Tuesday, October 25

A New Generation of Study Abroad- Affordable Programs In Reach of All Students (session cancelled)
Session Chair and Presenter: Sunny Garner, Oklahoma City Community College
Presenter: Christian Alyea, Oklahoma Study Abroad/ OCCC
For too long study abroad programs have been financially out of reach for the majority of students. Our new generation of study abroad with the most affordable and in-depth programs has allowed a more diverse population of student ambassadors, who once never considered the experience, the opportunity to represent our country abroad. Students experience a full cultural immersion. They learn how to travel the smart way ensuring future travel on their own. Join us on our mission of opening eyes, minds, and lives by finding out how you can get involved. The entire process will be covered in this session.

Detecting Fraudulent Credentials
Session Chair and Presenter: Susan Byram, University of Arkansas
In today's fast-paced world of international education and credential evaluation, it can be difficult to detect inaccurate and misleading credentials. This session will cover the most likely sources of fraudulent credentials: diploma mills, accreditation mills, "creative" translations, and outright forged/altered/fabricated documents. There will be examples to peruse, and audience participation will be encouraged. 

PowerPoint Presentation   Session Handout

E-Verify and I-9
Session Chair and Presenter: Linda Dunbar, Oklahoma State University
Presenters: Lewis Starkey, University of Oklahoma, BJ Loving, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
The State of Oklahoma has been using E-Verify since Nov. 2007. In this session we'll share our experiences and best practices. Join us as we wade through compliance with yet another federal database!

PowerPoint Presentation (Icon PDF 16)

Fundamentals of Cultural Orientation
Session Chair and Presenter: Courtney M. Balderas, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Presenters: Jose F. Martinez, University of Incarnate Word, Ken Felts, Stephen F. Austin State University
A detailed analysis of the acculturation of an international student from pre-arrival to post-arrival: Identifying different cultures and pinpointing how to handle students from diverse backgrounds will be discussed initially. An analysis of the communication via email and phone calls prior to arrival and how to improve understanding while easing a student's anxiety will be discussed in open forum. A mini “NACIREMA” exercise will be done to demonstrate the process that a student goes through to obtain a visa and arrive in the states (the frustration and language barriers). Post -arrival orientation tips and the importance of careful non-verbal communication will end the session.

Help! After Basic F-1 Training: How to survive the information overload

Session Chair and Presenter: Ines Kirk, DSO/ARO, The University of Texas at Dallas
Presenters: Marilyn White, University of Dallas, Austin Perry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Joanna Ng, The University of Texas at Arlington
Apply what you learned: find regulations, guidance and resources on different government websites. Presenters will share and compare different materials used in our offices and will provide resource checklists and handouts to make your life easier. The target audience for this session is a one-person office advisor or International Offices with small staff.

PowerPoint Presentation

How do you know when its real? Reviewing international financial documents

Session Chair and Presenter: Amanda Brinlee, Texas A&M University
How do you know when a bank document is real or when it is fraudulent? This session will go over practices for reviewing financial documents received from international students. We will provide quick tips on how to look for fraud indicators and how to contact banks to see if the documents are real or fraudulent. We will also provide case scenarios on possible ways to handle the student's record if it is determined the documents are fraudulent.

PowerPoint Presentation (Icon PDF 16)

NAFSA Immigration Advising Resource Tool Box
Session Chair and Presenter: Meg Morgan, The University of Texas at Dallas
Presenters: Loveness Schafer, Louisiana State University, Regina Henry, Oklahoma State University
Assemble your advising tool box by learning how to use NAFSA resources available to student and scholar advisers, such as NAFSA.org, NAFSA.news, Adviser's Manual 2.0, IssueNet, and how to seek assistance from the RegBuds and KCISSS Liaison.

Reinstatement….Reinstate what? Overcoming your fears to the “R” word
Session Chair and Presenter: Elizabeth Langsten, The University of Texas at Dallas
Presenters: Janel Lockwood, Univ. of Houston Clear Lake, Timothy Watts, Dallas Baptist University
Advisors from multiple schools discuss the turmoil of the Reinstatement process. We will walk through the reinstatement process step-by-step, including identifying why and how students fall out of status and all the steps taken to avoid it. We will discuss similarities and differences of how we advise and process reinstatements, materials used, and the do's and don'ts.

PowerPoint Presentation (Icon PDF 16)   Session Handout (Icon PDF 16)


Utilizing Your Resources: Working with the Overseas Security Advisory Council and the Department of State
Session Chair: DeDe Long, University of Arkansas and past NAFSA Vice President for Public Policy and Practice
Presenters: Lindsay Harrington, Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), Corina Udrea, Department of State
The session is designed to educate study abroad professionals about the resources available to them through the Department of State (DOS) and the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). During the first half of the session, a representative from the DOS will focus on travel warnings and their value, understanding and properly utilizing the STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program), as well as embassy functions and limitations. The OSAC representative will present a basic overview of the services and scope of this federal advisory committee, suggest why/how students make attractive targets, highlight common problems U.S. students face abroad, provide mitigation suggestions and strategies, and present a case study.

