Washington Adventist University · 2017. 3. 29. · Adventist University to a different...

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Washington Adventist University

Office of International Student Program

(Report: Fall 2015-Spring 2017)

Mission: The Office of the International Student Program serves to foster the education and

development of international students to enable them to achieve their academic and professional

goals and objectives and become future moral leaders and citizens of the world by providing

resources that empower them to function as global leaders and stewards.

Introduction:

This document is the first annual report that the Office of the International Student Program has

presented. The report provides the role and duties of the office and noteworthy outcomes,

detailed statistics of student enrollment, student achievements and academic success, assessment

of co-curricular activities, resources for students at risk and a summary of retention issues. It

also includes the three main goals for the International Student Program Office for 2017-2018.

There has been a steady increase in the international student population since 2014 at

Washington Adventist University. Their presence here on campus provides an excellent

opportunity for both domestic/local students, and the campus community an exposure to

different cultures, ideas and opportunities to develop skills critical to a globalized workforce.

We welcome our international students to our university and enjoy the color, culture, and wealth

of experience they bring.

Although we had started serving the needs of our international students in January 2015, the

International Student Program was officially established in October 2015 out of the need to

better serve our growing international students. Currently, there are four individuals working in

this office which is presently housed in the Betty Howard Center for Student Success. The

following staff is responsible for the efficient running of the department:

Director - full-time

Designated School Official and Retention Officer– part-time

Program Assistant – part-time

Student Professional – one student 10 hours per week

Job summary: The Director of the International Student Academic Success Program furthers Washington Adventist

University’s mission and vision by providing leadership for creating, implementing and refining success

strategies specific to the unique needs of the international student. Furthermore this academic leader

provides supervision for the university’s ESL Program and its Coordinator. In addition, the Director

serves as the university’s Primary Designated School Official (PDSO).

Designated School Official (DSO) and Retention Officer: (took office August 2016) duties

include counseling active students regarding immigration laws and regulations, issuing I-20s,

advices students applying for OPT (Optional Practical Training), helps with students requesting

for change of status, makes sure that international students maintain their F-1 (student) status at

all times; assists with International Student Orientation and other events organized by the

department.

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Program Assistant: (employed August 2016) duties include ensuring that administrative

functions of the Office of the International Student Program run smoothly and efficiently;

schedules staff and student appointments, keeps record of student files, assists with mass

mailings and mail distribution, supervises student workers, responds to customer service

enquiries and complaints and coordinates feedback, schedules placement tests and other testing,

helps with International Student Orientation and the campus events organized for international

students.

Student Professionals: Perform a wide range of administrative and office support services and

clerical duties to facilitate the efficient operation of the office of the International Student

Programs. Presently, we have just one student who works 10 hours per week.

The line of reporting is as follows:

Director of International

Student Program

Provost

Designated School Official and Retention

Officer

Program Assistant

Student Professionals

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The role of the office is broken down into two categories:

1. Academic

2. Non-Academic

The Academic aspect includes the following:

Academic Advisement is given to international students regarding the number of

credits needed to remain in status and the need to attend and be at classes on time.

The International Student Program Office proctors exams and placement tests

Works with SEVIS to reinstates students’ status when it is cancelled.

Work with change of status (example post and pre-OPT) for international students

Issues I-20s, letter of verification and attending to various types of immigration

matters.

Implements the criteria for the ESL program and the accreditation for this program.

Recognizes international students both in fall and spring for their outstanding academic

performance.

Seeks to alleviate international student’s retention.

Assist with the process of international students transferring from Washington

Adventist University to a different institution.

Non-Academic

Liaisons and meet with SACM (Saudi Arabia Cultural Mission) for Saudi sponsored

students

Plans and carries out monthly events for Global Thinkers

Is responsible for the planning and execution of international new student orientation

Interpret immigration laws and communicate same to the related students.

Develops Customer Service evaluation form and to have staff meeting once per week.

