1. Navigating the Unknown: A Case Study on Supporting International Students in the Current Political Climate
Juanita Ariza, Indiana University Holly Lustig, Indiana University
Madison Motoyasu, Indiana University Ree Palmer, Indiana University
Benjamin Stalvey, Indiana University Donna To, Indiana University
Dr. Lucy LePeau, Indiana University
Monday, March 5, 2018 Convention Center, ROOM#

2. Meet the Presenters
6 students in the Indiana University Higher Education and Student Affairs M.S.Ed. program
1 faculty member of the Indiana University Higher Education and Student Affairs program

3. Meet the Audience Pictured Above: Graphic of Raised Hands
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4. Session Outline Overview of the Journey Goals of the Session
Group Discussion & Reflection
Positionality & Methodology of Study
Study Findings
Implications for Practice
Wrap-Up Discussion
Q&A
Session Send-Off

5. Phase 1
The frameworks for the courses intersect Why Aren’t We There Yet?: Taking Personal Responsibility for Creating an Inclusive Campus (Arminio, Torres, & Pope, 2012) and the Culturally Engaging Campus Environments (CECE) model (Museus, 2014).

6. Phase 1 (continued)
These tenets relate to students: Seeking self-awareness; Reconciling the tension between self and the other in relationships; Considering history; Considering institutional context; Initiating dialogue as a precursor to action steps; Transforming educational practices to maximize success for diverse student populations.

7. Phase 2 Environmental Theory and Assessment
Topic: Understanding the sense of belonging of International Graduate Students from Muslin majority countries at a large Predominantly White Institution
Purpose: Evaluate this population’s sense of belonging in light of the current political climate and emerging immigration policy

8. Session Goals Center participants’ experiences
Encourage continued discussion about systemic barriers like nativism, neo-racism, Islamophobia, patriotism, White Supremacy, and White Nationalism

9. Discussion Question
What have international students from Muslim-majority countries expressed as main concerns?

10. Has the environment become more hostile for students post-election?
Reflection Question
Has the environment become more hostile for students post-election?

11. Participant Response:
“I feel more comfortable and I have more support after Trump’s actions.”

12. Study Overview
Impetus for Study – January 27th, 2017
Phase 1
Phase 2

13. Presenter Positionalities
None of us are international students living in the U.S., or identify as Muslim
Three of the presenters identify as cisgender white women, one as a cisgender white man
Three of the presenters either identify as immigrants or have familial ties to immigrants/refugees

14. Phase 2 - Methodology
Narrative, semi-structured interviews with 9 graduate students
Recruitment of participants
Data input and analysis
Trustworthiness

15. Findings Pictured Above: Lightbulb Graphic
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16. “I mean the logo is “IU For All”
“I mean the logo is “IU For All”. We really need to work on “IU For All”. It’s a great logo, but I don’t believe that “IU For All” includes international […] diversity is not defined in this community right now as people that come from all over the world.”

17. How Participants Perceive Their Role on Campus
Different Perspectives
Burden and Benefit of Ambassadorship
Temporary Presence and Outsiders

18. “[Another international student] asked me if I have a sense of belonging […] and the first thing that crossed my mind was it’s a White institution, why would I belong here?”

19. Experiences with American Culture
Culture Shock
Difficulties Making Connections
Fear and Frustration

20. “I am really really blessed that my advisor actually has some international experience and that is where he and I really clicked…I think this is the best thing that I got out of this whole department.”

21. Interactions with IU Faculty and Staff
Sense of Belonging in Academic Units
Indirect Interactions
Faculty Support

22. “I still felt the repercussions of September 11th and I still felt that I needed to protect my kids…I am not joking that there were many nights. The way I slept was one foot out of the bed and one foot on the bed with the lights on, and I was ready in case I heard anything.”

23. Fear and Uncertainty in the Current Political Climate
Varying Degrees of Fear
Islamophobia
Uncertainty as a Stressor

24. Implications for Practice
Pictured Above: “We recommend” in Speech Bubble
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25. Implications For the Here and Now
Creating Culturally Validating Spaces
Cultural Familiarity

26. Implications For Continuing the Conversation & Changing the Culture
Additional Research Needed
Addressing Systemic Inequities

27. What has not worked well at your institution?
What has worked well at your institution when it comes to supporting this specific student population?
What has not worked well at your institution?
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28. Pictured Above: 6 question marks in floating circles above “Questions
Pictured Above: 6 question marks in floating circles above “Questions?” slogan
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29. Thank you for your attendance and participation.
If you have any additional questions or would like to further engage in discussion please contact:
Juanita Ariza at Holly Lustig at
Madison Motoyasu at Ree Palmer at
Benjamin Stalvey at Donna To at
Dr. Lucy LePeau at

30. Thank you for joining us today!
Please remember to complete your online evaluation following the conference.
See you in Los Angeles in 2019!