Digital Storytelling as a Means of Reflection
Session Chair and Presenter: Truett Cates, Austin College
Presenter: Ashlee Flinn, Austin College
The International Education Field is in a state of change with institutions of higher education pushing more students to go abroad and become global citizens. However, without proper reflection on their time and experiences abroad, students unintentionally settle for a cultural experience without letting their experiences abroad impact their education, life, and future goals. To help students to effectively reflect and realize the impact of their sojourn abroad, we have developed a course that uses Digital Storytelling as a vehicle for meaningful reflection. Hear from a study abroad director and others who have experience with using the technology and resources.

Session Presentation

Education Abroad Hot Topic: Visa Updates for France, Italy, Spain and UK
Session Chair and Presenter: DeDe Long, University of Arkansas and past NAFSA Vice President for Public Policy and Practice.
Do you advise students needing a visa for their study abroad program? This session will focus on the latest information collected by the EA Consular Affairs Liaison subcommittee for France, Italy, Spain and the UK as well as explore best practices for education abroad offices.

Elevating Re-entry to a Career High
Session Chair and Presenter: Kye LeBoeuf, University of Oklahoma
Presenter: Brooke Hammer, University of Oklahoma
Practical, goal-oriented study abroad students frequently encounter a rift between the study abroad experience and leveraging that experience in professionally-oriented endeavors. Education Abroad, CIS-International Programs & Career Services are collaborating to mend the rift by creating information flow between our three offices and the creation of a university-wide network of international programming representatives from all colleges. As the main study abroad office on the OU campus, Education Abroad is focusing on website management, peer/career mentoring, videos, webinars, resume building & international job resources made available to us from Career Services and the College of International Studies

Session Handout (Icon PDF 16)

ISSS Walk-in Advising for Advisors
Session Chair and Presenter: Meg Morgan, The University of Texas at Dallas
Presenters: Loveness Schafer, Louisiana State University, Regina Henry, Oklahoma State University, Monica Sharp, University of Oklahoma
Want help with a student or scholar issue? Heard something in a session that you question? Want to compare advising policies? This is your opportunity to have special attention from veteran ISSS advisors from around the region who can provide regulations, government guidance and best practices on a wide variety of issues. Suitable for all experience levels.

Serving NAFSA Through Leadership

Session Chair and Presenter: Bob Crosier, Texas Tech University
Presenters: Laura Semenow, The University of Tulsa, Jane Clarke, Edge Hill University, Sue Marlay, Arkansas State University
Interested in getting more involved in NAFSA and in International Education? Nearly 600 member-leaders volunteer for various NAFSA positions influencing public policy, the path of the organization, and the services provided to international educators. NAFSA Leaders are “every member” from very diverse experiences and all levels of expertise. Discover a myriad of volunteer leadership opportunities and meet other dynamic leaders like YOU.

PowerPoint Presentation

Student Teaching Abroad: Lessons learned about being an American
Session Chair and Presenter: Cindi H. Fries, Northeastern State University
Presenter: Stan Sanders, Northeastern State University
Going beyond local boarders to do international student teaching contributes an understanding of cultural diversity and provides a cultural impact upon personal identity. What can pre-intern student teachers learn about themselves and our global society through a short-term international internship? Insights from an international practice teaching program will be shared.

Too high or too low? Setting the right IELTS score for academic success

Session Chair and Presenter: Rus Kiser, ELS Language Centers, Oklahoma City
Recognized and used by thousands of U.S. institutions, IELTS is a valid, reliable, and secure English language proficiency test. This interactive session will help you better understand IELTS band scores and determine whether your institutions' standards are appropriately set for your students' academic success. The session will walk through the basics of the four IELTS modules and allow you to engage in a participatory rating exercise using examples from the academic test.

PowerPoint Presentation (Icon PDF 16)

Travelling Abroad Like a Travel Writer

Session Chair and Presenter: Ethan Casey, Ethan Casey Media
Presenter: Liz Branch, Texas Christian University
To understand another culture requires multiple visits, the passage of time and an adjustment from the way Americans typically look at the world beyond our shores. Often without realizing it, Americans tend to begin encounters with other countries by asking versions of the question: what does it have to do with us? This perception, which crosses generations and the political spectrum, implies that a foreign country's importance to Americans is determined solely by that country's implications for American foreign policy or national interest. Ethan Casey, author of narrative travel books about Pakistan and Haiti, explores this phenomenon and discusses how American Students can be helped to engage genuinely with other cultures and to see a study abroad trip as the beginning of a lifelong education about the world.

