WAIE will offer four pre-conference workshops. Early-bird registration for full day workshops will cost $125, and $75 for the half-day.  Participants wishing to take two half-day workshops back to back (Morning and Afternoon will receive a discount and pay $125 for both.)  Pre-conference workshops times are listed below:

• F-1 Basics (Full-Day, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm)
  Workshop Description: This introductory workshop is designed for new international student advisors and those who wear 'many hats' on campus. The workshop offers participants the basic theoretical and practical skills and knowledge needed to advise international students on F-1 visas. The workshop begins with an overview of terminology and the visa process. It focuses on the responsibilities of a USCIS-approved school and the Designated School Official (DSO), the definition of F-1 status and maintenance of status, creating a SEVIS record and issuing an I-20, dependent visa matters, updating SEVIS records (reports, change of level, program extension), school transfer, reinstatement, change of status, employment, and practical training.
• Essentials of Foreign Credential Evaluation for the Beginner ( 8:00 pm – 5:00 pm)
  Workshop Description: This eight hour workshop provides basic training in foreign credentials evaluation and placement for individuals from universities and colleges. Experienced evaluators will present key topics for those having three years or less experience in the field of credential evaluation. Topics covered include: basic principles of international credential evaluation, documentation, forensics and fraud, and credit and grading practices worldwide. Note: Participants should bring a calculator.
  

  Workshop Objectives:

  Recognize and identify status/legitimacy of institution

  Understand basic methodology and benchmarking credentials

  Apply basic methodology and benchmarking to credentials

  Become familiar with available resources and creating a resource library

  Convert grades; convert credits from credit-based, hours-based, marks-based and outcome-based credentials

  Calculate grade point averages

• Study Abroad 101: Education Abroad Advising (Half-Day, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm)
  Workshop Description: Designed for professionals who have recently entered the field or who are thinking of entering the field, this workshop provides an overview of the field of study abroad from the perspectives of personnel from universities and program providers. This interactive workshop will use participants’ conference experiences and cover a number of topics including a look at study abroad office structures, marketing, advising, orientation, and professional resources.
• Study Abroad Risk Management (Half-Day, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm)
  Workshop Description: Does your institution have a policy in place addressing travel to countries with State Department travel warnings? Has your crisis management plan been tested and proven effective? Are you in compliance with the Clery Act? This workshop will focus on these three areas of risk management, representing hot topics and perennial issues in education abroad. Presenters will offer varying perspectives from the field through discussion and interactive activities. You will increase your knowledge in risk management and gain a better idea of how to address each of these areas upon return to your campus.

WAIE Conference Assistance Grants

The fees for the 2012 conference are:

• Professionals and Community Members:  $99 (before March 15th) after March 15th $135
• Students: $65

This year the WAIE Team is pleased to announce that it will offer Conference Assistance Grants. These awards will be given in three categories:

1. A waiver of the conference registration fee for community members and student (5 awards at $65)
2. A waiver of the conference registration fee for professional and support staff (5 awards at $99)
3. A reimbursable travel grant that can be used to subsidize workshop and/or conference registration fees, hotel costs, or travel expenses (5 awards at $75)

Recipients will only be granted one grant or waiver. Application Deadline: March 15, 2012.

Click here for eligibility and application procedures.

We cordially invite you to attend the WAIE conference welcome reception to be held in the Nathan March Pusey Room located on the second floor of the Warch Campus Center.  There will be hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar as well as a wonderful opportunity to network with colleagues.    We hope you can join us!