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Noteworthy Outcomes

Spring 2015 The Office of the International Student Program established

Inauguration of “Global Thinkers” a venue for international student chat; it meets every

month, (three times a semester) where students share knowledge, experience, opinions,

and ideas that are relevant to WAU’s Mission and Vision. Its objectives are as follows:

To build community and cultural competence

To promote appreciation for cultural diversity

‘ To engage in cross-cultural conversations

To facilitate interaction between faculty and students

To create a friendly environment for learning and socializing, and leadership

Among students

Flags of the nations of the world were displayed, for the first time, in the lobby of

Wilkinson Hall

Global Thinkers Officers were elected to plan and organize events

International Student Orientation (ISO) for all new students

International students are recognized for their academic performance every semester at

the Awards Ceremony

Posts announces and relevant information for international students on Bulletin Board.

(Wilkinson Hall behind the bookstore).

Suggestion Box is provided for comments and complaints for customers

International Student Enrollment Statistics--Spring 2017 Table 1 Graduate Students (SGPS) 49

Undergraduate Students 140

Total 189 (Note: this is only F-1 category and all other visa categories are not included)

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Spring 2017: International Students by country of citizenship

Table 2

Note: 2017 we have flags for Graduating seniors we do not have flags for Graduating seniors

Table 3

International Students by Programs of Study/Departments Department UG G TOTAL

Computer Science 31 31

Information Systems 19 19

Communication/Journalism 23 23

Counseling Psychology 6 20 26

Medical Lab. Science 10 10

General Studies 4 4

Nursing 10 5 15

Political Studies 5 5

Biology/Science 5 5

Health and Physical Fitness 6 6

Business Management 6 10 16 (2 OPT)*

Music 6 6 (1 OPT)

Theology/Religion 2 1 3

Social Work 2 2

Health Care Administration 2 9 11 (2 OPT)*

Public Administration 4 4 (1 OPT)*

Elementary Education 1 1

Early Childhood Education 1 1

Mathematics 1 1

(*Optional Practical Training)

ANGOLA X 1

BAHAMAS 2

BARBADOS 3

BERMUDA 2

BRAZIL 5

BURMA X 1

CAMEROON 2

CANADA 2

CAPE VERDE 2

CHINA 1

CROATIA 1

EGYPT 1

FIJI 1

GHANA 2

INDIA 14

GUYANA 1

JAMAICA 5

KENYA X 4

MALAYSIA 1

MEXICO 1

NIGERIA 2

PHILIPPINE 1

PORTUGAL 1

RUSSIA 3

RWANDA 1

SAUDI ARABIA 123

SOUTH KOREA 1

SPAIN X 1

SRI LANKA 2

TANZANIA 1

ZAMBIA X

1

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Table 4

*Only spring 2017

Table 5

*Only spring 2017

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

200

2011-12 (121) 2012-13 (118) 2013-14 (96) 2014-15 (102) 2015-16 (173) 2016-17 (189)*

ACADEMIC YEARS: 2011 -SPRING 2017 TOTAL INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ENROLEMENT

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

200

2011-12 (121) 2012-13 (118) 2013-14 (96) 2014-15 (102) 2015-16 (173) 2016-17 (189)*

2011 - Spring 2017

7 Table 6

*Only spring 2017

Table 7

*Only spring 2017

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

2011-12 (102) 2012-13 (91) 2013-14 (75) 2014-15 (73) 2015-16 (133) 2016-17 (140)*

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT 2011 -

SPRING 2017

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

2011-12 (19) 2012-13 (27) 2013-14 (21) 2014-15 (29) 2015-16 (40) 2016-17 (49)*

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS GRADUATE ENROLLMENT SPRING 2017

