ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The Virtual 2021 WAIE Annual Conference is held on April 29 and 30, 2021 CONFERENCE INFORMATIONVIRTUAL EXHIBIT HALL2021 WAIE Sponsors and Exhibitors
ECE
IEM Roundtable Sponsor
Credential Evaluation
AIFS
Raffle Sponsor
Study Abroad
CAPA
Raffle Sponsor
Study Abroad
China Credential Services
Raffle Sponsor
Credential Evaluation
Human Connections
Raffle Sponsor
Study Abroad
ITEP
Raffle Sponsor
Test of English Proficiency
LewerMark
Raffle Sponsor
Insurance
Marquette University
Raffle Sponsor
Study Abroad
One Earth International Credential Evaluations
Raffle Sponsor
Credential Evaluation
PSI Student Insurance
Raffle Sponsor
Insurance
Scholaro
Raffle Sponsor
Credential Evaluation
Study Abroad Association
Raffle Sponsor
Study Abroad
Title IX Services
Raffle Sponsor
Title IX Services
USAC
Raffle Sponsor
Study Abroad
Young & Associates
Raffle Sponsor
Taxation
2021 WAIE Conference Information
Registration (FREE)
Cost: FREE
After completing the registration form linked below, you will receive an email confirmation. Zoom registration links for roundtables, sessions and other virtual events will be emailed to registerd attendees the week of the conference.
RAFFLE
This year, WAIE is hosting our first ever Virtual Raffle!
Our sponsors, ECE, AIFS, CAPA, China Credential Services, Human Connections, iTEP, LewerMark, Marquette University, One Earth International Credential Evaluations, PSI Student Insurance, Scholaro, Study Abroad Association, Titel IX Services, USAC and Young and Associates are providing an amazing and unprecedented array of prizes, including the following:
Green Bay Packers Commemorative Wine, $50 Target Gift Card, Trainings, Publications, Blue Tooth Speaker, Coffee Sampler, Swag and more!
Stay tuned for instructions on how to participate in the raffle!
FOR EHXIBITORS/SPONSORS
Exhibitor and Sponsor Rates:
Exhibitor Rates: FREE in 2021!
What’s included: your organization’s name, logo, description and Zoom link for the Virtual Exhibit Hall on our website and newsletter, as well as in conference-related correspondence to our membership and attendees.
What’s the catch? We ask your organization to submit a raffle prize for the annual WAIE raffle at your discretion (an item to be mailed to the winner, an electronic gift card, a virtual training, a publication, a service, etc. – the sky is the limit).
Sponsorship opportunities:
(*) RAFFLE SPONSORSHIP – $0 + cost of raffle prize – your company logo, name and short description on our website and, in our newsletters and conference-related correspondence.
(1) BRONZE SPONSORSHIP – $50 – your company logo, name and short description mention at the beginning of a roundtable on Thursday, April 29, 2021 + on our website, in our newsletters and conference-related correspondence.
(2) SILVER SPONSORSHIP – $100 – your company logo, name, short description and a video introduction (under 1 minute) at the beginning of a roundtable on Thursday, April 29, 2021 + on our website, in our newsletters and conference-related correspondence.
(3) GOLD SPONSORSHIP -$150 – your company logo, name, short description and a video introduction (under 1 minute) at the beginning of the Happy Hour on Thursday, April 29, 2021 or Business Lunch on Friday, April 30, 2021 + on our website, in our newsletters and conference-related correspondence.
NOTE:
We will give preference to the sponsors reserving the SILVER SPONSORSHIP level in the event more than 1 organization requests to sponsor the same roundtable.
To express interest in sponsoring a roundtable, or to ask a question, please send a sponsorship request to Katerina Roskina, the WAIE Chair and Exhibitor/Sponsor Coordinator at eval@chinacredentials.com.
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
Networking Opportunities: Welcome Sessions, Roundtables, Happy Hour, Exhibit Hall Hours. Exhibitor Bingo/Raffle.
