International Student Services Advisory Subcommittee

Minutes of the meeting of November 1, 2007

Members present: Jane Ehle, Sue Skekloff

Associate Vice Chancellor Kenneth Christmon provided a current overview of  International Student Services, housed under the auspices of the Office of  Diversity and Multicultural Affairs. Ken is currently the Acting Director of International Services. He presented the four basic functions of the unit: outreach, admission procedures, maintenance of immigration status, and student development and campus climate activities.  He indicated that outreach is the biggest part of the job.  For the last three semesters the average number of international students on campus has been between 250 and 260.  The current general goal is to bring in 50 new students each year.  Right now, approximately 30 are new, and 15-20 are transfer students.  He noted that currently there is no position for an overseas recruiter. 

As Acting Director of ISS, Ken would like to see continued development and enhancement of programs and services for international students, for example, orientation activities.  He would like to pursue improvements in ISS office operations such as file transfer and upgraded equipment, and he emphasized the need for dual screen computers, a fax and a copier as examples of additions which would create much more efficient and accurate workflow.  He would like to strengthen the ties between ISS and the Office of International programs as well. Dual degree joint exchange programs for IPFW students and foreign students may be a means for creating a stronger connection between the two units. 

His biggest task right now is to hire a new director of ISS.  He highlighted the need of having an enrollment specialist in the position who is certified to handle the compliance regulations inherent in the management of the unit.  The broader goal is to have all staff trained and/or certified on compliance issues and bring the office up to the industry standard.  He is currently engaged in the search and screen process and hopes to have the new director in place in December. 

ISS subcommittee members will meet with Ken and the new director at our next meeting to be held in January.  In the meantime, Ken or Sue will contact Aaron Williamson for assistance in locating a student representative for ISS.

Minutes compiled by Sue Skekloff, ISS Subcommittee Chair