1. Above and Beyond
High Performance and Innovative Work Culture and Teams in an Unpredictable Immigration Landscape
Rodolfo R. Altamirano, Ph.D.
Director,
International Student and Scholar Services
Immigration and Integration Services
Penn Global

2. An Overview Them Us Me Working Together
High performing and innovative team requires focus and dedication.
These qualities require balanced and meaningful interactions between the team, the management, and external units.
There is no starting point or a clean divide: it is a continuous cycle and every party is connected.
High Performing &
Innovative Team Us
Being
Aware Me
Trust &
Support

3. Working Together
Striving to find ways to partner with members and key stakeholders on campus to advance Penn’s global engagement efforts
Using collaboration as a keystone of my values
Many of our immigration and integration initiatives for international students and scholars are anchored by campus partnerships.
Partnering with Penn offices (e.g., CAPS, Weingarten Learning Resources Center and Career Services) on several initiatives for international students’ mental well-being, academic success, and employment.
Creating opportunities and platforms for communication across key stakeholders
Finding ways to collaborate and drawing out new ideas & feedback
“Across” awkward
Annual Roundtable with representatives from PennDOT, SSA, and CBP.
International Partners Outreach Group: with 60+ Penn administrators every semester.
Re-Energizing Exercise: Deep interviews with 50+ Penn units and administrators.
Being highly attentive to how rules and procedures affect staff and clients and seeking to address any hardships caused.

4. Being Aware
Keeping a clear vision and a holistic view of the international experience through partnerships
Keeping a finger on the pulse of the international community at Penn through many avenues, including partner units, international student groups, and stakeholders on and off campus
Penn Global 2020 & ISSS 2020: Aligning the office mission to the university’s mission for education, research, and community
Sharing a vision for a diverse, integrated, and intercultural campus is a source of inspiration
Safeguarding and managing institutional resources and assets
Validating the work of ISSS
“Across” awkward
Promoting the unique importance of ISSS’ role in advancing Penn Global strategic initiatives and the Penn Compact 2020.
Maintaining a focus on contingency planning: ISSS has robust contingency plans to address unexpected surges, changes, and inquiries.
Communicating the rapid changes happening in international higher education field to the Penn community, Penn Global leadership and other Penn stakeholders to validate the work of ISSS.

5. Trust & Support
Understanding and supporting work–life balance & empowering individuals to achieve their best and grow
Investing in Penn-sponsored leadership programs such as AMP-Up, Step Up and Essentials of Management for staff members
Working with HR to exercise strength finder for each staff member: led to many fruitful projects
Providing tangible support, resources, and flexibility to help staff handle competing personal and professional demands
Establishing trust within the office that allows for staff members to be open and honest
Clear communication of goals and expectations
Drawing from & appreciating the power of diversity and different perspectives
“and pushing down”  delegating?
Creating opportunities to have open and honest conversations with regular individual check-ins
Promoting autonomy and pushing down decision making via clear goals & expectations
Our office spans a range of generations, cultures, ethnicities, experiences, and personality characteristics.
Re-Energizing Exercise: Deep interviews with every staff member.

6. Mindset to Do More Them Us Me Working Together
The diverse partnerships allow the management and the team to stay aware of their environment and stakeholders
The clear vision and alignment of the office mission provide the team with clear expectations and the relevance of their work
The supportive and honest environment removes unnecessary barriers to doing great work
High Performing &
Innovative Team Us
Being
Aware Me
Trust &
Support