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
There will be no pre-conference workshops in at the 2021 Virtual WAIE Conference. We will be offering a series of roundtables instead.
Pre-Conference Workshop Alternatives: In lieu of the 2021 WAIE pre-conference workshops, we encourage our membership to consider NAFSA’s e-learning resources: https://www.nafsa.
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
FULL SCHEDULE
Schedule at a Glance
Thursday Schedule
| Time | Session |
| 9:15 am – 9:45 am | Newcomers Welcome Session |
| 9:45 am – 10:00 am | Break |
| 10:00 am – 10:45 am | General Welcome Session |
| 10:45 am – 11:00 am | Break |
| 11:00 am – 11:55 am | Teaching, Learning and Scholarship Roundtable |
| 12:00 pm – 12:55 pm | International Student and Scholar Services Roundtable |
| 1:oo pm – 1:55 pm | Education Abroad Roundtable |
| 2:00 pm – 2:55 pm | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Roundtable |
| 3:00 pm – 3:55 pm | International Enrollment Management Roundtable |
| 4:00 pm – 4:55 pm | K-12 Roundtable |
Friday Schedule
|
Time |
Session |
|
9:00 am – 9:45 am: |
Supporting international students via training and workshops for our campus colleagues: presentation and discussion Do it for the “Gram”: marketing and student engagement on Instagram for international educators Everything you need to know about nonresident tax Inside India recruitment: perspectives from an in-country representative and the home office |
|
10:00 am – 10:45 am: |
Opportunities abound! Fulbright awards for faculty, staff, and students Embedding social justice education in international student services Engaging international students in different time zones Entering the US system as a transfer student: why is it so complicated? |
|
10:45 am – 11:15 am:
|
|
|
11:15 am – 12:00 pm: |
Reframing inclusive practice in education abroad: examples from tribal colleges and universities Immigration updates and when to refer to an immigration lawyer Restorative justice on-campus through an international lens In “kizuna” WI trust: understanding Japanese study abroad trends and cultural codes for better recruitment and relationship-building |
|
12:15 pm – 1:00 pm: |
Keynote speech: “cultivating equity in international education” |
|
1:15 pm – 2:00 pm:
|
Critical language scholarship Challenging ISSS situations: strategies for success Integrated offices or institutional partners: ISSS collaborations with DEI work Virtual fairs: the good, the bad, and the ugly |
|
2:15 pm – 3:00 pm: |
Advancing EDI through education abroad Engaging the “Zoombies”: challenges, successes & lessons learned in COVID-era international student programming Understanding the cultural divide Recruitment and international student enrollment through partnerships and collaboration |
|
3:00 pm – 3:30 pm: |
|
|
3:30 pm – 4:15 pm:
|
Applying lessons learned from virtual arrival Sometimes surviving, sometimes thriving: life as a [new] advisor during COVID Caring for international students virtually and six feet apart: the UnCommon Concordia response to covid-19 Agents and misinformation: the truth about Chinese credentials and educational system |
FULL SCHEDULE
(Tentative, Color-Coded by Knowledge Community)
Blue: WAIE Events and Concurrent Sessions
Pink: Teaching, Learning and Scholarship
Green: International Student and Scholar Services
Purple: Education Abroad
Black: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Yellow: K-12
Orange: International Enrollment Management
Red: Raffle and Designated Virtual Exhibit Hall Time
Thursday, April 29, 2021 Schedule
9:15 am - 9:45 am: Newcomers Welcome Session
10:00 am - 10:45 am: General Welcome Session
11:00 am - 11:55 am: Teaching, Learning and Scholarship Roundtable
Facilitator:
Mark Sullivan, Lecturer, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
KC: TLS
This roundtable discussion will focus on the teaching and learning context of international education, both international and study abroad students, with a particular focus on online learning during the pandemic. The roundtable will begin with a warmup and icebreaker, and then include 5 topics, each about a 10-minute open-ended discussion, related to teaching and learning. The topics will include
1) the international student experience,
2) study abroad students,
3) learning languages (ESL/EFL/foreign languages) online (e.g. synchronous/asynchronous),
4) new research in the field, and
5) what the future holds for classroom or online teaching and learning.
