Giving Compass' Take:

• US universities abroad want to broaden minds, but often turn a blind eye to certain foreign censorship and oppression. EdSurge writes that these schools should assess the risks involved with clearer vision.

• How can those involved in higher education make sure that the mechanisms of civil society are still in place, no matter where an institution is located?

• Read about strengthening global education partnerships.

Like airline pilots, college leaders aren’t known for risky behavior. On the contrary, they’re a pretty cautious bunch. But when it comes to launching satellite campuses abroad, some have been flying blind.

Negotiating deals with foreign institutions, mostly in the Middle East and Asia, where 51 U.S. universities have planted college banners at 83 foreign campuses, you’d often think they lost their judgement.

In their rush to embrace globalization — newly in vogue in higher ed — they often turn a blind eye or retreat in shrouded silence when facing serious impediments; ignoring such inconvenient troubles as suppression of academic or religious freedom or accepting Communist Party officials in academic policy roles. Blown away by the hot Eastern winds of academic fashion, many lose their heads. In a recent report, the U.S. Government Accountability Office noted, for example, that while American universities operating in China say they generally experience academic freedom, they nonetheless contend with Internet censorship. Some colleges end up practicing self-censorship so as not to offend their hosts.

Senior university officials can lose a sense of their cherished defense of liberal democracy, forgetting their commitments to academic freedom to keep partnerships going. They can look the other way out of reluctance to confront their generous partners, for instance, when visas are denied, or when Party officials demand a seat at the academic table.

Read the full article about the risks of university satellite campuses abroad by Robert Ubell at EdSurge.