Orientation, Retention, and Student Services Programming

Cross-Campus Collaborations to Enhance Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion, and Equity (DBIE) Work

As institutions across the country help students navigate difficult conversations about identity and race, DBIE (Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion, and Equity) initiatives have become an increasingly urgent priority. How can ISSS practitioners understand the complex intersectionality of the

Effective Communication and Planning With Parents

Today’s student is accustomed to increased family involvement and interaction. These young adults often depend on their families for advice, guidance, and financial support throughout their university experiences and beyond. As a result, international education professionals have had to modify their

Successful International Student Peer Mentoring: Demonstrating #YouAreWelcomeHere in Onboarding and Orientation Programming

International students often face struggles with feeling welcome and integrated on campus, especially during times of global uncertainty. Join a panel of programmatic specialists from different institution types for a discussion of practices, successes, and challenges in peer mentoring through

Protecting International Students and Scholars from Scams

International students are vulnerable to scammers questioning their immigration status and requesting payment and personal information. In recent years, scammers have utilized increasingly sophisticated techniques to deceive and coerce students and can involve students’ family members as well

Effective Communication Plans and Platforms for the ISSS Office

Open and continuous communication between the institution, student and family is beneficial at all times, not just in times of crisis. This resource summarizes model practices for a communication plan to support students throughout their academic experience. Contributors to this resource include

Factors Influencing International Student Enrollment Growth and Decline

November 6, 2020

Latest Updates Active International Student Quick Facts March 2021 Update Updated data source: September 2020 SEVIS data SEVP data show there were a total of 905,277 active international student records in September 2020. Data covering August 2018 to January 2020 demonstrate an average decline of 1

International Students & Virtual Programming: Creating an Engaging Experience

In this Collegial Conversation, international educators supporting programming and engagement activities will address the processes, successes, and challenges for creating virtual events at different institution types. Discussions will also cover lessons learned and strategies for summer and fall

Supporting Sponsored Students from Pre-Arrival Through Graduation

This Collegial Conversation explored different ideas that provide support, leadership training, and programming for students with a scholarship. Participants discussed and shared how universities can work with scholarship providers to enhance the student’s experience and give back to the community.

Ewanna Wiley

Ewanna Wiley has 20 years of experience working with international students in both the US and the Middle East. As such, she has gained experience across the educational spectrum. Initially working with international students in a counseling and academic support role in the USA, she has also worked

International Student Orientation: A Common Thread

August 13, 2019

Orientation programs offer a unique and vital opportunity to provide "common threads" of information and resources to incoming students, in particular, international students seeking guidance on how to best approach and embrace their new environment. International student orientation models vary