12:00 pm - 12:55 pm: International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) Roundtable (Programming and Regulatory)
Facilitators:
Kathleen Finnegan, Program Coordinator, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Leah McSorley, Associate Dean of Students for International Student Services, Lawrence University
KC: ISSS
The ISSS Roundtable will feature informal conversation and information sharing on regulatory and programming topics pertinent to international student and scholars. We expect to cover hot topics in immigration, such as possible SEVP guidance for Fall, USCIS changes, and on-going travel restrictions. In addition, we will spend time looking toward Fall arrivals, including vaccination and quarantine protocol, orientation planning and welcome events, as well as sharing ideas for virtual and hybrid spaces for Fall 2021.
1:00 pm - 1:55 pm: Education Abroad Roundtable
Facilitators:
Andria Morse, Interim Assistant Director, Study Abroad, University of Wisconsin – Stout
KC: EA
Join us to connect with colleagues and to discuss the return to study abroad in the context of COVID-19. This will be an opportunity to share what’s on your mind and to offer support to others as we navigate the challenges of the next year.
2:00 pm - 2:55 pm: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Roundtable
Facilitator:
Amy Kue, International Admissions Specialist & Engagement Coordinator, Madison College
In this Roundtable, we will discuss what current issues surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion need to be addressed in the field of International Education within the state of Wisconsin. There will be opportunities to share best practices regarding DEI programming, strategies for responding to critical incidents, and how best to support the needs of WAIE members. We will also share WAIE’s new DEI Committee initiative, its goals, and how WAIE members can get more involved.
3:00 pm - 3:55 pm: International Enrollment Management Roundtable
Facilitators:
Katerina Roskina, Senior Evaluator, China Credential Services/WAIE Chair
Erika Cuevas, International Student Recruitment and Admission Coordinator, Fox Valley Technical College
KC: IEM
4:00 pm - 4:55 pm: K-12 Roundtable
Facilitators:
Eric Duwe, Director of International Student Program, Wisconsin Lutheran High School
Karl Bryan, Counselor, PDSO, Craig High School
K-12
Eric and Karl will facilitate a session for those interested in international programs serving the K-12 educational level. Topics for discussion may include the following: What new approaches to serving your international students have you acquired since the pandemic began? How has COVID / remote learning impacted college admissions for your students? What challenges and successes do you have in managing communication with and expectations of your students’ families? How do you communicate effectively with school stakeholders about the unique challenges of international recruitment and retention in order to gain the support you need?
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm: Happy Hour and Networking
Facilitators:
Miranda Panzer, University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse
Danielle Clarizio, University of Wisconsin – Stout
International Trivia Game and More!
Eric and Karl will facilitate a session for those interested in international programs serving the K-12 educational level. Topics for discussion may include the following: What new appro
Friday, April 30, 2021 Schedule
9:00 am - 4:15 pm: Virtual Exhibit Hall Opening Hours
9:00 am - 9:45 am: Concurrent Session Block 1
Supporting International Students via Training and Workshops for our Campus Colleagues: Presentation and Discussion
Presenters:
Amy Jacobson, University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh
Miranda Panzer, University of Wisconsin – LaCrosse
KC: ISSS
This session will begin with the presenters sharing suggestions and ideas of how to develop and/or enhance training for campus colleagues on how to work with, encourage, teach, and support our international students. It will include to whom we have offered training, through what platforms and avenues, and to what success. Participants should bring examples of training or workshops offered on their campuses, discussion points and questions, and a willingness to share best practices.
Everything You Need to Know about Nonresident Tax
Presenters:
Neil Duffy, Sprintax
Elvera King, Sprintax
KC: ISSS
The objective of the session is to inform the audience of the basic tax information and rules for international students and scholars in the US.
