1:00 p.m.–2:15 p.m. (EDT)

• Welcome remarks
• Launch of eConnection Showcase
• Harnessing the Strength of Our Community
  This community gathering for all international educators features a panel discussion on the state of the international education field during this global pandemic. NAFSA member-leaders discuss the challenges facing our community and offer ideas on managing disruption and building resilience on our teams, campuses, and communities. Join your peers to share, listen, and learn about moving forward during these difficult times.
  • Moderator: Ahmad Ezzeddine, PhD, associate vice president for educational outreach and international programs, Wayne State University; member-at-large, NAFSA Board of Directors
  • Panelists:
    • Eduardo Contreras, EdD, assistant provost for international education, diversity, and inclusion, University of Portland; chair, Education Abroad Knowledge Community
    • Sonja Knutson, PhD, director, Internationalization Office, Memorial University of Newfoundland
    • Mihaela Metianu, EdD, executive director, Center for Global Engagement, Florida Atlantic University
    • Joanna Regulska, PhD, vice provost and associate chancellor, University of California-Davis

2:15 p.m.–2:30 p.m. (EDT)

Come together to celebrate the winners of the annual NAFSA awards in the following categories:

• Life Membership
• Rising Star Young Leader

2:30 p.m.–3:15 p.m. EDT

Healing and Impact: The Convergence of Community and Innovation

Innovation is a process to improve the human condition; innovation can heal. Drawing on his experience building communities around the world, Travis Sheridan, chief community officer at Wexford Science + Technology, discusses how knowledge communities, broadly defined, can have greater impact when operating outside of silos and increasing the level of cross-discipline collaboration. To foster innovation and healing, the key is to allow communities to maintain a sense of identity while exhibiting porous boundaries—the right community at the right time to achieve the right impact. Join Sheridan to hear his perspectives on fostering innovation and healing through community building. 

• Guest Speaker: Travis Sheridan, chief community officer, Wexford Science + Technology

• 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (EDT)
  Chat or visit live with eConnection Showcase exhibitors
• 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (EDT)
  Dedicated eConnection Showcase hours

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10:00 a.m.–10:15 a.m. (EDT)

Join NAFSA's Executive Director and CEO and the chair of the 2020 Annual Conference Committee to kick off the learning day of eConnection.

• Opening remarks
• Launch of virtual Poster Fair

10:15 a.m.–11:15 a.m. EDT

Learn from one of the following sessions, which include live Q&As with the presenters.

• Alternate Advising Strategies with Videos and More
  In this session, participants have the opportunity to hear from three diverse academic institutions and learn how each of their offices has implemented unique and alternative advising techniques. Northwestern University features its new video series on immigration created with the online platform Powtoon. Eastern Michigan University’s highlights its online orientation for incoming English language learners. Additionally, Concordia University-Chicago demonstrates its approach in integrating Terra Dotta software in advising sessions with international students on post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).
  • Presenters: 
    • Anna Adamson, SEVIS coordinator, Illinois Institute of Technology
    • Stephanie Cisneros, international student adviser, Northwestern University
    • Allison Piippo, lecturer, Kikai Language Services, LLC
• High-Risk Environments: How Institutions Can Make Difficult Decisions About Travel
  High-risk areas can provide distinctive research and study opportunities, but they can also challenge institutions to balance academic freedom and responsible caution. In this session, risk management, study abroad, and security practitioners engage participants in discussions on how institutions can support travelers while meeting duty of care.
  • Presenters: 
    • Orlina Boteva, director, Office of International Programs, University of Maine-Orono
    • Eric White, global security specialist, On Call International
• Shifting Tides in International Student Mobility and Decisionmaking
  Patterns in international student mobility and decisionmaking have been shifting prior to the recent pandemic, and are now in upheaval. When the field is able to enter a post-COVID-19 era, experts anticipate that the currents will continue to be increasingly complex and multidimensional. For example, U.S. higher education options are no longer quite as dominant as first-choice destinations for international students. Recent circumstances have only accelerated these changes and have upturned expectations. How can senior international officers and enrollment leaders collaborate effectively to weather the turbulence, as well as to advance goals of comprehensive internationalization and student success? In this interactive session, the presenters draw upon the expertise and insights from a seasoned international education leader to shed light on opportunities and challenges ahead. What are the key questions enrollment leaders should be asking now? The presenters explore best practices for preparing for the incoming cohort of international students (high school class of 2020), and for reaching prospective international students (class of 2021 and beyond) for future years.
  • Presenters: 
    • Clay Hensley, senior director, international strategy and outreach, College Board
    • John Wilkerson, EdD, assistant vice president for international services, Indiana University-Bloomington

11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. (EDT)

Global Strategies for More Welcoming and Inclusive Communities

Welcoming America and its program Welcoming International lead a global movement of inclusive communities that make everyone who lives in them—including immigrants and refugees—feel that they belong. The organization supports initiatives that reduce divisions and generate greater civic, social, and economic participation among new and longtime residents alike. Join Pope and Panti-Oflazoglu to hear about how the organization works with localities around the world and harnesses the digital space, especially now, to foster inclusion and meaningful connection, reduce intergroup prejudice, and build a global network of changemakers.

