OATdb Archive

2009 - 2010

International Programs

Goal
International Faculty Development
Provide information and opportunities for faculty to engage in international development

Objective
International Faculty Development
To provide increased services to faculty members in terms of international faculty development opportunities.

Indicator
Faculty Development Workshops
Workshops will be offered once a semester for faculty international development opportunities.

Criterion
Faculty Development Workshops 2009-2010
Provide workshops once a semester that focus on encouraging faculty members to develop short-term study abroad courses.

Finding
Faculty Development
During International Week 2010, two faculty members gave a workshop about how to develop faculty-led study abroad courses/programs.

Action
Faculty Development
Presentations and workshops on faculty development for international faculty exchange and research opportunities will be continuously offered.  One issue we will need to address is how to assess the effectiveness of the workshops.

Goal
International Programming On Campus
Quality international programming to further internationalize the university community

Objective
Provide International Activities For University Community
Provide activities and presentations that speak to international issues.

Indicator
International Academic And Cultural Activities
Academic presentations and cultural activities will be offered to enhance internationalization of the campus.

Criterion
International Activities
Provide international presentations or cultural activities twice a semester to enhance international programming.

Finding
International Programming On Campus
During international week 2010 we brought in keynote speaker from the Japan-America Society of Houston to talk about "The Fascinating Facts of Japan."  Also, Night of Latin Dances was presented, among several other academic and cultural presentations. Informal assessment indicated that the Japan-American Society presentation was packed, and some who wanted to attend had to be turned away.  The Latin Dance included demonstration and then participation. Informal assessment indicated satisfaction with the presentations.

Action
International Programming On Campus
The annual international week and other international activities will be offered for next academic year to further internationalize the university.  We will be adding an assessment component to gauge participation and satisfaction.

Goal
Services For International Students
Provide services that meet international students' needs in order for them to sucessfully accomplish their academic goals.

Objective
Provide Services For International Students
Provide workshops on tax and immigration issues.  Provide once-a-month shopping and sightseeing in the local Houston area.

Indicator
Workshops And Social Activities
At least three workshops and cultural activities will be provided to the students for social and academic support.

Criterion
Workshops For International Students
Provide workshops twice a semester to meet international students' needs.

Finding
Services For International Students
During academic year 2009-10, an orientation for new students was offered at the beginning of each semester.  Workshops on Curricular Practical Training/Optional Practical Training, tax filing and building study skills were offered.  Social activities included the Fall Picnic, first Saturday shopping/sightseeing trips to local Houston area and the spring Meet and Greet, designed for international students to meet local students, faculty and staff.

Action
Services For International Students
Workshops and social activities will be continuously offered to international students.  Once again, assessment was informal; a goal for 2010-2011 will be to create and use more formal assessments to evaluate effectiveness and satisfaction.

Goal
Study Abroad
Provide services that encourage and support students who engage in study abroad.

Objective
Increase Number Of Students Who Study Abroad
Plan and implement workshops and informational forums to create interest in study abroad opportunities.

Indicator
Study Abroad
Study abroad fairs will be offered at least twice a semester.

Criterion
Workshops/Fairs For Study Abroad
Provide study abroad fairs to encourage students and increase awareness of study abroad courses/programs.

Finding
Study Abroad Participation
For academic year 2009-10, the total number of students participating in short-term and long-term study abroad programs was approximately 240.  When compared to the total of 2008-09, which was 207, this was an increase of 16% over 2008-2009.

Action
Study Abroad
Workshops and fairs that promote study abroad will be continued for the upcoming academic year as they were well attended and received.  More formal assessment will be implemented to determine strategies to continually increase enrollment.

Goal
International Student Enrollment
To enhance the number of international students on campus

Objective
Increase International Student Enrollment
Plan and implement recruitment strategies

Indicator
International Student Enrollment Comparison
International student enrollment fall '08 will be compared with fall '09 to determine enrollment increase/decrease.

Criterion
Enrollment For Academic Year 2009-2010
Expect increase of 5% over academic year 2008-2009.

Finding
Enrollment Totals For 2009-10
Our enrollment increase was 16%.

Action
International Student Enrollment
Continue to recruit students from area community colleges and English language programs in Austin and in foreign countries.  Utilize faculty members and students who have connections with potential international students.


Update to previous cycle's plan for continuous improvement

Plan for continuous improvement During the academic year 2009-10, OIP offered services and activities for international and local students, faculty/departments and staff to enhance internationalization of the university as planned.  As compared to the Fall 08 enrollment, the total international student enrollment grew 16% and the number of study abroad students increased by 16%.  For the academic year 2010-11, OIP will continue the stated goals with more attention paid to assessment of successful and less successful events.  We will be working the Professional and Academic Center for Excellence (PACE) to develop appropriate assessments.