- International Educators of Illinois

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
GREETINGS FROM IEI LEADERSHIP TEAM
MEET THE IEI LEADERSHIP TEAM
IEI AVAILABLE POSITIONS
ADVERTISERS, SPONSORS, EXHIBITORS
CONFERENCE DETAILS
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18
THURSDAY, MARCH 19
CONFERENCE MAP
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4
5
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7
8-9
10-19
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CONFERENCE SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18
REGISTRATION, EXHIBITOR SET UP &
REFRESHMENTS
MORNING WORKSHOPS
FULL DAY WORKSHOPS
NETWORKING LUNCH (lunch boxes provided)
AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS
COFFEE BREAKS
SOCIAL DINNER
7:15 a.m.—8:00 a.m.
8:00 a.m.— 12:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m.—1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
THURSDAY, MARCH 19
REGISTRATION, EXHIBITOR SET UP &
REFRESHMENTS
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
COFFEE BREAK
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
NETWORKING LUNCH
COLLEGIAL CONVERSATION
IEI INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
COFFEE BREAK
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
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RECEPTION
7:15 a.m.—8:00 a.m.
8:00 a.m.—9:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m.—10 a.m.
10:00 a.m.—11:30 a.m.
11:30 a.m.— 1:00 p.m.
12:15 p.m.—1:00 p.m.
12:15 p.m.—1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m.—2:30 p.m.
2:30 p.m.— 3:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m.— 4:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m.— 6:30 p.m.
GREETINGS FROM IEI LEADERSHIP TEAM
Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of International Educators of Illinois, I am delighted to welcome you to our 2015
conference.
The past year has been very exciting for IEI with many changes and improvements to our professional offerings. At the conference this year, we are offering 4 workshops and 26 90-minute
sessions as well as several networking opportunities. IEI is increasing opportunities for students and new professionals to become involved, we have offered a new student rate this
year which has resulted in higher student participation and we are launching a mentorship
program to assist new professionals who are entering the field. We hope that you find the
conference to be a meaningful professional investment of your time and energy as well as a
valuable opportunity to network with other professionals in the field.
This conference could not be successful without the help and support of several individuals.
We would like to thank Governors State University and Nicole Harrison for their generous
support in providing the conference space and coordination of the conference logistics. We
would also like to thank our exhibitors for participating and contributing to the value of the
conference. Thank you to all of our workshop and session presenters who have volunteered
their time and expertise to support the growth of knowledge and collaboration within the
field of international education. I would finally like to thank the IEI conference coordinators,
Shanna Delfs and Katherine Haan, the IEI leadership team, and volunteers who have dedicated their time and energy into making this event successful.
We are continuing our commitment to recycle conference materials and ask that you return
your nametag to the registration table at the end of the conference to be entered in a drawing for a free registration to our 2016 conference.
Thank you again for participating in the IEI annual conference, we hope this is a meaningful
professional development opportunity for you.
Warm Regards,
Ehren Kuzekov
IEI Chair
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http://ieillinois.org
MEET THE IEI LEADERSHIP TEAM
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Ehren Kuzekov
Chair
Western Illinois University
Em-kuzekov@wiu.edu
Stephanie Brown
Chair Elect
Northern Illinois University
sbrown11@niu.edu
Love Anderson
Past Chair
University of Chicago
loveanderson@uchicago.edu
Melissa Hickok
Treasurer
Greenheart International
mdhickok@gmail.com
Lauren Mock
Secretary
Northern Illinois University
lmock1@niu.edu
Amy Benck
International Student Rep
Illinois Institute of Technology
abenck@iit.edu
Debbie Kaltman
International Scholar Rep
Northwestern University
d-kaltman@northwestern.edu
Catrina DeBord
Education Abroad Rep
Northwestern University
catrina.debord@northwestern.edu
David Rivera
Member Relations Rep
Rush University
a_david_rivera@rush.edu
Afroza Faruque
IT Rep
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
afaruque@illinois.edu
Samantha Potempa
Communications Coordinator
Illinois State University
shpotem@ilstu.edu
Shanna Delfs
Conference Coordinator I
CISabroad
sdelfs@cisabroad.com
Katherine Haan
Conference Coordinator II
Governors State University
khaan@govst.edu
Lily Huang
Internship and Mentorship Coordinator
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
qiao.lily.huang@gmail.com
COMMUNITY COLLEGE REP POSITION DESCRIPTION
IEI is looking to fill the following position:
Position Name: Community College Rep.