Update on education in selected Balkan countries
Session Chair and Presenter: Barbara B. Glave, SpanTran Educational Services, Inc.
Presenter: Agron Matoshi, SpanTran
Updated overview of secondary and higher education in selected Balkan countries: Discussion of formal structure, legal basis, grading systems, degree equivalencies, and transfer credit; emphasis on changes since 1991, both before and after joining the European Higher Education Area (aka Bologna Process). Sample documents and resource bibliography will be included.

Kosovo     Macedonia       Albania


Wednesday, October 26


Can You Repeat That? Better Communication with International Students and Clients
Session Chair and Presenter: Rebecca Guler, ELS Language Centers- Ruston
Learn how you can be a better communicator with non-native English speakers while doing orientation, helping with paperwork, explaining an application process or credentials evaluation, and other functions necessary in working with many internationals. Participants will discover some of the common mistakes we make that complicate our English communication and learn simpler ways to say or write what we need to tell our students or clients for whom English is a second language. Come ready to interact and get some practice!

PowerPoint Presentation

Session Handout

Highs and lows of advising students going to non-traditional destinations
Session Chair and Presenter: Laura Semenow, The University of Tulsa
Presenters: Laura Moix, University of Arkansas, Rachel Daroca, CIEE, Wendy Sheets, The University of Tulsa
As we see more students coming to our offices interested in studying in non-traditional destinations, how should we prepare them for these experiences? What are their needs and how do we meet them? How do we prepare ourselves to be better advisers? During this session, we will be discussing our practices, sharing our organization's procedures and our personal experiences in non-traditional destinations such as India, China, Brazil, Ghana, Morocco and Thailand; and encouraging discussion among session participants. A panel of students will share their experiences. 

PowerPoint Presentation   Session Handout

Overview of USCIS Transformation: The New Electronic Immigration System

Session Chair and Presenter: Loveness Schafer, Louisiana State University
Presenters: USCIS Staff
A subject matter expert from the USCIS Office of Transformation Coordination will present an informative slide presentation on the new USCIS electronic immigration system. Highlights of the presentation include an overview of the development and deployment process, timelines, and systems capabilities, a prototype video, and description of the online account set up and e-filing process. USCIS will be available to answer questions about how the agency anticipates this system will directly affect students, scholars, and visitors, as well as NAFSA members, in the first deployment.

State Policy, Teacher Education Study Abroad, A Texas Case Study

Session Chair and Presenter: Dr. Craig Kissock, EducatorsAbroad Ltd.
A recently approved section of Texas Administrative Code speaks to out of state student teaching and is viewed by some as an obstacle to, and by others for, opportunity for international experience in teacher education. This presentation describes how this policy can be used as a model for other states to support study abroad in education and how Texas institutions can use this policy to expand placement options for prospective primary and secondary school teachers.

Session Handout (Icon PDF 16)

Updates and Best Practices for Filing Outstanding Professor, Researcher and Extraordinary Ability Cases

Session Chair and Presenter: Maggie Murphy, Law Firm: Jackson Lewis, LLP
Presenter: Andrew Thorley, University of Texas
Recent immigration case law and CIS policy memoranda have changed how we must review and evaluate permanent residence strategies for university professors, researchers and other scholars. Throughout this session, an immigration attorney and an attorney working in the ISSS office of a major university will discuss these policy changes and will walk us through the evidentiary requirements. The session will offer best practices for compiling the best evidence possible, as well as how to determine when the case is strong enough to file. 

PowerPoint Presentation

What International Students and Scholar Offices Should Know About Taxes

Session Chair and Presenter: Anne-Marie Burns, Arctic International, LLC
Like it or not, International Student Advisors need to have a basic understanding of the tax issues international students and scholars face in complying with their presence in the U.S. This session will specifically discuss what you should do – and should not do – when providing any tax information. We'll also discuss the IRS' new audit program of foreign students and what guidance you can provide if a student is selected for an IRS audit under this new program.

PowerPoint Presentation (Icon PDF 16)

Work on the Edge: Student and Scholar Tricky Employment Issues
Session Chair and Presenter: David Ware, David Ware & Associates
Presenter: Rose Mary Valencia, MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston
When is working "employment" and when is it not? This session will seek to answer all the tricky questions posed by students and scholars that fall outside the gambit of normally authorized employment: volunteering, self employment, investment, starting a business, selling their own services or products, receiving royalties, working for an employer abroad from the US and of course, "helping". Case studies will be extensively utilized.

YouTube to Webinars: Using Technology During the Pre-Departure Process

Session Chair and Presenter: Denver Miller, Global Student Experience
Presenters: Ashlee Flinn, Austin College, Alice Kloker, The University of Oklahoma, Parul Fernandes, The University of Houston, Joy Yost, Texas A&M University,
Come listen as a panel of representatives from the university and provider side discuss how they implement technology in their offices in order to facilitate the pre-departure process. Topics covered will be webinars, videos, software, electronic handbooks, and other electronic resources. Hear about the spectrum of technologies used in other offices and what could be adapted for use in your own office. 

PowerPoint Presentation (Icon PDF 16)

Reaching the Mountain Top: Partnering with Academic Advisors to Reach Study Abroad Goals

Session Chair and Presenter: Orié Varner, Texas A&M University
Presenters: Kelli Anderson, Southern Methodist University, Jill Clemmons, Louisiana State University, Kevin Kehl, Abilene Christian University
Academic and faculty advisors play a key role in study abroad. They may make students aware of international education opportunities and/or work to make sure that students can receive credit for these endeavors. While some academic advisors can be cheerleaders for study abroad, others can make it not so easy for students to take advantage of these opportunities. This seminar will present models of partnerships with academic advisors and departments, as well as, highlight successes and challenges in attempting to do so. The goal is to provide a forum where institutions can share ideas on best practices. 

PowerPoint Presentation

Campus Globalization: Strategies for Academic Affairs & Student Affairs Collaborations
Session Chair and Presenter: Dr. Sumita Furlong, University of Oklahoma, SW Center for Human Relations Studies & Institutional Globalization Consultants
Campus Globalization is a deliberate and systematic multi-layered transformation process that integrates international and intercultural dimensions into the very fabric and culture of an institution to move it forward to global perception transformation. It is a process that should touch on all aspects of a campus and inform its functions of teaching, research, and service while developing global awareness, skills and competencies among its constituents as a way of delivering education and training that are relevant and in step with the needs of the 21st century students.
In this session, the presenter will discuss how International Center, Study Abroad and other Academic Affairs offices and staff can work with Student Affairs staff to bring about global perception transformation among its constituents groups of students, student leaders, staff and administrators on a campus. Successful models of high impact programs will be shared.

Consular Affairs Update

Session Chair and Presenter: Dotty Horton, University of North Texas
Presenters: David Ware, David Ware & Associates, Avi Friedman, Wolfsdorf Law Group, Bradley Norton, U.S. Embassy Mexico
Current information on obtaining U.S. visas, with an emphasis on the U.S. consulates in Mexico and Canada.

PowerPoint Presentation

Bringing the World to your Campus through Cultural Immersion Programs
Session Chair: Massiel Rodriguez, University of Arkansas in Fayetteville
Presenters: Cynthia Smith, University of Arkansas, Veronikha Salazar, Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah
Open the world up to your campus through our international and study abroad students. Travel across an international time line and step into another culture without even leaving campus! Cultural Immersion Programs do this by recreating a specific holiday or celebration and reenacting it. Through programs like this you can experience events like an Indonesian Independence Day, Ghanian Baby naming ceremony, Austrian Christmas, Japanese Summer Festival, Rwandan Wedding... find out how to create, organize and empower your students to share a special resource of theirs, their experiences through creating a Cultural Immersion Program.

Credential Evaluation Jeopardy
Session Chair and Presenter: Dr. Linda Jahn, International Academic Credential Evaluators, Inc.
Presenters: Dr. Linda Jahn, Intl. Academic Credential Evaluators, Inc., Betty Newell, Intl. Academic Credential Evaluators, Inc.
Play International Credential Team Jeopardy for networking, fun and prizes! Beginners and experts welcome!

Gaining the Jaded Patina

Session Chair and Presenter: Dr. Alan D. Lytle, University of Arkansas - Little Rock
Most program directors come up through the ranks - first as students, then as part-time instructors, then into full-time positions, and, finally, into administration. The administrative part comes with little-to-no training. As directors remain in their positions long-term, how do they gain a “patina” of experience without becoming “jaded”? As long-term directors, many of whom are teaching faculty also, how do we continue the interest and vivacity we once had for our jobs? Intensive English Program directors are the “go-to” people in most IEPs, charged with negotiating ALL of the waters – curricular, personnel, financial, political, recruitment, etc. How does a director maintain interest without losing momentum? The presenter will use his own experience as a 23-year IEP veteran, rising from student to director. Audience members will leave with practical experiences from the presenter, analysis of the outcomes of his actions, and possible solutions for their own situations.

PowerPoint Presentation (Icon PDF 16)

Hosting International Faculty
Session Chair and Presenter: Cathryn Clement, Texas A&M University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Presenter: Stephanie Curs, Texas A&M University
Many of us are familiar with the logistics of sending our faculty abroad, but what about hosting international faculty and administrators coming for collaborative research or training? This session will discuss the ins and outs of hosting international scholars at your university and in your community, how to use these visits as opportunities to help internationalize your campus, and how to ensure that both your institution and the visitor get the most of out of the experience. 

