studies Center, and Canadian universities that are aligned with MSU's strengths and faculty interests. The Canada Connect platform is based on an acknowledgment of MSU’s longstanding close ties to Canada and the deep social, economic, and geographic ties between the US, especially Michigan, and Canada.  

MSU faculty regularly co-publish academic works with Canadian partners. Canada is the number one work-related international travel destination for MSU faculty and staff and MSU faculty co-publish with faculty from Canada more than any other country apart from China. An important thrust of Canada Connect is to identify and build on these existing MSU-Canada partnerships and help faculty formalize and expand these connections.

Current Initiatives of the Canada Connect Platform  

 

MSU faculty and partners posing for a picture at the first Canada Connect Policy Initiative forum at the Anderson House Office Building in Lansing, June 2025Policy Initiative

Leveraging and showcasing the wide-ranging expertise of MSU faculty on issues relevant to the Michigan-Canada and U.S.-Canada relationship, the Canada Connect policy initiative keeps Michigan legislators and key stakeholders informed on Canada-related issues key to Michigan’s economy, industries, and communities.  

 

MSU students and faculty posing for a picture in Toronto as part of a CSC-sponsored Canada Connect research tripStrategic Partnership Grants

The Center provides Strategic Partnership Grant funds to core faculty members seeking to initiate or deepen academic ties with Canadian partners. With funds made available by the Provost and Dean of International Studies and Programs (ISP), grants can be used to fund travel to Canada or other research expenses for cross-disciplinary projects.

 

MSU and Laval faculty posing for a picture at the signing of an MOU between MSU and Univesite Laval in 2024

Memoranda of Understanding

Through the Canada Connect platform, the Center seeks to create an MSU-Canada academic network through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with peer institutions in Canada. While each MOU will be unique, each will outline opportunities for student and faculty partnerships beneficial to both institutions.

Quebec City skylineProvincial Partners

The Canadian Studies Center is proud of partner with Canadian provinces on several of our Canada Connect initiatives. Learn more about these provincial partnerships at the links below: