Several OIA staff members play active roles at NAFSA
Association of International Educators Region III conference in Fort Worth
Organization background: NAFSA, the world's largest nonprofit association dedicated to international education and exchange, has 10,000 members located at more than 3,500 institutions worldwide, in over 150 countries. NAFSA advances public policies that promote international education and is committed to supporting a broad public dialogue about the value and importance of international education. Through professional development programs, publications, and networks of professionals, NAFSA provides opportunities for knowledge creation, knowledge sharing, and skill-building. NAFSA also plays a leadership role in increasing awareness of and support for the internationalization of higher education among education leaders, public policy makers, and the broader community.
Dawn Cepica, International Faculty Counselor, was the Lead Trainer for the 8-hour workshop entitled Basics of Filing Academic H-1B Petitions at NAFSA Region III. Participants learned the basics about the H-1B filing process and how to identify who qualifies for the program, determine prevailing and actual wage, prepare the Labor Conditions Application, build inspection files, and file for dependents. It is designed for U.S. advisers who are new to the H-1B program. This is the fifth time Dawn has taught this workshop for NAFSA.
Michael Johnson, International Agreement Administrator, chaired two sessions at the most recent NAFSA Region III conference held in Fort Worth. The first session was an updated "back by popular demand" repeat from last year titled "Technology Solutions for the International Education Office." Michael and Mark Powell, the chair elect of NAFSA Region III, demonstrated several apps and software including Google drive, CamCard, and WorldLens. The second panel that Michael chaired was titled "Going Beyond Word of Mouth: Recruiting Strategies for Community Colleges in Working with Four Year Institutions." This session centered on creating strong partnerships between community colleges and 4 year universities for international students. Michael was one of five panelists--three from community colleges and two from universities--and spoke about general recruiting strategies as well as articulation transfer agreements. Both sessions were well attended and well received. Additionally, Michael volunteered his time to participate in a new service offered by NAFSA Region III. Volunteers offered resume review for both appointments and walk-ins.
Brian Ridge, International Student Counselor, co-chaired a session on helping international students with disabilities (ISD) succeed. The session focused on a school's legal obligations when hosting ISD, the cultural dimensions of disabilities, and providing support to ISDs in ESL programs. Brian's co-presenters were Jeff Simpson, Study Abroad Director at Oklahoma State University, and Monica Malhotra, intensive ESL program advisor at UT – Austin. Like Michael, Brian also volunteered his time to participate in resume reviews.
Bob and Sandy Crosier, the OIA's former ISSS Director and Study Abroad Director (respectively), were given Lifetime Achievement Awards for their many years of service within the NAFSA organization.
International Affairs
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