McKinnon Center for Global Affairs

Promoting excellence in global liberal arts through teaching, research, outreach, and international exchange.

Housed in Johnson Hall, the McKinnon Center for Global Affairs sponsors and coordinates teaching, curriculum design, research, and public outreach on global and regional topics. The Center links the entire campus community and supports a wide range of conferences and workshops, lectures and invited speakers, student fellowships and research, and a variety of cross-disciplinary collaborations.

Global Citizenship

Occidental College has long been a leader in international liberal arts and sciences education. Its motto, Occidens Proximus Orienti – The West is nearest the East – foreshadowed the creation of its first study abroad program in 1916. Since that time, the College continues to respond to an ever changing, ever complex globalized society by remaining at the forefront of global affairs teaching, research and engagement in the world.

Our exceptional assets in global affairs include the Young Initiative on the Global Political Economy, the William and Elizabeth Kahane United Nations Program, the International Programs Office, a major in Diplomacy and World Affairs, and the Global Crossroads Multi-Media Platform. More than two-thirds of the faculty is engaged in some form of international teaching, research, or partnership, and two-thirds of students participate in international research, learning, and extra-curricular activities.

In Los Angeles, the College leverages its location in a truly global city to provide unparalleled access and experiences for students to become citizens of the world.

Related news story: Mayor Garcetti Announces Partnership with Occidental College to Advance Sustainable Development Goals

Mission Statement

The McKinnon Center for Global Affairs promotes the study and practice of global, transnational and international issues at Occidental.

Contact McKinnon Center for Global Affairs
Johnson Hall, 202