PowerPoint Presentation (Icon PDF 16)

India: Changing landscape and emerging recruitment practices
Session Chair and Presenter: Swaraj Nandan, Director, KIC UnivAssist
Presenter: Charlie Schwartz, Assistant Director, International Admissions, University of Cincinnati
With students from India representing 15% of all foreign students in U.S, it is important for international recruiting plans to incorporate a clearly defined strategy for India. This session will share key socio-economic trends that continue to make India attractive from a recruitment perspective. The presentation will provide insight into student, parent and counselor decision variables based on research and interviews conducted, discuss key factors to consider while creating an India recruiting plan and share recruiting practices being utilized by institutions.

International Enrollment Management on Your Campus

Session Chair and Presenter: Julie Sinclair, Michigan State University
Presenter: Dennis Dunham, Ph.D., University of Central Oklahoma
Are you interested in creating an international enrollment management (IEM) plan for your campus? In this session, presenters will cover the following areas of IEM: creating a plan, the role of data in both recruitment and retention, the importance of advocacy on campus, and how to find available resources for IEM. Interactive exercises in the session will help you identify how to support the work of IEM on your campus.

PowerPoint Presentation (Icon PDF 16)   Session Handout

Reaching international students in the digital age
Session Chair and Presenter: Mike Elms, Hotcourses Inc
The latest trends in reaching students online; covering student internet behavior, country-by-country the subjects and qualifications being searched and tips for improving your own school online media strategy. 

PowerPoint Presentation

Recertification: Easy as Review, Sign and Submit
Session Chair and Presenter: Regina Henry, Oklahoma State University
Presenters: Molly French, SEVP, Nathaniel Singletary, SEVP, Tandice Ghajar, SEVP
Representatives from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) will present information and guidance on Recertification. Highlights of this presentation include an overview of the Recertification process, Form I-17 adjudicable fields, updates, timelines, fee requirements and general instructions for a successful Recertification submission. SEVP representatives will also offer updated information on SEVIS II and Policy program initiatives. This session is suitable for all DSO/SEVIS Users.

PowerPoint Presentation

Best Practices For Assessment and How To Use the Data
Session Chair and Presenter: Adam Miller, Abroad101
Presenters: Mandy Prorok, University of Arkansas, Ashlee Flinn, Austin College
This session is focused on student assessment and evaluation of study abroad programs. We will discuss best practices on how to collect evaluations and assessments, what we can do to improve return rates of such forms and ways to meaningfully use the data collected. Aggregate data from several thousand students from over 100 universities will be presented. We will allow time for round table discussions for the participants to express current assessment challenges and offer potential solutions to their colleagues. This session will be presented from multiple perspectives including representatives from a university, a program provider and an evaluation professional

PowerPoint Presentation (Icon PDF 16)

Cultivating Successful Student Assistants
Session Chair and Presenter: Sumer Erdener, University of Oklahoma
Presenters: Sheena Connell, University of Oklahoma, Robyn Stewart, University of Oklahoma
Hiring a student assistant that fills the need of an international student services office, while providing the student with a meaningful life experience can be difficult. This session will cover ways to look for and hire student assistants, training methods and development opportunities, and staff mentoring. This session will also discuss ways to encourage your student assistants to become motivated, independent thinkers while still functioning as a team and maintaining good communication skills. 

PowerPoint Presentation

Elevating the Study Abroad Experience Through Branding
Session Chair and Presenter: Jeff Simpson, Oklahoma State University
Presenters: Mike Stone, Abroad101.com, Denver Miller, Global Student Experience
This session introduces the concept of branding, when applied to education abroad, as a way of promoting not only student engagement but also the identity of a study abroad office on campus. The use of branding and social media not only helps offices meet diverse program goals but also reach target audiences by providing increased options for student participation. This session will explore branding, with specific Region III cases, as a tool for generating more meaningful international experiences as an outcome of students' study abroad participation. 

PowerPoint Presentation (Icon PDF 16)

Session Handout

Expanding International Students Learning Opportunities
Session Chair and Presenter: Casie Shreve, University of Arkansas
Presenter: Cynthia Smith, Univeristy of Arkansas
It is known that once a student has become involved with their surroundings the likelihood of retention and new learning opportunities are very high. Come and learn how you can start a program that will offer international students the opportunity to connect with individuals and families from the community.

Get Involved: Integrating International Students in Campus Life
Session Chair and Presenter: Emily Yates, Texas A&M University
Presenter: Samantha Clement, Texas A&M University
One of the biggest predictors of student success has little to do with the classroom – participating in student activities and campus events plays an important role in developing students professionally and personally. This session will take a look at this “other” education and how to help international students find value in getting involved. We will discuss ideas for building programs for your students, how to utilize technology in programming efforts, and learn about best practices from colleagues with minimal impact on your office's workload. This session is for colleagues from campuses of all sizes that work with undergraduate and graduate students.