Appointment:
The Chair, Chair Elect, and Past Chair will review applications and make nomination recommendations to the IEI
leadership team. The leadership team will discuss the
nominees and vote to determine the elected individual.
If the individual is unable to perform the required duties,
the leadership team may ask a member to step down
from his/her position. For example, if the individual cannot regularly and consistently attend calls, fails to complete assigned projects and/or cannot meet assignment
deadlines, etc., the team will discuss the situation, and
vote to ask the member to step down.
Term start date: TBD
Term end date: TBD
Maximum Term Length: 2 years*
Qualifications:
IEI membership
Live or work in the state of Illinois
Experience in the field of international education
Demonstrated commitment to international education
and exchange programs
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Demonstrated commitment to the concept of
professional development through participation in
conferences and workshops
Ability to foster communication with the team and within
the state
Demonstrated ability to complete projects thoroughly
and timely
Demonstrated ability to be a team player
Demonstrated experience in community college issues
Meetings:
Weekly or bi-weekly conference calls (typically held on
Thursdays) with the IEI Leadership Team
Annual IEI Conference
State meeting at the Regional conference (when possible)
Overall Responsibilities:
Attend and participate in IEI meetings and conferences
Assist the team in planning for events
Be willing to work with other community college professionals to plan program sessions for the IEI annual conference and other activities for membership in the state
http://ieillinois.org
EXHIBITORS
THE IEI Leadership team would like to thank our exhibitors for helping to make this year’s
conference more affordable for its attendees.
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CONFERENCE DETAILS
REGISTRATION
The registration table will open at 7:15 am for both
conference days. The registration table is located
inside of Building D in the Hall of Governors.
PARKING
Parking is available in 4 different lots adjacent to
Building D at no cost. Please reference the Campus
Map on page 20.
BREAKS
EVALUATIONS
Please complete an evaluation after each workshop
or session you attend. Conference volunteers will
collect evaluations and bring them to the Conference
Coordinators. Session chairs will be contacted after
the conference. Conference Evals can now be completed on your mobile device! Use the following links
to evaluate all your sessions.
Overall Conference Evaluation: http://tiny.cc/j62dvx
Individual Session Evaluation: tiny.cc/IEIeval
INTERNET
Wifi is available for all conference attendees. When
There will be coffee, tea and light refreshments,
you connect, agree to the Terms of Service and you
served in the morning and afternoon on both days of
will be connected to the Wifi
the conference. Please take this time to network, visit
IEI IS GOING GREEN!
exhibitor booths or meet with colleagues.
CONFERENCE UPDATES
Session and room changes, as well as other general
announcements, will be posted at the Registration
Table and our Facebook page, Twitter account and
our web-site.
EXHIBITORS
Exhibits will be open 8:00– 4:30 pm on both days of
the conference in the Hall of Governors.
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Return your nametag at the end of the conference for
a chance to enter a raffle to win a free registration to
next year’s IEI conference!
SOCIAL GATHERING and RECEPTION
Please join us on March 18th at your own cost at Bar
Louie which is attached to the conference hotel/ part
of The Holiday Inn. After the conference is over on
Thursday, please joins us at the University Golf Club
and Conference Center, near the Governors State
University Campus. IEI will provide each participant
with 1 drink ticket to redeem as well
as free appetizers at the reception.
The University Golf Club is within a 10
minute drive of the conference location. The Reception will be held from
4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
http://ieillinois.org
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Wednesday, March 18th
COFFEE BREAKS at 10:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m.
Advanced F-1 Advising (ISS)
Hall of Governors
E1540
8:00 am—5:00 p.m.
This advanced workshop is designed for DSOs/PDSOs with one or more years in the field of F-1 student advising. We will cover more complex topics such as Employment & Practical Training, Change of Status, Transfer,
Termination, Special Academic Programs, and Interaction with Federal Agencies. The format will include
multiple advanced case studies and time for participant questions.