• Guest Speakers:
  • Vanja Pantic-Oflazoglu, international program manager, Welcoming America
  • Christina Pope, senior network director, Welcoming America

12:15 p.m.–1:00 p.m. (EDT)

Hosts: 

• Sherif Barsoum, associate vice president, global services, New York University; chair-designate for NAFSA 2021, 2020 Annual Conference Committee
• Kathy Hammett, senior director, Center for Global Engagement, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology; chair, 2020 Annual Conference Committee
• Brad Sekulich, director, Office of Education Abroad, University of North Carolina-Charlotte; content chair, 2020 Annual Conference Committee

2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. (EDT)

Adopting Virtual Exchange on Your Campus

Event is full. A recording will be available following the live program.

This timely learning lab guides faculty, staff, and administrators in integrating a meaningful virtual exchange program on their campus and developing a clear path to virtual exchange implementation. Examine key strategies to set up and launch an integrated virtual exchange program using models customized for each institution’s unique needs.

Trainers:

• Mohamed Abdel-Kader, executive director, Stevens Initiative, The Aspen Institute

• 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (EDT)
  Chat or visit live with eConnection Showcase exhibitors
• 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (EDT)
  Dedicated eConnection Showcase hours

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2:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m. (EDT)

Join NAFSA's Executive Director and CEO and NAFSA's President for an agenda covering the state of the association and a chance for members to ask questions. This meeting is for current NAFSA members only.

10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. (EDT)

• Opening remarks
• Leadership Insights with the NAFSA Board of Directors
  The morning session is an opportunity for attendees to e-meet and learn about leadership from several members of the NAFSA Board of Directors. 
  • Moderator: Elena Anderson-de Lay, cofounder and lead strategist, At Ease LLC; chair, NAFSA Leadership Development Committee
  • Board Members: 
    • LaNitra Berger, PhD, senior director of fellowships, Honors College, George Mason University; vice president for public policy and practice, NAFSA Board of Directors
    • Nancy Kidd, PhD, executive director, American Sociological Association; member-at-large, NAFSA Board of Directors
    • Shinsaeng Ko, assistant vice provost of international student and scholar services, global strategy, and initiatives, Emory University; vice president for professional development and engagement, NAFSA Board of Directors
    • Jeffrey Riedinger, PhD, vice provost for global affairs and professor of law, University of Washington; vice president for scholarship and institutional strategy; NAFSA Board of Directors
• Introduction to NAFSA career resources

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (EDT)

Learn from one of the following sessions, which include live Q&As with the presenters.

• Advocate with Data: A Data Primer for the International Education Office
  Increasingly, offices are tasked with demonstrating their value by providing comprehensive data and making data-driven decisions. For many without a data “whiz,” this is a scary endeavor. This session unites professionals from education abroad, international enrollment management, and international student and scholar services to show that data analysis is accessible to anyone of any skill set.
  • Presenters:
    • Whitney Bennett, program analyst and information systems analyst, Northwestern University
    • Helen Halt, assistant director of admissions, Michigan Technological University (formerly)
    • Tyler Morkin, SEVIS coordinator, Central Michigan University
• Practicing Self-Care in International Education
  Participants discuss best practices and research about self-care for international educators so that they can best serve students, especially in a time of volatile rhetoric and other challenges to international education. The presenter facilitates an interactive and “safe space” for colleagues to share frustrations and develop strategies for self-care.
  • Presenter:
    • Maria Almendares, coordinator, student/scholar immigration, University of Wyoming
• Resilience Strategies for International Education Professionals Facing Job Insecurity
  The presenters share personal experiences and strategies for career resilience. Participants learn about career resilience and how to accept and embrace life-changing events as opportunities, create a career development plan, and receive practical tips for the next step in one’s career.
  • Presenters:
    • Dana Brolley, director, international programs office, University of Idaho
    • Amy VanSurksum, director of international student services, St. Martin's University

12:00 p.m.–12:30 p.m. (EDT)

Make your drink of choice and join members of the 2020 Annual Conference Committee for a casual conversation and a career journey-related reflection.