PowerPoint Presentation (Icon PDF 16)

Campus Sentinel Outreach Initiative
Session Chair and Presenter: David Ware, David Ware & Associates
Presenters: ICE Staff
The ICE Counterterrorism Criminal Enforcement Unit (CTCEU) has initiated Project Campus Sentinel as an outreach initiative in effort to build a business partnership between SEVIS-certified schools, colleges, universities and programs and the ICE offices within the local areas of responsibility. NAFSA Region III falls within the area of responsibility of the ICE New Orleans, El Paso, San Antonio, Dallas and Houston offices. In an effort to promote this outreach initiative CTCEU will provide a presentation with questions and answers to follow, giving the opportunity for ICE agents and their partners in the international student area of expertise to meet.

International Student Adjustment: Using Research to Inform Practice

Session Chair and Presenter: Julie Sinclair, Michigan State University
Presenter: Hoa Pham, Michigan State University
In this interactive session, presenters will discuss with attendees how to use available research on international student adjustment and campus support services to improve services that aid international students. Additionally, presenters will share their own research and findings related to adjustment of undergraduate international students.

PowerPoint Presentation (Icon PDF 16)Session Handout

Personal Learning Networks: Webs for Gathering Professional Information
Session Chair and Presenter: Ellen Clegg, ELS Language Centers
Personal Learning Networks (PLN) are conglomerations of Web 2.0 and social media tools that allow users to collect and share information. These resources are linked together with an aggregator that collects the feeds and keeps them prominently on one's home page. PLNs are used by professional educators to share information about the latest happenings in their fields. Through a PLN, an educator can build her own personal resources on current educational trends. PLNs promote life-long, informal learning. The presenter will provide information on setting up one's own Personal Learning Network and provide a handout for further exploration.

Retaining International Students: Bridging the Cultural and Academic Gap
Session Chair and Presenter: Linda K. Newsome, University of Leicester and Nurturing International Students
Presenter: Melody L. Lark, Ph.D., Claremont Graduate University and Nurturing International Students
This session aims to enhance participants' knowledge on the ways in which they can retain international students by meeting their cultural, social, and academic needs. The data is based on an empirical study conducted in the United Kingdom.

Recruiting and Marketing in the Web 2.0 World—the '11/12 Update
Session Chair and Presenter: Keith Jolie, LearnHub - NAFSA Global Associate
Using a combination of lecture, interactive, multimedia and group engagement, attendees will be led through a discussion that will provide an overview of available tools (Facebook, Twitter, among others), discuss the pros and cons of each, geo targeting, social media advertising, and social media policy. Attendees will gain a good understanding of relevant social media tools, as well as a framework that will allow them to develop a basic social media and marketing campaign to implement at their own school post-conference. Additionally participants will understand the role that social media policy plays in facilitating online discussions.

PowerPoint Presentation

Implementing Passport Services in an International Office
Session Chair and Presenter: Michael Clement, Texas A&M University Study Abroad Programs Office
This session will discuss the pros and cons of offering passport services, walk participants through applying to be a Passport Acceptance Facility, and provide a usable framework for initiating passport services at the participant's home institutions. A question and answer session will follow the presentation. After the session, attendees should be familiar with the risks and benefits of offering passport services — knowledge that will assist them in determining if this is an option they wish to pursue. Additionally, attendees will be familiar with the procedures needed to move forward and have their office designated as a Passport Acceptance Facility. They will also be equipped with a basic framework to follow when setting up passport services in their home institutions, including tested methods, tips, and available resources. 

PowerPoint Presentation

Many Agencies. One Voice: SEVP & USCIS answer your questions
Session Chair and Presenter: Regina Henry, Oklahoma State University
Presenters: Tandice Ghajar, SEVP, Katherine H. Westerlund, SEVP, USCIS staff
Enter into a discussion about current and upcoming issues in international education. Find out how these issues will affect you. Representatives from various agencies within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security answer your questions.

Thursday, October 27


Deemed Export Controls on Your Campus: Process and Procedures

Session Chair and Presenter: David A. M. Ware, JD, David Ware and Associates
Presenters: Loveness Schafer, Louisiana State University, Govt Rep Dept of Commerce, Export Control Attorney
Presenters address the US export control regime as it relates to non-immigrants in higher education, with regards to the petitioning process, and examine best practices on campuses for complying with the new Form 1-129 attestation. 

PowerPoint Presentation

Do Long-Distance Relationships Work (… when it comes to OPT employment reporting)?
Session Chair and Presenter: Marisa Ernst, Texas A&M University
Presenter: Amy Connolly, Texas A&M University
At any time of the year, 800 or more F-1 students on Texas A&M documents are on Post-Completion OPT. These students are required to update their DSO of any change of employment, address, or name. Actually getting students to fulfill these reporting requirements while on OPT continues to be an uphill struggle. We hope that by sharing information on how Texas A&M works with students on complying with reporting obligations will generate a conversation on innovative ways other institutions have developed to encourage student OPT reporting.