Jennifer Pope, Director of Student Affairs, Adler University; Clare Lake, Senior Coordinator for Office of International Affairs, Kendall College; Kathy Smid, Coordinator of International Student Services, College of
DuPage
J-1 Basics (ISS)
D1497
8:00 am—5:00 p.m.
The purpose of this session is to provide basic information regarding the J-1 visa, which is offered through
the U.S. Department of State's Exchange Visitor Program. Session participants will learn about the purpose
of the program, rules and regulations regarding the visa, who can apply for the visa, basics for both students
and scholars, basic SEVIS navigation, how to identify whether their students qualify for the visa, as well as
how to assist their students and scholars throughout their program.
Marc Davidson, Assistant Director of Study Abroad and Exchange Programs, Benedictine University; Debbie
Kaltman, Advisor, Northwestern University
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CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Wednesday, March 18th
COFFEE BREAKS at 10:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m.
Hall of Governors
F-1 Student Advising for Beginners (ISS)
D1496
8:00 am—5:00 p.m.
Beginner level workshop, designed for new Designated School Officials (DSOs) to build their understanding of
the F-1 visa regulations and student advising. Participants will discuss a range of topics including : issuing I20s, maintaining status, employment, program extensions and other common requests made of new DSOs.
Stephanie Brown, Associate Director - International Student & Faculty Office, Northern IL University; Amy
Benck, Director of International Center, Illinois Institute of Technology
Cultural Agility: Balancing Act of Operating Across Cultures (EA,ISS,IEM)
E1552
1:00 pm—5:00 p.m.
According to Financial Times, "Cultural agility is the ability to understand multiple local contexts and work
within them to obtain consistent business results. For today’s global organizations, cultural agility is the new
competitive edge". Does that apply to your university? How do you support your students – either foreign
students coming to the U.S. or American students going abroad – in developing and sustaining their intercultural competency? Studies show that an extent of student’s intercultural competency development correlates directly to intercultural competency of those guiding him or her through the intercultural experience.
This highly interactive workshop will concentrate on skills and practices that participants can incorporate to
increase and sustain their own cultural agility. After all, your success as an intercultural educator starts with
you even though your results are often measured by success of those you serve. Be prepared to explore new
tools, models, and assessments and have fun in the process.
Tatyana Fertelmeyster, Founding and Principal, Connecting Differences
Learning Lunch: SEVP Update
Engbretson Hall
12:30 p.m.—1:00 p.m.
Kelly Pilleux-Patronia, Field Rep, Student and Exchange Visitor Programs
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http://ieillinois.org
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Thursday, March 19th
8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Health Insurance, post ACA, for International Students/ Scholars (ISS)
D1497
International Students do not have access to the government Health Exchange. Besides the school recommended plan, what else is available and what to look for? How do insurance companies help students comply with requirements, and how can international student advisors work in concert with these companies
with acceptable health plans. We will explore common misconceptions. A discussion will follow with advisors
describing their experiences with the insurance compliance systems currently in use at their institutions. As a
former ESL Program & School Director, I also can share some unique experience in managing international
students in need of healthcare. This complements my 5 years as an Executive with PSI International Student
Health Insurance.
Chris Wacker, Regional Accounts Director, PSA International Students/ Scholar Health Insurance
Getting Faculty on Board with Short-Term Programs (EA)
D1496
This session will explore how to gain support and encourage faculty to lead short-term programs, how to
help them gain support from key stakeholders, as well as provide an overview on how to hold preparatory
conversations with faculty on issues that impact the success of a program. We will also share strategies and
tips for outreaching to faculty and relationship building.
Samantha Potempa, Assistant Director of Study Abroad, Illinois State University; Stacy Billman, Assistant
Director for Faculty - Led Programs, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Developing Your Advising Philosophy (EA)
Engbretson Hall
What is advising and why are you an advisor? Theory meets practice in this session designed to help
attendees begin to articulate the underlying bases for their everyday interactions with students and colleagues. Presenters will provide an overview of selected advising theories and approaches. Guided reflection exercises will leave participants with a draft of a personal philosophy statement.
Nicole Zeimis, Manager, Advising Center, IES Abroad; Melissa Comiskey, College Relations Manager,
Internship Programming, IES Abroad
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CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Thursday, March 19th
8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Fraud Forensics 101: Basics in Reviewing Documents and Credentials (IEM)
E1540
This presentation answers the question, 'What can be reviewed, compared, verified and analyzed in a document that can deter and spot fraud?' The presentation will discuss the basics in documentation, translation
and will briefly touch on common education systems around the world. Attendees will learn that a small detail can have a big impact on the acceptability of a credential.
Bernard Ramos, Director of Evaluations, Educational Perspectives
Global Ambassadors, Global Campus:
Making the Most of You International Alumni (EA/ISS)
E1552
This session will focus on the creation, implementation and development of alumni groups for international
students specifically and how to engage and retain international students in alumni efforts.
Melissa Hickok, Services Director, Greenheart International; Lauren Caffaro, Program Manager, Greenheart
International
Interactive e-learning: Innovations in Teacher Training (Learning)
E1551
Differing approaches and lack of clarity in explaining basic grammar principles among the faculty of an ESL
institution can contribute to confusion as students move through various levels of a program. This case study
of using e-learning to foster peer learning among faculty and promotes a more efficient learning process for
students. Using video of teacher led instruction in e-learning provides opportunity to call upon the individual
strengths of the faculty members to develop the quality of teaching for the institution. It also provides easy
access and dissemination of the trainings to all instructors as well as be archived and accessible for student
reference. The focus is utilizing faculty strengths by videotaping teachers to share center-wide with other
faculty and potentially students to promote and foster a collaborative learning environment of a variety of
top teaching methodologies and instructional clarity for overall consistency of information and delivery of all
teachers.
Osa Relacion, Academic Director, ELS Language Center River Forest; David Miller, Academic Director ELS Language Center Cincinnati
COFFEE BREAK 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Hall
of Governors
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http://ieillinois.org
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Thursday, March 19th
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Education in Syria And Iraq (EA)
E1552
Many countries in the Middle East and North Africa are undergoing tumultuous political change. Do you ever
wonder how students are affected by this change? Have you noticed an influx in Syrian and Iraqi students
enrolling in U.S. institutions? This session will introduce common educational credentials from Iraq and Syria
at the secondary and post-secondary level, including examples of documentation and tips for determining
whether or not a document is authentic. We will also discuss how the current political situation is affecting
education in the region.
Karrie Miner, Evaluator, Educational Perspectives
Understanding Helicopter Parents (EA)
Engbretson Hall
We’ve all heard of “helicopter parents,” “smother mothers,” and “snow plow parents” – and we’ve probably
had to deal with some of these overly involved parents ourselves as we work with college students. Criticisms of helicopter parenting abound – but where did this parenting style come from? Why are so many parents hovering over their kids and interceding on their behalf, well into the college years and even beyond?
This session seeks to shed light on the cultural expectations and pressures that help explain the increase in
helicopter parenting, as well as offer tips and strategies for interacting with these hovering parents.
Sarah McGuinn, Program Assistant Study Abroad Office, Northwestern University
Work Visa Options and Pathways to Permanent Residency (ISS)
D1497
This seminar provides information on non-immigrant work visa options and pathways to permanent residency your international students and foreign faculty should be aware of. Topics include:
•
H-1B visas
•
Cap-gap issues
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J-1 and O-1 visas as alternatives to H-1B visa
•
Employment-based immigration visa options including EB-1B, NIW, PERM, and Special Handling
Tao Zhang, Partner Attorney at Law, FYZ Law Group LLP
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CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Thursday, March 19th
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Language, Policy and Planning (IEM/TLS)
E1540
Many universities in the United States require students to demonstrate a certain level of English language
proficiency in order to be admitted into the university as an undergraduate or graduate student. Decisions
about language policies, requirements, and practices have consequences in all social contexts. Concurrently,
language diversity can facilitate global appreciation and enhanced awareness of cultures, beliefs, and linguistics among all stakeholders. Motivations for language policies are varied and poorly informed policies can
result in negative impacts on those affected by them. This group discussion hopes to share English language
policies within different US institutions of higher education, discuss how these policies were created, how
they are implemented and disseminated to applicants, and consider how offices of international services can
assist in collaborating with stakeholders to promote informed and thoughtful language policies while providing continued support of language diversity.
