“Crossroads Under Construction” - A Collaborative Approach Toward Designing an International Student Orientation Program - Presented by Philip Coleman-Hull, Emporia State University Michael Ediger, The University of Kansas 2008 NAFSA Region II Conference Park City, Utah

Our Approach This session will examine dual perspectives for implementing a week-long orientation program for new international students. A mid-sized university, Emporia State University, and a large-sized institution, The University of Kansas, both share in taking a collaborative approach that incorporates campus and community resources to welcome and transition incoming students to their new environment.

Our Direction The presenters will reveal a comprehensive overview of their agendas demonstrating how the various players—using both traditional programming and web-based technology—integrate efforts to address everything from taking care of essential physical needs to navigating campus check-in, screening and enrollment protocols, as well as connecting with international and domestic peers.

Before we go any further Just a little bit about… Us – Philip and Michael Our universities Emporia State University The University of Kansas Our orientation programs “Swarm” “You at KU”

Primary Objectives of Orientation… Ensuring Essentials Navigating Necessities Cultivating Connections

Ensuring Essentials Meeting basic needs first… Housing – immediate and long-term Food – provided for or provided by student Transportation – to campus and beyond Communication – phone and Finances – transferring funds/banking

Navigating Necessities Completing required institutional and governmental processes and procedures… Check-in processes and SEVIS compliance Language assessment Health screening Advising and enrollment Financial obligations

Cultivating Connections Moving to a higher level… Cultural adjustment Peer interaction – domestic / international Campus and community resources and services Activities/programming Opportunities for involvement Identity and inclusion

Challenges, Obstacles and Pulling it all together… Predicting levels of participation for budgeting of facilities, materials, and resources Deciding what to include/what not to include Transitioning between academic terms Encroachment Availability of presenters (faculty, administrators) when campus is officially closed Reserving and accessing facilities during an official down time Funding Housing Staffing – both paid and unpaid (volunteers) /Training Allocation of time Minimizing waiting in lines Transportation Compliance with campus policies (sponsor solicitation, food, contract limitations, etc.)

We CAN’T do it ALONE! Key Collaborators… Dining Service Student Housing Bus service/Motor Pool/Airport shuttles Bursar’s Office Student Health Center ESL Program Alumni Association Bookstores Webmaster Merchant, vendor, and corporate sponsors Apartment Rental agencies Faculty Student Legal Services Campus Safety (police) Community volunteers – Friendship Families, church organizations, etc. Computing Services Phone companies (cell phones/calling cards) Academic advisors (Advising Center, Study Abroad Office, Graduate School) Room reservations Registrar’s Office ISSS Office staff Current students (volunteers) Campus international organizations

How did we do what we did? Evaluation and assessment… Participants Orientation staff Office staff Presenters Key participants (Health Center, Housing, Bursars, ESL)

Where do we go from here? Incorporating changes… Things we want to do Things we can do Things we can’t do Things we don’t want to do Things we will do

One more thing to say Don’t forget recognition and thanks, especially to the… Volunteers Presenters Sponsors and donors (you will need them all again!)

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS?

Yes, you may us… Philip Coleman-Hull Emporia State University Michael Ediger The University of Kansas