Travel to Restricted Regions and Countries with DOS Travel Warnings
Session Chair and Presenter: Courtney M. Balderas, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio
Presenters: Jose F. Martinez, University of Incarnate Word, Ken Felts, Stephen F. Austin State Univ, Harlan L. Smith, Director of OIS at UT Health Science Center at San Antonio
Brief overview of selected campus policies related to travel to restricted regions and countries that fall under a Department of State travel warning. In addition, the panel will examine countries that fall under Department of State travel warning but whose security situations are regionally unique. UTHSCSA, UIW, and SFASU send students and faculty abroad yearly and will share their unique experiences and policies for this travel. We will highlight important factors to take into consideration when making a final decision about whether or not to allow high risk travel and the insurance carriers recommended/used.

USCIS Texas Service Hot Topics
Session Chair and Presenter: Regina Henry, Oklahoma State University
Presenters: Jack Jaggers,USCIS , Maribel Gonzalez-Bush, USCIS
There are two topics presented in the session. “It All Starts with You”: The focus is on filing tips and best practices to ensure that the administrative and adjudication process flows smoothly and to avoid delays. Also presented is “Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization”. There will be highlights on various classifications, filing & eligibility requirements on OPT - EAD and EAD -Comb Card.

Using Internet Resources in Credential Evaluation: South America
Session Chair and Presenter: James Meyers, Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
Internet Resources are crucial to the work of foreign credential evaluators. In this session we will look at a few examples of how to effectively use free resources to determine institutional and program information and recognition. A few South American countries will be used as models, including Colombia and Brazil.

The A-Team / Study Abroad Reflections
Session Chair: Jane Clarke, Edge Hill University
Presenters: Mary Benner, Sharmari Reid, Darylin Lacie, Jason Blakeburn, Christopher Lamprecht, Maria Eugenia D'Ascanio, Oklahoma City University
This session will consist of a panel of Oklahoma City University students who studied abroad in the following countries -- Australia, Austria & Argentina. Each student will make a short presentation focusing on their experience. Following the presentations, a student moderator will field questions from the audience. Students will discuss the impact of study abroad on their personal, academic and professional life.

Student Activities Made Easy: How to Plan and Promote on a Budget
Session Chair and Presenter: Amy Dickerson, ELS Language Centers- Ruston
Presenter: Rebecca Guler, ELS Language Centers-Ruston
This session will show several ideas for local student activities and day/weekend trips. Participants will discover simple ways to use technology to help in planning and promoting activities, including budgeting/reporting through Excel, using Google Maps and Google Earth to plan routes and pit stops, marketing through image-enhanced group emails and social media, and saving money through online sources for tickets and hotels. 

PowerPoint Presentation   Session Handout 1    Session Handout 2    Session Handout 3

Coping with an International Student Death
Session Chair and Presenter: Samantha Clement, Texas A&M University
Presenters: Emily Yates, Texas A&M University, Adrea Dottavio, Texas A&M University
Would you know what to do if an international student died while attending your institution? As international educators, we are often so focused on our daily tasks that it is hard to take time to consider how we should respond in the event of a student death. The presenters will draw from their office's experiences to provide you with information and questions to consider that will be useful in helping your office prepare prior to such an emergency. Participants of this interactive seminar will work through case studies, share their experiences and ask questions to both the presenters and colleagues in the audience.

PowerPoint Presentation  Session Handout 1   Session Handout 2    Session Handout 3

Emergency Case Study 1    Emergency Case Study 2Emergency Case Study 3

RAP: Hands-on Practice in Analyzing International Credentials

Session Chair and Presenter: Barbara B. Glave, SpanTran Educational Services, Inc.
Presenters: Pilar Menéndez, SpanTran Ed Services, Emily Muñiz, SpanTran Ed Services
You've participated in training workshops; you've worked as a credentials analyst for several years. You have the tools: You know the methodology and the resources; you know how to network. You want more hands-on experience; you want to apply what you know, to practice analyzing credentials, to ferret out such details as document status, government recognition, academic level, and, especially, transferability. What you need is to attend this session at which two senior evaluators in-training will lead you in dissecting sample credentials to maximize your practical credentialing skills. 

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Case study 1      Case study 2      Case study 3       Case study 4        Case study 5      Case study 6

The Who What and How of the Visa Application Process
Session Chair and Presenter: Krista D. Tacey, Texas A&M University
This session will provide participants with a better understanding of the experience that international students and scholars go through during the visa acquisition process. We will explore basic information advisors need to know about their students' experience, including what documents they need to present and what to expect from the Consular Officer during the interview. In addition, we will review 214(b) and what it is, as well as discuss 221(g) and what it signifies. The session will culminate with visa acquisition role plays simulating a visa interview at a U.S. Consulate. 