The information delivered will be very practical advice, designed to allay any fears the audience may have about preparation of taxes, address concerns and leaving the audience confident with the overview of their students/scholars filing obligations.
Do It For The "Gram": marketing and student engagement on Instagram for International Educators
Presenters:
Amani DeHolton, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Carly Stingl, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Kaitlin Koehler, University of Wisconsin-Madison
KC: EA
Outreach and marketing to students can be challenging, especially during pandemic times when events are virtual and everyone is receiving dozens of emails a day. In the past, we’ve connected with students through social media, but many undergraduates are moving away from platforms like Facebook and Twitter and spending more time on apps like Instagram and TikTok. Come hear how several UW-Madison offices are using Instagram as an integrated part of their marketing strategy for both in-person and virtual environments. We’ll share some thoughts on how to connect with students on Instagram and engage your audience, from Instagram Takeovers to interactive Story content as well as Instagram Live sessions.
Inside India Recruitment: Perspectives from an in-country representative and the home office
Presenters:
Tracy Buss, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
Shah Priyal, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
KC: IEM
In 2018, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee contracted for in-country representative based in India. It’s been a learning experience for both the representative and her colleagues at UWM, resulting in significant gains in enrollment. This presentation will highlight key points to consider when establishing an in-country presence, and provide a representative’s perspective on a strategy that includes developing a strong agent network, nurturing partnerships, and engaging with students.
10:00 am - 10:45 am: Concurrent Session BLOCK 2
Opportunities Abound! Fulbright Awards for Faculty, Staff, and Students
Presenters:
Rhonda Petree, University of Wisconsin-River Falls
KC: EA
What would working and living in another country do for you and your career? What regions of the world would allow you to pursue your creative and research interests? Where would you like to teach? Are you an international administrator who would benefit from a two-week seminar abroad? Do you know of students who are interested in researching or teaching abroad? If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, join me, Rhonda Petree, as I share highlights from my experiences as a Fulbright Scholar in Estonia and as a member of Fulbright Award review committees. In this presentation, I will share a variety of Fulbright opportunities for faculty, staff, and students, explain how to best use the Fulbright websites, offer tips for completing applications, and suggest additional resources and inspiration!
Embedding Social Justice Education in International Student Services
Presenters:
Dong Chen, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Yun-Han Weng, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Zimo Kong, University of Wisconsin-Madison
KC: ISSS
The COVID-19 has increased bias incidents targeting intl students, particularly those from or perceived to be from China and East Asia. This adds students additional challenges of adapting to new environments upon embarking on their Wisconsin Experiences. In this session, our presenters, who are East Asian intl students, will share their experiences encountering racism and discrimination, and how they utilized social justice knowledge to defend themselves. Meanwhile, we will discuss critical issues that intl students need to advocate for, and talk about how social justice education empowers intl students from being an “invisible other” to a strong ally in our diverse community. Lastly, we will share practical recommendations with Intl Student Services offices regarding how to embed social justice education in their programs and services.
Engaging International Students in Different Time Zones
Presenters:
Mark Sullivan, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
KC: TLS
Since the onset of the pandemic, and the inevitable switch to online classes, teachers and institutions have struggled to make the switch from in-person learning to online classes. Over the course of the past year, new models and best practices have emerged for effectively engaging students, both domestic and international, in online courses. This session will focus on maintaining student engagement in online and hybrid courses, primarily on how to engage them asynchronously in different time zones. The examples shown will be English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses delivered to international students over the course a a year (3 semesters) from Spring 2020-Spring 2021. The session will include eliciting the background and experiences of the participants, information about and the pedagogy of teaching students online, both synchronous and asynchronous, the teaching context and student population, authentic examples of engaging students in multiple time zones, and then discussion and reflection activities to engaging the participants.
Entering the US system as a transfer student: Why is it so complicated?