Nell Rose Hill, M.Ed. University Lecturer Intensive ESL Program Coordinator Division of Extended Learning,
Governors State University; Chris Greiner, Faculty, Governors State University
Best Practices: Advising Students and Scholars Seeking H-1B Status (ISS)
E1551
This session is designed for individuals currently advising international students, scholars, and employees.
Presenters will provide guidance on how to navigate government regulations pertinent to H-1B petitions
where a change of status is needed. Participants will review case studies and examine best practices to prepare their international population for H-1B status. Discussion will include the impact of 212(e), using or losing STEM extensions, and timing the filing of an H-1B petition.
Kory Sopko, International Scholar and Employee Adviser, The University of Chicago; Ariana Drule, International Scholar Advisor, Northwestern University; Chanettia Nelson, International Scholar and Employee Adviser, The University of Chicago
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http://ieillinois.org
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Thursday, March 19th
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Ethics of Advising International Students and Scholars (ISS)
D1496
Demands on international student and scholar advisers come from many sources, including immigration and
law enforcement agencies, administrators within institutions, and the students and scholars themselves.
Whether it is a request for information, the need to create a policy, or the question of how to best serve our
international populations, ethical questions abound. Between assuring compliance and having a strong tolerance for ambiguity, while also wanting to do the best we can for our international populations (three very
typical and important characteristics of international student and scholar advisers), we may face competing
ethical demands. This session will use NAFSA's Statement of Ethics and a number of scenarios to test our understanding of law, policy, and ethical decision-making. There will be time for groups to develop and test
their own scenarios and for questions & answers.
Tamara Feldman, Director, Office of International Affairs, The University of Chicago
NETWORKING LUNCH 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Hall of Governors
COLLEGIAL CONVERSATION(EA/ISS) 12:15 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Cafeteria Annex
Join us for an opportunity to meet with study abroad and international students and scholar personnel from
other public universities in Illinois. We invite you to a lunch time networking conversation to share what is
happening in each of our offices. Whether in large or small offices, we can all benefit from a time to ask questions, network, discuss creative solutions, and identify ways to collaborate to best use state resources and
collective strength to benefit all of our institutions.
Samantha Potempa, Assistant Director of Study Abroad, Illinois State University; Thandi Dinani, Coordinator
of International Projects, University Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Student Abroad Office
IEI INTERNSHIP PROGRAM 12:15 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Engbretson Hall
Interested in international education and want some hands-on experience? Learn about IEI's one-of-a-kind
virtual internship program! This session will discuss the internship application process, program requirements,
and opportunities for professional development. Former intern Lily Huang will also discuss her internship projects and what she gained from this fabulous experience. If you are a graduate student with a concentration
in international education, a professional looking to transition into the field, or just interested in working with
IEI, we want YOU to be an IEI intern!
Lily Huang, International Advising Specialist, University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign
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http://ieillinois.org
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CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Thursday, March 19th
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Beyond Identity Allies: Exploring International Education (EA/Leadership)
D1497
Common advice for advancing education abroad on our campuses includes identifying allies who are sympathetic toward study abroad. In this session, we will push this conversation forward by identifying and discussing ways to empower education abroad staff to lead campus discussions on study abroad and earn the trust of colleagues. Through an
interactive, group discussion format, the presenters will lead attendees through practical development of strategic
communication plans that will help you accomplish some of the goals we have for our offices and campuses. We look
forward to learning from and supporting each other to be the best education abroad professionals we can be on our
campuses.
