On July 1, Academic Affairs made some significant changes to International Affairs and its key services, UNL Senior International Officer Dave Wilson said.
The goal of the new structure is to further the internationalization of the UNL campus to ensure that students are globally competent, well-prepared for an increasingly complex and interdependent world, and to help UNL attract, enroll, orient, and graduate international students, Wilson said. Representatives from Undergraduate Admissions, Student Affairs, Graduate Studies, the deans' council, and International Affairs have spent the last few months discussing the best way to provide excellent service to faculty, staff, and students. Wilson said the first results of these conversations are:
- A new International Engagement website, providing a central point for all things international at UNL, is taking shape at http://international.unl.edu.
- International Students and Scholars Office, "ISSO," has moved to the 2nd floor of Seaton Hall and reports to Laurie Bellows. The ISSO helps international students and scholars maintain their immigration status and comply with U.S. employment regulations; assists UNL departments and colleges in their efforts to hire and retain international researchers and faculty; and serves as a liaison with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in matters related to international visitors studying and working at UNL. The ISS staff can be reached at 402-472-0324.
- “Study Abroad” has become “Education Abroad.” The name change is designed to emphasize the intentional educational component of studying abroad. The Education Abroad Office is the primary point of contact for all UNL education abroad programs. EAO staff help students identify and select education abroad options; collaborate with colleges, departments and faculty leaders during the program development process; manage an online application process (using newly implemented MyWorld software); and promote education abroad and international education opportunities to UNL students. The staff will remain in 420 University Terrace for the time being and report to Dave Wilson. They can be reached at 402-472-5358.
- International agreements will be facilitated by Ruth Lionberger, International Projects Manager. Ruth's office is at 420 University Terrace. She can be reached at 402-472-0743 or by email at rlionberger2@unl.edu.
- International student programming is now the responsibility of Student Affairs. This includes new international student orientation and other social, cultural, and community-oriented programs to enhance the experience of international students. Pat McBride is working with people in Undergraduate Admissions, Academic Affairs, IANR, Student Affairs, Graduate Studies, and the colleges to develop programming that engages and supports our growing international student population.
- Undergraduate Admissions continues to focus on the recruitment of highly qualified international students. The Global Admissions web site (http://global.unl.edu) welcomes international freshmen, transfer, and exchange students, providing information on EnglishProficiency, life in Lincoln, and the Intensive English Program.
“We are excited that these and future changes will help us advance your efforts to make UNL a more globally engaged university,” Wilson said. “Although much has changed, be assured that many of the same people will be providing the same services and may be reached in the same ways.”
More details at: http://go.unl.edu/scw