A delegation from Bauman Moscow State Technical University and PEN-International visited the Academy of Management-TISBI in Kazan to discuss the academy joining with Bauman and other universities to form PEN-Russia. The delegation met with officials of the academy as well as with the officials of Kazan (Kazan Education Minister, Kazan Social Welfare Minister and the Vice Mayor of Kazan proper). In addition, the delegation attended a performance by the students of TISBI, and a series of formal presentations by faculty and deaf students of TISBI. The delegation also met informally with students and attended classes for students who are deaf. Further, the delegation visited the local Islamic School. Finally, the delegation participated in the official opening of the Volga Region Federal Center for Distance Training of Deaf People.

It was determined that TISBI would be an excellent partner in the PEN-Russia program and a memorandum of understanding was signed to pursue a formal relationship. Final arrangements will be made at the June Technology Symposium.