Thandi Dinani, Coordinator of International Projects for Non-UIUC Students and Programs in Oceania,
University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign; Joy Phaphouvaninh, Visiting Assistant Director for Curriculum Integrations,
University of Illinois at Urbana—Champaign
PTS(A)D: Post Traumatic Study Abroad Disorder (EA)
Engbretson Hall
While study abroad coordinators spend a lot of time in pre-departure orientations talking about avoiding and preparing for traumatic experiences that might occur while studying abroad (such as sexual assault, robbery, or political unrest), little focus has been given to the study abroad experience itself as traumatic. We assert that as more students
study in post-colonial locations and/or come to terms with anti-American sentiment abroad, they are likely to experience symptoms akin to post traumatic stress disorder. This presentation will focus on the symptoms of trauma and
PTSD, the stages of recovery suggested by traumatic stress psychology, and responses international educators can use
to help students cope with and re-integrate their experiences.
Sumie Song, Ph.D, Director, International Office, North Park University; Jennifer Pope, Ph.D. Adler School of Psychology
Promoting U.S. Education Overseas (IEM)
E1552
Most U.S. educational institutions are not fully aware of the depth and breadth of federal and state government programs as well as Study-State consortia that can help them market their institutions internationally. This session will
seek to increase that awareness. A panelist from the U.S. Department of Commerce Commercial Service will describe
her agency’s programs as well as those of the U.S. Department of State’s EducationUSA and how the two agencies are
pooling resources and working together to better serve U.S. schools in the international arena. Study State Consortia
such as Study Illinois and Study Wisconsin, as well as state government agencies, are further oft-overlooked resources
that will be addressed. One or two educational institutions, including a Study Illinois member, will present on their experiences in using these services.
Debra Rogers, Senior International Trade Specialist, U.S. Department of Commerce Commercial Service; Mr. Zhiagang
Ren, Senior International Trade Specialist, Office of Trade and Investment, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity & Claudia Maloney, Designated School Official, Assistant Director of International Admission & Recruitment at Lewis University, Chair of Study Illinois
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CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Thursday, March 19th
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Approaches to Problem Solving and Conflict Resolution
at your Workplace (ILS)
E1551
Have you ever had an upset student, parent, or faculty member come to your office tearful or screaming and looking to
you to resolve his or her problem? How do you calm them down? How do you re-shape their perception to see that
you an advocate to assist them in finding solutions to their problem? If you would like some answers to these questions and some “How To’s” for your professional tool-kit, then this professional development session is for you! This
workshop will address these experiences and present frameworks for problem solving and conflict resolution. Together, we will explore tips, best practices, approaches and methods for working with and calming agitated individuals. Be
prepared to practice what you learn in role-play scenarios with fellow session attendees, as this will be an interactive
workshop.
Cara Miller Bryant, Study Abroad Adviser, DePaul University
H1– B Tips and Tricks (ISS)
E1540
Sometimes seemingly straightforward situations call for extraordinary strategies. This panel will focus on the outer limits of H-1B practice, including portability, AC21 extensions beyond the six year limit, concurrent H-1B employment,
multiple work locations and other sometimes tricky territory.
Theresa Corcoran, Attorney, Kempster Corcoran Quiceno Lenz-Calvo ; Nell Parker, Attorney, Kempster Corcoran Quiceno
Lenz-Calvo
Are They Effective? - Reviewing and Revamping Events for
International Students (ISS)
D1496
In recent years, international graduate students have begun to account for an increasingly greater proportion of student bodies at universities. In terms of the unique issues these students face, they differ vastly from their undergraduate counterparts. Despite this difference, little research has focused solely on the international graduate population. In
order to address this gap, we conducted a year-long study on the international graduate population at Northwestern
University. Using data collected from surveys, focus groups, one-on-one interviews, and observations, we explored several longstanding paradoxical challenges towards the international graduate population and investigated the underlying causes of these challenges. In re-examining existing practices, we maintain that traditional events held for international students should be modified in order to adequately meet the needs of the international graduate population.
Finally, we propose various practices that could assist institutions of higher education in better assessing and improving
services for their international graduate student bodies.
Lucas Chen, Graduate Assistant at the Norris University Center, Northwestern University
COFFEE BREAK 2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
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Hall of Governors
http://ieillinois.org
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Thursday, March 19th
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Bridging the Gap: Brazil and Russia (EA)
D1497
Nontraditional countries from Brazil to Russia, and the hundreds in between, represent more and more of the international student population at U.S. higher institutions, 76.1% according to Open Doors ('13/'14). However, the top 25 of
these 'nontraditional countries' also welcomed more American students then ever, as these emerging destinations are
challenging students to think critically about wider cultural differences and dynamic U.S. strategic interests.
