The Northern Illinois University (NIU) and Central Luzon State University (CLSU) formally renewed their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) held on May 20, 2026, at the New Administration Conference Room of CLSU.

The MOU signing was led by Dr. Evaristo A. Abella, President of CLSU, and Prof. Rhodalyne Crail, representative of NIU. The renewal of the agreement signifies the continued collaboration between the two institutions in advancing international education, cultural exchange, and academic cooperation.

Also present during the signing ceremony were Dr. Parsons N. Hail, Director of the International Affairs Office (IAO); Dr. Ken G. Calang, Chair of the Department of Global Studies (DGS) under the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS); Dr. Ella Joy A. Ponce, Chief of Engagement and Collaboration Division of the International Affairs Office; and Mr. Omar Gepillano, faculty member of CASS.

The renewed partnership aims to sustain and strengthen faculty and student mobility programs, collaborative academic initiatives, and cross-cultural engagements between the two universities. Among the key initiatives under the renewed MOU is the upcoming Green and Global Philippines Short-Term Program: Filipino Language, Culture, and Sustainability Program, which will be hosted by the Department of Global Studies of CLSU in June 2026.

This three-week program will welcome students from NIU to the Philippines for an immersive learning experience focusing on Filipino language, culture, and sustainability practices. Through the program, participating students are expected to engage in language learning activities, cultural immersion, and sustainability-related experiences within local communities.

The renewal of the partnership further highlights CLSU’s commitment to internationalization and global collaboration through meaningful academic and cultural exchanges.