The Integration and Inclusion of International Students on Campus

MITESOL 2015Michigan State University

October 9-10, 2015

Beth Ernst, Christie Gates, and Sally Thelen

Western Michigan University

Overview• Introduction• International Student Statistics and Research• Goals of the Meet/Greet Project• Planning, Logistics, and Budget• Marketing• Events• Challenges• Improvements for Future• Whole Group Discussion • Evaluation

Introduction• International Student Enrollment– Facts and Figures– Trends

• Who we are• CELCIS Program– Six level IEP– No TOEFL to matriculate

• Student-inspired event

To the University

From CELCIS

• Campus administrators and leaders believe that “international students add diversity to a mostly homogeneous campus, but evidence that diversity contributes to the development of intercultural learning among U.S. students is relatively thin”(Glass, Wongtrirat and Buus, 2015 pg. 2).

International Student Research

Goals of the Meet/Greet Project• Create connections between CELCIS students, advisors,

professors, and students in departments across campus.• Support ongoing and long-term international student

engagement and inclusion (social networking, student organizations, etc.)

• Give CELCIS students an opportunity to ask questions about their upcoming academic programs – How do I register for classes?– How do I meet other students in my program?

Planning, Logistics, and Budget• Room reservation for 80-90 people• 1 round table for each department representative• Budget: $670– Catering– Advertising– Nametags

• Student worker compiled list of majors, contact info for advisors

Marketing• Save the Date email sent to department

representatives approx. 1 ½ months beforehand • Postcard sent to students and department

representatives 3 weeks beforehand• Classroom visits• Facebook• Newsletter

Events• Fall 2014: October 22

– 10 departments – Student attendees: No data

• Spring 2015: March 19– 10 departments – 42 student attendees

• Summer 2015: July 23– 9 departments– 29 student attendees

Challenges• Overestimated food and drink quantities• No representation from some units: How can we get

them involved?• Some representatives attended but received little

traffic: How can we encourage interaction?• Gap between classes and event • Lower level students wanted to attend

Improvements for future:• Need to solicit formal feedback from students and

departments • Target specific programs• Consult advising offices before setting date• Personal invitations from CELCIS Director• Personally directing students to student service

representatives• Opened event to Pre-Advanced students• Sign-in sheets• Consistent record keeping

Questions for Discussion• What are some ways that your program is integrating

and including international students on your campus?

• What challenges has your program faced while attempting to help international students adjust and integrate?

• What types of programs exist on your campus that help to make international students feel included?

Online PresentationYou can access our presentation online at:

Session EvaluationPlease complete the session evaluation surveyhttps://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BYZBLDG