PowerPoint Presentation     Session Handout

Working with EducationUSA to Achieve Success in International Recruitment
Session Chair and Presenter: Andrew Masloski, EducationUSA, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State
This session will explore the varied and innovative ways EducationUSA advising centers assist U.S. colleges and universities as well as international students. The comprehensive, impartial resources of U.S. State Department-supported EducationUSA network offer tools for effective international student recruitment. Learn how to promote your institution overseas, connect in person and virtually with the 400+ EducationUSA Centers worldwide, and find students who can successfully join your academic community. Find out how to access current information about the educational systems of 170 countries. Whether you're new to the field or a veteran, you're sure to learn something new.

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Cultural Integration in Study Abroad: How to break students out of the “Island Experience"
Session Chair and Presenter: Laura Brinkman, CIS Abroad - The Center for International Studies
Presenter: Bill Clabby, International Studies Abroad
This session is intended to be an open discussion and collaboration between university offices and providers on efforts to strengthen cultural integration abroad. This session will cover: • The trend of creating an “island” abroad. What does this look like? • How are universities and providers preparing students for cultural integration before they depart? How can both parties use literature, media, and pre-departure sessions to prepare students for the host culture? • While abroad, how can host universities and on-site staff use cultural activities and classroom components to better integrate students into the host culture? • How does cultural integration v “The Island” affect the education of a student and their overall experience abroad?

E-Verify: What E-very DSO Should Know Meeting
Session Chair and Presenter: Laura Struve, The University of Texas at Austin
Presenters: Laura Struve, University of Texas at Austin, Trisha Marrapese, University of Texas at Austin
The governmental employee work eligibility system, E-Verify, has existed since 2008, yet can still be a source of questions for employers, employees and peripheral personnel, like DSOs. This session will introduce foundational knowledge about E-Verify, how international students are effected by it, what the system's expectations are, and what our responsibilities as DSOs are in regards to authorizing employment and upholding its regulations. There will be a brief time for Q&A, and attendees are encouraged to share their knowledge and experience in an open forum.

Study Abroad in Mexico: Opportunities and Challenges for International Educators
Session Chair and Presenter: Alice Kloker, University of Oklahoma, College of International Studies
Presenters: Diana Arizaga, IFSA-Butler, Rodolfo Hernandez Guerro, UT Dallas, Center for US-Mexico Studies, Maria Lupita Fabregas, Oklahoma State University, Laura Moix, University of Arkansas, Wendy Sheets, The University of Tulsa
Mexico is the largest and arguably most diverse Spanish-speaking country in the world. Guadalajara alone hosts approximately 4,000 foreign students from all over the world. Yet the 2010 Open Doors report tells us that between 2008 and 2009, the number of US students studying abroad in Mexico dropped by over 26%. US State Department Travel Warnings have effectively shut down many programs in Mexico as students and families decide that Mexico as a whole is no longer safe. This session will address the question of how we can effectively and strategically promote educational engagement with Mexico in the current climate. 

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Navigating through Complex Practical Terms of CPT

Session Chair and Presenter: Tatiana Woldman, University of Texas at Austin
Presenters: Tatiana Woldman, University of Texas at Austin, Inessa Stepanenko, Trinity University, Margaret Luévano, University of Texas at Austin
CPT is one aspect of F-1 regulations that leaves a lot of room for interpretation. Bringing together the experiences of a large and a small institution the session will explore the ins and outs of establishing CPT policy that is right for your school. 

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Prezi: Put Pizazz in your Presentations for ISS and Study Abroad
Session Chair and Presenter: Mike Waldie, University of Arkansas
Presenters: Dr. Richard Carhart, Northeastern State University, Mandy Prorok, University of Arkansas
This session will introduce Prezi software as an innovative means to convey complex information to students and other interest groups. We will highlight the use of Prezi in immigration orientations, OPT seminars, and study abroad pre-departures by demonstrating the benefits of using this visually stimulating software. Participants will explore all aspects of developing a presentation from visualization to production.

Scholar Advising Update
Session Chair and Presenter: Loveness Schafer, Louisiana State University
Presenters: David A.M. Ware, David Ware & Associates, Dawn Cepica, Texas Tech University, Maribel Gonzales-Bush, Texas Service Center Employment Line
Presenters will review recent developments in immigration laws, regulations, policies and processes affecting international scholars. The focus will be on H, J and permanent residence.

What's The Risk?
Session Chair and Presenter: Anne Mahoney, Oklahoma State University
Presenters: Dr. Frank Hull, Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila, Dr. Peter Gess, Hendrix College, Maggie Murphy, Greenberg Traurig, LLP
When a country is on the State Department Warning list, is it really too risky to send students for study abroad purposes? This session will show how a large land grant university and a small liberal arts college had to rethink their approach to affected destinations and adjust tolerance levels to revise rigid "no travel" policies. Learn how to mitigate risks and prepare your students for adventurous travel. Included will be a legal perspective and thoughts from a university in a "warning" country.