This round table presentation hopes to further this dialogue by focusing on two countries/regions within this nontraditional category: Brazil/South America and Russia/Slavic Eastern Europe. The 90 minute session will dive into resources
educators can utilize to overcome factors that perpetuate the uneven exchange between these countries and the U.S.
Including utilizing foreign institutions and organizations to create popular, culturally-immersive, English-friendly, multicountry programs. Through sharing examples and challenging fellow international educators the conversation will
touch on how these relationships can both increase an institution's abroad offerings to their students and increase this
knowledge exchange on their campus.
Larisa Brener, Board Member, Government Programs/Projects at the Russian Federation Chair for the Sister City
Partnerships between City of San Jose, CA and Yekaterinburg, Russia; Steven Carlson, Manager of U.S. Partnerships,
Campus Brasil
Curb your Dogma: Appropriate Student Advising for
Students with Convictions (EA)
D1496
Whether it is one’s world view, religion, patriotism, or ethic, every person’s conduct springs from deeply held internal
convictions. It behooves international education advisers to discuss these with students, yet there is often a feeling
that it is inappropriate to discuss the private and personal. What can we talk about, and how do we do it?
Bill Hartley, Director of Academic Relations, Athena Study Abroad, Professor of Church History, Phoenix Seminary
Partnerships Done Right— A Case Study: ELS & Lewis University (ELS)
E5140
Where there was a basic partnership between Lewis and ELS for years, in 2014 we worked towards a deepening of the
relationship on many levels. Lewis has become a Host institution for an ELS Pathway center. This entails offering space
on the campus for the operation of an Intensive English language program. This benefits both organizations by increasing the ability to draw international students to the campus. The steps towards a successful relationship will be explained in the presentation. The presenters will show how the university increased communication both internally and
with their partner to ensure a smooth opening of the pathway center. This process is replicable in any situation when
there is an external partner working with a University. The presenters will help participant identify those campus stakeholders that need to be involved and what stage in the process of any relationship building not just specific to an IEP.
Claudia Maloney, Assistant Director of International Admission and Recruitment, Lewis University; Teri Laliberte District
Director for ELS Educational Services.
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CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Thursday, March 19th
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Scratch Cards and Pin Numbers: Evaluating Credentials
from West Africa (IEM)
E1552
West Africa presents both great opportunities for new international students and many pitfalls in evaluating
academic credentials. This session will present an overview of the educational systems of two West African
countries, Nigeria and Ghana. Furthermore, this session will provide tips in identifying suspicious and false
documentation from these countries. An overview of the verification process of Nigerian and Ghanaian secondary education documents is also provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring any questions, documents
or current quandaries they may have!
Marshall Houserman, Senior Evaluator, Educational Perspectives, nfp
What the What? Figuring out the New J Subpart A (ISS)
Engbretson Hall
On January 5 the new J Subpart A Rules took effect, including expanded English language proficiency requirements. Many of us are still grappling to understand and implement these new regulations. Join your colleagues during this roundtable discussion to talk about this hot topic and to learn how other institutions are
coping. This session is intended to provide the opportunity to share ideas and best practices in an open discussion format. Copies of the new regulations and NAFSA resources will be available for reference and to assist you in your table conversations.
Kara Johnson, Assistant Director, Illinois Institute of Technology; Tami Renner, Assistant Director, Loyola University Chicago
IEI Mentorship Program (IEI)
E1551
Are you a seasoned professional looking to give back to the international education community? Are you a
new professional looking for a mentor with experience in the field? IEI wants to connect you! Learn about
IEI's brand new Mentorship program and ways to get involved. In addition to general information about the
program, this session will also host a discussion about ideas and opportunities.
Lily Huang, International Advising Specialist, University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign
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http://ieillinois.org
DIRECTIONS TO RECEPTION
Start out going west on University Pkwy
toward Burr Oak ln
University Pkwy becomes Crawford Ave.
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