Hosts:

• Jenny Bowen, director, international student advising, University of Indiana-Bloomington; workshop chair, 2020 Annual Conference Committee
• Rick Lee, PhD, director, global programs and partnerships at Rutgers Global, Rutgers University; international education leadership knowledge community representative, 2020 Annual Conference Committee

12:30 p.m.–1:15 p.m. (EDT)

Embracing Chaos

Creative entrepreneur, activist, and immigrant DREAMer Samantha Ramirez-Herrera shares her compelling journey growing up undocumented and forging forward despite the challenges she faced, from language barriers to economic obstacles, cultural differences, immigration policies, and lack of resources for higher education. She offers her perspective on courage, resilience, and the power we all hold within us to transform challenges, uncertainty, and chaos into opportunities. 

• Guest Speaker: Samantha Ramirez-Herrera, founder, OffThaRecord.com

2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. (EDT)

A Primer on Global Operations Management

Event is full. A recording will be available following the live program.

This interactive learning lab provides an overview of operational considerations related to managing and leading global projects, programs, and related activities. Topics include tracking global initiatives, developing adequate support structures on campus and abroad, assessing risks, managing resources, and avoiding legal pitfalls.

Trainers:

• David Di Maria, EdD, associate vice provost for international education, University of Maryland-Baltimore County 
• William Ferreira, JD, partner, Hogan Lovells US LLP 
• Sandee (Shan) Huang, director of finance and operations, International Center, University of Kentucky
• Kalpen Trivedi, PhD, associate provost for international education, University of Massachusetts-Amherst

• 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (EDT)
  Chat or visit live with eConnection Showcase exhibitors.

• 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (EDT)
  Dedicated eConnection Showcase hours

Register to become an exhibitor.

10:00 a.m.–11:05 a.m. (EDT)

• Opening remarks:
  • Esther Brimmer, DPhil, executive director and CEO, NAFSA: Association of International Educators
  • Fernando León-García, PhD, president, Centro de Enseñanza Técnica Y Superior (CETYS) University; member-at-large, NAFSA Board of Directors
• Global Issues Panel: Higher Education and Environmental Sustainability
  • Moderator: Shannon P. Márquez, PhD, dean of global engagement, director, Center of Undergraduate Engagement, Columbia University
  • Panelists: 
    • Kehkashan Basu, president and founder, Green Hope Foundation; undergraduate student, University of Toronto
    • Ailsa Lamont, director and founder, Pomegranate Global; cofounder of the Climate Action Network for International Educators
    • Daniel Ponce Taylor, strategic partnership adviser, Intercultural Outreach Initiative; NAFSA Sustainability Member Interest Group co-chair
    • David Martin Ssekamatte, PhD, consultant and lecturer, Uganda Management Institute; NAFSA Global Dialogue Fellow-Africa

11:05 a.m.–11:30 a.m. (EDT)

Get ready to test your knowledge on world cities. Then join a casual conversation with members of our annual conference committee as they discuss partnership-building and the future of international education.

Hosts:

• Lou Berends, PhD, vice president of academic affairs, CEA Study Abroad; Education Abroad Knowledge Community representative, 2020 Annual Conference Committee
• Matthew Beatty, EdD, director of international admissions and financial aid, Concordia College; International Enrollment Management Knowledge Community representative, 2020 Annual Conference Committee

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (EDT)

Learn from one of the following sessions, which include live Q&As with the presenters.

• The Impact of Global Trends on International Higher Education: Views from Asia
  Explore how global and regional economic, political, and social trends affect international higher education in Asia. Leading experts from East, Southeast, and South Asia address common challenges and connections between countries and examine how higher education institutions in the region are dealing with conflicts, trade disputes, political uprisings, and demographic changes in the midst of a global health crisis.
  • Presenters:
    • Rosie Edmond, director of member relations for Africa, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and the United Kingdom, ISEP Study Abroad
    • Keiko Ikeda, PhD, professor, Division of International Affairs; coordinator, KU-COIL, Kansai Unversity
    • Kitti Prasirtsuk, PhD, vice rector for international affairs and associate professor of political science, Thammasat University
    • Ram Krapal Sharma, PhD, director of academic strategy, Global University Systems, India
• The International Education Leadership Voice: Actor, Advocate, and Academic
  This session helps experienced international education leaders cultivate and leverage the voice required to effectively advance and advocate for internationalization on campuses and in communities, where other institutional initiatives are also vying for attention. International education leaders need strong communication skills and succinct leadership voices to make an impact.
  • Presenters:
    • Hillary Kahn, associate vice chancellor/associate vice president, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
    • Douglas Proctor, director, UCD Global, University College Dublin
    • Paaige Turner, dean and professor, College of Communication, Information, and Media, Ball State University
• Geopolitics and Global Talent
  Leading experts discuss geopolitical interests that are driving national strategies in China, India, and Canada to compete for and attract global academic talent. Talent is considered vital to position higher education systems internationally, to keep countries in the vanguard of science and innovation, to spearhead tech revolutions, and to drive economic development and competitiveness.
  • Presenters:
    • Ann Mason, PhD, founder, Mason Education Group; member-at-large, NAFSA Board of Directors
    • Lakshmi Iyer, executive director and head of education, Sannam S4
    • Philip Steenkamp, PhD, president and vice chancellor, Royal Roads University
    • Rui Yang, professor and associate dean of research faculty of education, University of Hong Kong