8 Table 8

*Includes 6 Students on OPT

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

ALL INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS BY PROGRAMS OF STUDY/DEPARTMENTS SPRING 2017*

9 Table 9


Table 10


0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS BY PROGRAMS OF STUDY/DEPARTMENTS, UNDERGRADUATE

SPRING 2017*

0

5

10

15

20

25

International Students by Programs of Study/Departments, GRADUATE SPRING 2017*

10 Table 11

Country # F-1 Graduate Per Country UG G Brazil 1 1

Cape Verde 1 1

India 2 2 Jamaica 2 1 1

The Philippines 1 1 Rwanda 1 1

Saudi Arabia 10 2 8

South Korea 1 1 Total 19 5 14

0

5

10

15

20

2016 Graduates (14) 2017 Prospective Graduates (19)

Spring 2016 and Spring 2017 Graduating Seniors

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Students Awarded Academic Achievement Certificates for fall 2015, spring 2016

and fall 2016 Table 12

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Fall 2015 (44) Spring 2016 (109) Fall 2016 (68)

Awards for Academic Achievement

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Global Thinkers: Academic Award Recognitions

Fall 2015

Undergraduates:

Academic Achievement: 14 (3.0-3.24)

Honor Roll: 9 (3.24-3.49)

Dean’s List: 11 (3.5-4.0)

Graduates:

Honor Roll: 3 (3.24-3.49)

Dean’s List: 7 (3.5-4.0)

TOTAL: 44

Spring 2016

Undergraduates:


Honor Roll: 28 (3.24-3.49)

Dean’s List: 33 (3.5-4.0)

Graduates:

Dean’s List: 24 (3.5-4.0) (Honor Roll was removed as a category)

TOTAL: 109

Fall 2016

Undergraduates:


Honor Roll: 3 (3.24-3.49)

Dean’s List: 23 (3.5-4.0)

Graduates:

Dean’s List: 28 (3.5-4.0)

TOTAL: 68

Co-curricular Activity Assessment

The Office of the International Student Program is committed to an integrative approach to

student learning and to assessing and strengthening co-curricular programs on a regular basis.

The office recognizes and values students making meaningful connections across their many

educational experiences, both curricular and co-curricular.

The purpose of the student evaluation survey is to gather feedback from undergraduate and

graduate international students at the events organized by WAU for Global Thinkers. This survey

provides the university with information regarding the effectiveness of our service/projects to

enable us to plan for improvement and support WAU Mission. Below are evaluations and student

responses for two Global Thinkers events.

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Global Thinker Inauguration September 9, 2016: Student Responses

(17 students responded to the survey)

Table 13

1. Was the program organized well?

1 No 4.77%

2 A little 0

3 Neither Yes or No (okay) 4.77%

4 Somewhat 19.04%

5 Yes 71.42%

2. Do you these International Events?

1 No 4.76%

2 A little 0


4 Somewhat 14.28%

5 Yes 76.20%

3. Was the program valuable to you?

1 No 0

2 A little 4.76%


4 Somewhat 14.28%

5 Yes 76.20%

4. The program motivated me to do well academically?

1 No 0

2 A little 0


4 Somewhat 10.52%

5 Yes 84.22%

Comments:

It was good and enjoyable

Announce the event widely so more students can come

Have frequent meetings for international students

Serve international food

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Global Thinker Academic Achievement Award Ceremony October 31, 2016

(21 students responded to the survey)

1. Was the program organized well?

1 No 0

2 A little 0

3 Neither Yes or No (okay) 0

4 Somewhat 23.53%

5 Yes 76.47%

2. Do you these International Events?

1 No 0

2 A little 0


4 Somewhat 5.89%

5 Yes 94.11%

3. Was the program valuable to you?

1 No 0

2 A little 0


4 Somewhat 5.88%

5 Yes 88.24%

4. The program motivated me to do well academically?

1 No 0

2 A little 0


4 Somewhat 11.76%

5 Yes 88.24%

Comments:

It was good

Everything was very good

Nothing

Good job, keep it up!