Presenters:
Jennifer Singer, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
KC: IEM
Have you ever tried to advise a student transferring into the US education system mid-bachelor’s degree program? Their expectations versus reality rarely align, and it can be really challenging to identify why. If the student has already completed two years at their previous institution, doesn’t that mean they will start in the third year of your program? Why is there a difference between the number of credits that will transfer in and the number of credits that apply to the degree requirements? Let’s explore how differences in education systems make transferring complicated. We’ll begin with the basics and then review two cases: one regular transfer student, and one student coming through an institutional partnership.
10:45 am - 11:15 am: Designated virtual exhibit hall time
11:15 am - 12:00 pm: Concurrent Session BLOCK 3
Reframing inclusive practice in education abroad: examples from Tribal Colleges and Universities
Presenters:
Jessica Schueller, Erasmus Mundus MARIHE – Tampere University & Danube University Krems
KC: EA
Despite efforts to support inclusive practice in international education, previous attempts have primarily used a deficit approach, asking why certain student groups do not participate in study abroad, how to develop initiatives to increase their participation in study abroad, or revealed a lack of programs. In this session, I draw on research on good practice in the internationalization of Tribal Colleges and Universities to illustrate the need for reframing inclusive practice in education abroad. Through best practice examples from indigenous-serving institutions, session participants will gain insight into how an innovative reframing approach to inclusivity concerns can be implemented for sustainable success.
Immigration Updates and When to Refer to an Immigration Lawyer
Presenters:
Theodore Chadwick, Chadwick & Crouse
Benjamin Crouse, Chadwick & Crouse
KC: ISSS
The session will cover updates and changes in immigration processing, including updates on processing times and practices with USCIS and consular posts. It will also cover issues to look out for when a referral to an immigration lawyer may be needed.
In "Kizuna" WI Trust: Understanding Japanese Study Abroad Trends and Cultural Codes for Better Recruitment and Relationship-building
Presenters:
Yuriko Sato, University of Wisconsin – Madison
Morgan Keller, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
KC: IEM
Japanese student enrollment in U.S. higher education institutions has declined significantly over the decades. This presentation will discuss Japan’s “ry’gaku” study abroad trends and insights from two international educators who have extensive experience living and working in Japan. Findings from interviews with Japanese students studying at UW and international education administrators working in Japan-U.S. exchange will also be shared. In addition, the presenters will highlight underlying values and cultural foundations of the Japanese people, such as “kizuna” (interpersonal bonds), which are important for intercultural communication and relationship-building. Finally, recommendations will be made for how to attract more Japanese students to Wisconsin and offer programs that effectively meet their needs and interests.
Restorative Justice on-campus through an International Lens
Presenters:
Kathleen Finnegan, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Samantha McCabe, University of Wisconsin-Madison
KC: ISSS
Come learn about how a Restorative Justice practice has been implemented on UW-Madison’s campus and its impact on international students. If you are unfamiliar with Restorative Justice that’s ok! The presenter(s) will start with a brief overview of Restorative Justice theory and then transition to considerations for using Restorative Justice with a diverse international population. Because Restorative Justice is focused around a framework of conversations in order to build a better connected community this session will have time for a discussion around how other schools have been using Restorative Justice or opportunities participants see to bring back the practice to their own campus.
12:15 pm - 1:00 pm: Keynote Speech, Business Lunch
Keynote Speech: "Cultivating Equity in International Education"
Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Jeneise Briggs
Keynote Outline:
WAIE’s keynote address features Dr. Jeneise Briggs‘, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist/Law School Program Outreach Coordinator for the State Bar of Wisconsin. Dr. Briggs will cover a number of best practices for diversity, inclusion, and equity in program and policy design for international educators. Special attention will be given to providing equitable student support, developing inclusive learning and social environments, and supporting marginalized students while advocating for equitable access to international education in Wisconsin.
