Provide information and opportunities for faculty to engage in international development
Objective
International Faculty Development
To provide increased services and support to faculty members in terms of international faculty-led programs/courses.
KPI
Faculty Development Workshops
Workshops will be offered once a semester for faculty international development opportunities.
Result
Workshops
We were able to deliver two workshops each semester (fall 2011 and spring 2012). We were able to increase the number of study-abroad offerings.
Action
Study-Abroad Offerings
Although we are happy with the increase this year, we are eager to offer even more programs. Some difficulties include the lack of scholarships for students to afford the course(s). We hope that as the economy strengthens, there will be an increase in the number and amount of scholarships.
Goal
International Programming On Campus
Quality international programming to further internationalize the university community
Objective
Provide International Activities And Events For The University Community
Provide activities and presentations that speak to international issues.
KPI
International Academic And Cultural Activities
Academic presentations and cultural activities will be offered twice each semester to enhance international programming.
Result
International Programming
We presented an orientation session each semester. In the fall, we held an International Day. Last fall, we began a Tail Gate Kickoff for international students to celebrate the first football game of the season. We have also begun health and safety seminars.
We have certainly increased our international programming; however, more activities would provide additional support for international students.
Action
International Programming
Although we were pleased with the number of offerings and the response by international students, we want to increase the number. One addition already in the works is an International Music Week co-sponsored by the College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication.
Goal
Study Abroad Opportunities
Identify funding for a full-time study abroad coordinator position (from it's current part-time status) that will provide increased services to students and faculty. This position will also promote and market opportunities to the campus community.
Objective
Increase Number Of Faculty And Students Who Participate In Study Abroad Activities
Plan and implement workshops and informational forums to create interest in study abroad opportunities.
KPI
Study Abroad Fairs
At least twice a year, Study Abroad Fairs will be provided to increase awareness of the opportunity for study abroad to earn credit.
Result
Study Abroad Fairs
We held one Study Abroad Fair each semester (fall and spring). An area that needs more support is scholarships, such as an International Education Fee Scholarship for study abroad trips.
Action
Increase Number Of Activities
We want to have ongoing Study Abroad Fairs. We are eager to launch International Ambassadors. These are current domestic students who have studied abroad and want more experience with another culture or simply want an international friend. They are paired with incoming international students.
Goal
International Student Enrollment
To enhance the number of international students on campus
Objective
Increase International Student Enrollment
Plan and implement recruitment strategies
KPI
International Student Enrollment Comparison
International student enrollment fall '09 will be compared with fall '10 to determine enrollment increase/decrease.
Result
Enrollment
Fall 2011 320
Fall 2010 288
Fall 2009 269
We seem to be making steady progress in enrollment. One issue that has prevented some students from starting the semester on time is related to obtaining visas.
Action
Enrollment
We want our steady increase in international enrollment to be ongoing. We need to become more educated regarding the visa bureaucracy in order to start students early in the process.
One goal last year was to connect with a recruiting agency or foundation. We did connect with Barachel, which donated $25,000 for some of our domestic Elite students to go to China. We've just been approved by the Department of State to have a foreign exchange student program. We have also applied to the Department of State for a $130,000 grant to be used over four years. However, while the grant was approved, the funding was not.