The event was great. It was successful

Advertise the event more

Invite family and friends for the events

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Students at Academic Risk in Fall 2016 & Available Resources

Table 14

Warning 10 Issued letter with stipulations

Probation 4 Issued letter

Suspension (appealed) 3 Re-admitted with letter

Suspension & Withdrawal 1 Academic Integrity issue—transferred out

Students at risk are consistently monitored and are advised, counselled, and referred to the

resources available to them. We have a support system for tracking student’s academic

performance and provide timely intervention. Following some of them:

●Departmental Tutoring (on site)

●Smarthinking and grammarly (online resources)

●Tutoring nights (on campus 3 times a semester/needed)

●Faculty Office Hours for one-one assistance

●Academic Alert (third and sixth-week campaign and this is on-going throughout the semester)

●International Student Office staff and BHCSS staff follow-up with Academic Alerts –

advise/refer students to resources

●Disability and Learning Accommodation Services

Number of students who withdrew from WAU in Spring 2017: 17 students

Reasons: (Comments by All students who withdrew, not just one group of students).

●Program of study unavailable at WAU

●Business degrees are not recognized by SACM

●Scholarship running out

●English course sequence (non-credit courses/transfer credits)

●Computer course difficulties

●Poor customer service in some departments- they take a long time to respond to requests

●Math course difficulties (non-credit/instructor issues)

●Instructors not friendly (treat international and local students differently)

●travel distance to WAU

●High cost of living in MD

●Moved to be with family and friends

●Suspension from WAU

●Many students expressed how much they liked WAU and really did not want to transfer out.

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Goals and Objectives for 2017-2018 (As requested by the Deans Council)

1. Physical Space and Equipment

Relocation

1. Presently, the Office of the International Program is housed in The Betty

Howard Center for Student Success.

The present location in the BHCSS is too crowded—students and staff need

private space for assisting students

2. Need a large space for staff offices, and rooms for: student engagement,

storage space, meeting/conference, advising/counseling, dept. library, tutoring

space, testing , pantry, etc.

3. DSO’s office which houses all legal documents, such as students’ SEVIS

records, certificates, and other official/legal documents needs a fire/water

proof cabinets with safety locks for confidential maintenance. (Presently we

are using large plastic containers with lids for these documents, and two old

steel cabinets loaned by the admissions’ office)

4. Scanner: The office is constantly needing to send scanned documents to

SEVIS/USCIS and to our other stakeholders.

5. Printer and Fax machine

6. The Office of the Director, has limited number of wooden drawers which are

insufficient to file student’s documents—petitions forms, registration records,

transcriptions, correspondences from outside entities, letters, etc.,

2. Programs and Resources

1. Budget: (to be discussed)

2. Proposal to Introduce an ESL Program:

3. Appointment: ESL Director (full time)

●Set up a Search Committee

●Administrative Structure (lines of reporting)

●Admission requirements & placement criteria (to be in the bulletin)

●Teaching faculty- 2 full time

●Job posting on WAU website

●Curriculum

●Facilities—building, labs, etc.

●Student services: tutoring, lab assistance, housing and health insurance

●Accreditation approval

●SEVIS registration

●Space: classrooms, labs, faculty offices, other resources (books & teaching &

learning materials)

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3. Training for staff and students

1. Provide campus-wide training for faculty/staff on the unique needs of our

international students and develop skills for serving diverse population via

formal and informal training.

2. Professional services for staff/faculty/ students in the areas of cultural

adjustment, classroom adjustment, study skills, immigration policies and other

government regulations, obtaining health insurance, housing

3. policies and procedures for dealing with sensitive institutional information

4. Policies and procedures related to technology used to store or access student

records and institutional data

5. Budget: staff to attend conferences/seminars to be well-versed and remain

current on immigration laws and regulations that impact students.

Dr. Beulah Manuel Date: 3/23/2017

Director, International Student Program

Washington Adventist University

7600 Flower Avenue

Takoma Park, MD 20192

Phone: (301)891-4184

Fax: (301)891-4548

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