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Jeneise Briggs is the Diversity and Inclusion Specialist/Law School Program Outreach Coordinator for the State Bar of Wisconsin. Her expertise and research interests focuses on promoting excellence in learning, addressing discrimination and bias, and providing dedicated expertise for strategic organizational growth with regards to issues of inclusivity, equity and belongingness. At the State Bar, Dr. Briggs is charged with developing and implementing programs to foster relationships that drive the diversity, inclusion, and law school student outreach initiatives to advance the diversity and inclusion goals of the association.
1:15 pm - 2:00 pm: Concurrent Session block 4
Critical Language Scholarship
Presenters:
Sarah Stackhouse, University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire
KC: EA
As an alumna of the CLS program, I will be sharing more about the program itself, the application process, and my experience studying on the program in India.
Challenging ISSS Situations: Strategies for Success
Presenters:
Ying Hu, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
Lauren Rado, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
Kevin Beisser, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
KC: ISSS
This session will provide participants with general strategies of how a larger immigration team addresses challenging immigration concerns, what we do to make judgements and how we face difficult decisions when there may not be clear and concise guidance. We will also discuss how some of these strategies may be adapted to fit other campuses.
Integrated Offices or Institutional Partners: ISSS Collaborations with DEI Work
Presenters:
Leah McSorley, Lawrence University
Salisa Hochstetler, University of Wisconsin – Superior
Amy Kue, Madison College
Yeng Lee, Lawrence University
KC: ISSS
Panelists will discuss ways their International Student and Scholar Services offices have collaborated or integrated with the offices focused on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work. Panelists represent a range of institutional types including public university, community college, and private college.
Virtual Fairs: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Presenters:
Erika Cuevas, Fox Valley Technical College
KC: IEM
This session intends to engage participants in a series of guided questions to discuss what has been working, what doesn’t work when it comes to participating in virtual fairs as a recruitment tool. The goal is for participants to be able to walk away with some good strategies to participate more successfully in virtual events.
2:15 pm - 3:00 pm: Concurrent Session block 5
Advancing EDI through Education Abroad
Presenters:
Scott Pierson, University of Wisconsin – Stout
Kelsey McDaniels, University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh
KC: EA
U.S. higher education aims to advance equity, diversity and inclusion while eliminating structural racism and inequities within all aspects of the institution, including the field of education abroad. Learn about opportunities to increase underrepresented student participation in education abroad through scholarships and grants. Presenters will highlight success and offer strategies to increase participation – with the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship and the U.S. State Department and World Learning’s IDEAS (Increase & Diversity Education Abroad for U.S. Students) Grant Competition.
Engaging the "Zoombies": Challenges, Successes & Lessons Learned in COVID-era International Student Programming
Presenters:
Dong Chen, University of Wisconsin – Madison
Morgan Keller, University of Wisconsin – Madison
KC: ISSS
Staying “engaged” in our professional and personal lives amidst this global pandemic has been difficult for many of us. We’ve all become “Zoombies” at some point. This is especially true for international students who have been faced with unprecedented screen time demands. In this session, we will discuss how the pandemic has impacted our students and efforts in fostering their virtual engagement; highlight successes of enduring programs and new initiatives, including our online orientation and International Student Advisory Board (ISAB); and share some lessons we’ve learned along the way at UW-Madison ISS. We will finish by facilitating a discussion on practitioner experiences and best practices for utilizing virtual programming and digital resources as we look to a “post-Zoombie apocalypse” world.
Understanding the Cultural Divide
Presenters:
Rebecca Willems-Solc, Wisconsin International Academy
KC: TLS
ESL/ELL students experience a cultural divide when they begin their education in the U.S. While the most noticeable challenge concerns language, others emerge from different understandings of academic integrity and teaching philosophy that can impede both progress in education and academic relationships. A diversity training approach recognizes the role that instructors contribute through limitations in their cultural perspective as they work with students from other countries. Understanding where international students come from pedagogically and the culture of their academic background is essential in being able to meet them in their learning. Developing awareness as a teacher is a strategy in fostering stronger student engagement in this multicultural population.
