2-DAY SYMPOSIUM: Promoting Collaboration to Enhance International Student Recruitment and Support Services in Higher Education
A lot has changed these past two years, especially as it relates to higher education and the recruitment of international students to the United States. On October 12-13, 2021, Michigan Language Assessment hosted a virtual symposium to examine recent trends and share successful strategies in international student mobility, international recruitment, admissions, assessment standards, and support services in higher education.
Panelists included representatives from the U.S. government, colleges and universities, professional organizations (EnglishUSA, NAFSA, UCIEP), the media, and Michigan Language Assessment.
There were also participants from 12 colleges and universities, representing admissions, international student services, student affairs, and intensive English programs from Boston University, Northern Arizona University, Northwest Missouri State University, Texas Christian University, the University of Arizona, the University of California San Diego Extension, the University of Florida, the University of Miami, the University of Michigan, the University of Missouri, and the University of South Florida.
Symposium attendees included 270 higher education professionals from around the country.
Watch the full event recording on our YouTube channel. For your convenience, each session has its own video in our symposium playlist.
This event was sponsored by Michigan Language Assessment in celebration of an important milestone achievement—the global launch of MET Digital. Join our extensive network of recognizing organizations today!
Summary Materials
The content discussed during the symposium was compiled into a series of reflections. Check back weekly for updates.
1:00 – 1:15 Ι Welcome
- Sharon Harvey, CEO, Michigan Language Assessment
1:15 – 2:30 Ι Trends in international student mobility after the pandemic: Current landscape and future trends
- Gabriela Zelaya, Global Education Team Leader, U.S. Commercial Service, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce
- Ana Villavicencio, Regional Educational Advising Coordinator, EducationUSA, U.S. Department of State
- Joann Ng Hartmann, Senior Director, IEM-ISS Services and Volunteer Engagement, NAFSA: Association of International Educators
- Karin Fischer, International Reporter, The Chronicle of Higher Education
2:50 – 4:30 Ι Successful recruitment and admissions strategies to attract international students after COVID-19
- Dr. Phil Hull, Director, International Involvement Center, Northwest Missouri State University
- Luis Castillo, Associate Director, Marketing & Strategic Operations, Student Engagement & Career Development, University of Arizona
- Georgette Perez, Dean of Students, Miami Dade College
4:30 – 5:00 Ι Assessment standards during/after the pandemic
- Dr. Gad Lim, Director of Assessment, Michigan Language Assessment
1:00 – 2:15 Ι Focus on hot markets
- Ryan Griffin, Director, Office of International Admissions, University of Missouri
- Raghvendra Singh, Program Manager, Center for International Education, Northern Arizona University
- Dr. Patricia Juza, Associate Dean and Executive Director of Student Affairs and International Programs, University of California San Diego
2:15 – 3:30 Ι Support services for international students: Changes after the pandemic
- Judith Pennywell, Ed.D., Director, International Center, University of Michigan
- John Singleton, Director, International Services, Texas Christian University
- Marcia Taylor, Director, Office of International Services, University of South Florida
- Sevgi Ural, Associate Director and Team Lead, International Student and Scholar Services, University of Miami
3:45 – 4:45 Ι Intensive English Programs adapting to post-pandemic needs
- Cheryl Delk-Le Good, Executive Director, EnglishUSA
- Maria Arruda, Director, Center for English Language and Orientation Programs, Boston University
- Dr. Megan Forbes, Director, English Language Institute, University of Florida
- Dr. Cheryl Ernst, President, University and College Intensive English Programs (UCIEP), and Executive Director, American English Institute, University of Oregon
4:45 – 5:00 Ι Concluding remarks
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