• 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. (EDT)
  Chat or visit live with eConnection Showcase exhibitors.
• 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. (EDT)
  Dedicated eConnection Showcase hours.

Register to become an exhibitor.

12:30 p.m.–12:45 p.m. (EDT)

Learn from voices from around the world as they share their responses to today's challenges in international education.

• Hala Dimechkie, director, Office of International Programs, American University of Beirut
• Marcello Scalisi, director, UNIMED - Mediterranean Universities Union
• Marcela Wolff López, director, business development - Latin America, ICEF
• Jinliang Li, dean for international affairs, Tsinghua University
• Patricia Mwila, manager, International Link and Liaison Office, University of Zambia

1:00 p.m.–1:15 p.m. (EDT)

Start the final day of 2020 eConnection with hearing from NAFSA's Executive Director and CEO. Conclude the journey with content focused on planning for the future.

1:15 p.m.–2:15 p.m. (EDT)

Learn from one of the following sessions, which include live Q&As with the presenters.

• Collaborative Excellence Between Admissions and Student Services
  The student experience should reflect a shared philosophy between admissions and international student services. Although this is the aim for many institutions, varying priorities lead to differing outcomes. This panel discusses different approaches to serving students, focusing on structural variations for admissions and student services.
  • Anne Corriveau, director, International Admissions Office, Boston University
  • Jim McLaughlin, co-chair, IC3 Conference
  • Rachel Salinas, director, international admissions, Indiana University-Bloomington
• Designing Intercultural Learning Experiences: Innovative Global, Local, and Virtual Partnerships
  International and intercultural modules can be integrated with teaching objectives across diverse institutions and disciplines. Presenters demonstrate innovative Intercultural Learning Hub (HubICL) web-based tools for learning design; global-in-local community-based learning with refugee, immigrant, and international student partners; and immersive course modules for high-impact education abroad.
  • Annette Benson, senior public relations consultant, Purdue University
  • Jennifer Cooley, PhD, associate dean, College of Humanities, Arts, and Sciences, University of Northern Iowa
  • Timothy White, PhD, faculty liaison for study abroad, New Jersey City University
  • Kaite Yang, PhD, assistant professor of psychology, Stockton University
• Institutional Research and Assessment for Virtual Exchange
  This session presents a comprehensive framework for research on the impact of virtual exchange (VE) pedagogy on students' intercultural competence. Two large scale studies, based on data collected at institutions that have been engaged in VE for many years, illustrate VE’s critical role in internationalization of the curriculum.
  • GianMario Besana, PhD, associate provost for global engagement and online learning, DePaul University
  • Jami Leibowitz, PhD, associate director, global affairs, East Carolina University
  • Jan McCauley, assistant director, SUNY COIL Center

2:15 p.m.–3:15 p.m. (EDT)

Charting a New Direction

Closing the eConnection series, this community gathering for all international educators focuses on charting a path forward. NAFSA member-leaders discuss and share ideas on planning for a sustainable future in international education through a variety of lenses, including economic, academic, and programmatic. Join your peers to  share ideas on redesigning the international education field.

• Moderator: Fanta Aw, PhD, vice president of campus life and inclusive excellence, American University
• Panelists:
  • Anne D'Angelo, PhD, assistant dean, global initiatives, Carlson School of Management
  • Joël Gallegos, assistant provost of international programs, University of North Carolina-Charlotte; member-at-large, NAFSA Board of Directors
  • Douglas Palmer, PhD, provost and vice president for academic affairs, Walsh University; president-elect, Culver-Stockton College
  • Judith Pennywell, EdD, director, International Center, University of Michigan

3:15 p.m.–3:30 p.m. (EDT)

• Esther D. Brimmer, DPhil, executive director and CEO, NAFSA: Association of International Educators 
• Ravi Shankar, president and chair of the Board of Directors, NAFSA: Association of International Educators; assistant vice provost and director of the International Services Office, University of Rochester

• 12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. (EDT)
  Chat or visit live with eConnection Showcase exhibitors.
• 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. (EDT)
  Dedicated eConnection Showcase hours

Register to become an exhibitor.