Recruitment and International Student Enrollment Through Partnerships and Collaboration
Presenters:
Jennifer Phillips, WESLI/Study Wisconsin
Larry Theiss, Pacelli Catholic High School
KC: IEM
A look at recruitment ideas and possibilities through partnerships with other institutions and organizations. Learn about resources available through the US Department of Commercial Services and Study Wisconsin; as well as discuss the partnership between WESLI, a private ESL Institute, and Pacelli High School and how these institutions have worked together to increase recruitment opportunities.
3:00 pm - 3:30 pm: Raffle and Designated virtual exhibit hall time
This year, WAIE is hosting our first ever Virtual Raffle!
Our sponsors, ECE, AIFS, CAPA, China Credential Services, Human Connections, iTEP, LewerMark, Marquette University, One Earth International Credential Evaluations, PSI Student Insurance, Scholaro, Study Abroad Association, Titel IX Services, USAC and Young and Associates are providing an amazing and unprecedented array of prizes, including the following:
Green Bay Packers Commemorative Wine, $50 Target Gift Card, Trainings, Publications, Blue Tooth Speaker, Coffee Sampler, Swag and more!
Stay tuned for instructions on how to participate in the raffle!
3:30 pm - 4:15 pm: Concurrent Session block 6
Applying Lessons Learned from Virtual Arrival
Presenters:
Lauren Rado, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
Andrea Joseph, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
KC: ISSS
All ISSS offices had to pivot to virtual services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Offices had to adjust their normal processes of arrival, check-in, and orientation based on community and government guidelines. All ISSS offices had to pivot to virtual services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Offices had to adjust their normal processes of arrival, check-in, and orientation based on community and government guidelines.
We will review what University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee’s ISSS office considered when planning for virtual arrival and how those changes were implemented for the fall 2020 term; how we reassessed and evaluated the effectiveness of our arrival process to make the spring 2021 arrival more smooth for students and our staff; and how we are planning to make ongoing changes to our processes based on these experiences.
Topics will include:
– Pre-arrival communication
– Arrival check-in
– Virtual Orientation: Online course and live orientation session
– Use of the Terra Dotta platform in each of these steps
Sometimes Surviving, Sometimes Thriving: Life as a [New] Advisor during COVID
Presenters:
Stacy Woodward, University of Wisconsin – Madison
Helen Halt, University of Wisconsin – Madison
KC: ISSS
Join two intrepid international student advisors to hear about our transition to new positions during a year that was also one of the most challenging for our field. We will be sharing lessons learned as well as strategies and resources for successfully onboarding to a new position. Topics will include training, virtual advising, work-life balance, and generally navigating the ups and downs of the changes over the past year. Participants will also spend time reflecting on their year (challenges & achievements) and their personal hopes, concerns, and excitement for international education after COVID.
Agents and Misinformation: the truth about Chinese credentials and educational system
Presenters:
Katerina Roskina, China Credential Services
KC: IEM
Whichever country your international students come from, there are great agents out there who are a real asset. And there are others that are not so great. Staying informed when working with agents is essential to ensure the integrity of the admissions process. Join this session if you admit Chinese international students to learn about Chinese credentials, educational system, credential verification and relevant resources to ensure you are informed and prepared, whatever life throws at you.
Caring for International Students Virtually and Six Feet Apart: the UnCommon Concordia Response to Covid-19
Presenters:
Robin Kuzu, Concordia University – Wisconsin/Ann Arbor
Margaret Leimkuehler, Concordia University – Wisconsin/Ann Arbor
Kelsey Marquardt, Concordia University – Wisconsin/Ann Arbor
KC: ISSS
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and other universities said, “Go home”, Concordia University responded in an Uncommon Christian way to pandemic by inviting them to remain with us in our care. Through small gestures like homemade Ramadan Care packages personally delivered to our Saudi Arabian students’ homes to larger initiatives of checking in with every single international student, please join us to learn how we treated our international students in ordinary ways during these extraordinary times to provide an uncommon experience.