Chicago State University Signs Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Burundi (UB) to Advance Global Academic Collaboration

A brand-new era for expanding pathways leading to global education

Chicago, IL - (November 2025) Chicago State University (CSU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Burundi. The agreement establishes a framework for enhanced educational collaboration, joint research initiatives, and expanded opportunities for students and faculty at both institutions. 

The virtual MoU signing featured Dr. Sonja Feist-Price, CSU’s Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs and Dr. Prudence Bararunyeretse, Rector of the University of Burundi.

“This partnership reflects CSU's commitment to creating meaningful global opportunities that empower our students and faculty to learn, grow, lead, excel, and collaborate across borders," said Dr. Feist-Price. "We are proud to join the University of Burundi in expanding cross-cultural pathways to global education". 

The agreement enables a range of collaborative activities, including faculty and student exchanges, study abroad programs, joint research projects, and professional development workshops. Both institutions will work together to develop academic programs that can be delivered in various formats to meet diverse student needs.

The partnership strengthens CSU's international presence and reinforces its dedication to building relationships that create lasting educational and community impact across borders.

About Chicago State University 

CSU, founded in 1867, is the oldest public university in the Chicago Metropolitan area. The University’s four colleges offer more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree-granting and non-degree programs. CSU is committed to equity in education, serving as the only U.S. Department of Education-designated four-year Predominantly Black Institution in Illinois and ranked by a Harvard economist in the top 4 percent of public and private universities nationwide in supporting our graduates’ economic mobility. The University serves as a prominent civic space on the greater South Side of Chicago by hosting a multitude of athletic, educational, cultural, and recreational activities. The University is located near public transit that provides convenient access to the campus. Visit csu.edu.

About the University of Burundi

Founded in 1964, the University of Burundi (UB) is the oldest institution of higher education in the country. It is also the largest, given the diversity of its academic offerings, the size of its strong 16,728 student body, and its academic, scientific, administrative, and technical staff. It comprises eight colleges and eight institutes spread across nine campuses, including five in Bujumbura and two in Gitega. The university operates 16 research centers and laboratories. 

Visit University of Burundi