Berkeley The University of California INTERNATIONAL OFFICE Five
Berkeley The University of California INTERNATIONAL OFFICE Five Year Review 2003 -2008 http: //International. Office. berkeley. edu
Berkeley BERKELEY INTERNATIONAL OFFICE (BIO) INTERNATIONAL OFFICE Vision In recognition of the importance of global understanding and in support of the university’s mission of excellence in teaching and research, Berkeley International Office strives to provide the highest level of service and programs. Mission Our mission is to enhance the academic experiences of international students and scholars by providing the highest levels of knowledge and expertise in advising, immigration services, advocacy, and programming to the UC Berkeley campus community. Key Services § Immigration and personal advising to over 3, 000 non-degree and degree seeking international § § § students, over 1, 500 summer session students, and over 2, 500 J visiting scholars Issuance of visa documents to students and scholars Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) reporting of F and J students and scholars H-1 B, O-1 and TN petitions and advising on related regulations Permanent Residency petitions and advising on related regulations General programs and services to students and scholars that support their arrival, adjustment and academic life while attending the University of California, Berkeley Advising and related services to campus administrators who work with international students and scholars
Berkeley INTERNATIONAL OFFICE CONTENTS Key Stakeholders 2. Growth Among Students and Scholars 3. Changes in Regulations 4. Strategic Plan 5. Organizational Changes 6. Budget 7. Collaboration with Stakeholders 8. Present Initiatives 9. Future Challenges 10. Conclusion 1. Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
1. KEY STAKEHOLDERS College Deans HR/ Payroll BIO Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
2. GROWTH AMONG STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS Berkeley INTERNATIONAL OFFICE This period witnessed unprecedented growth across the international student and scholar community: A. B. C. D. E. F. All degree-seeking international students Graduate international students Undergraduate international students Summer Session international students International research scholars International visiting student researchers Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley 2. GROWTH AMONG STUDENTS INTERNATIONAL OFFICE (A) All Degree – Seeking International Students 3300 28% growth over a five-year period 3100 3069 2900 2785 2700 2688 2678 2688 2500 2406 2300 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
2. GROWTH AMONG STUDENTS Berkeley INTERNATIONAL OFFICE (B) Graduate International Students § 4. 3% overall growth among graduate international students 1870 § slight decline between 2007 -08 1792 Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
2. GROWTH AMONG STUDENTS Berkeley INTERNATIONAL OFFICE (C) Undergraduate International Students 656 Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
2. GROWTH AMONG STUDENTS Berkeley INTERNATIONAL OFFICE (D) Summer Session International Students on F and J Visas Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley 2. GROWTH AMONG SCHOLARS INTERNATIONAL OFFICE (E) International J-1 Research Scholars 2700 31% growth among all research scholars 2565 2500 2398 2300 2245 2100 1900 2107 1960 1700 2003 -2004 -2005 -2006 -2007 -2008 Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley 2. GROWTH AMONG SCHOLARS INTERNATIONAL OFFICE (F) International Visiting Student Researchers (a subsection of international research scholars) 400 350 366% growth among international visiting student researchers over a five year period 374 331 300 256 250 193 200 150 100 81 50 0 2003 -2004 -2005 -2006 -2007 -2008 Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
3. CHANGES IN REGULATIONS Berkeley INTERNATIONAL OFFICE During this period there were multiple changes to regulations across various government agencies: A. U. S. Departments of State and Homeland Security B. Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) C. Background/Security Clearances D. Social Security Administration E. Department of Motor Vehicles Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
3. CHANGES IN REGULATIONS Berkeley INTERNATIONAL OFFICE (A) At U. S. Departments of State and Homeland Security § Numerous changes to F and J regulations during this period – more changes than in the entire period since the passing of the Immigration and Nationality Act in 1954 § Increased restrictions related to employment, travel and study § Greater scrutiny and reporting required of host institutions § Introduction of mandatory certification (and re-certification) of institutions to host international students and scholars; possibility of penalties or revocation of certifications for violations § Raised the bar on our delivery of services that required: § the addition of two student and scholar advisors to support the increased advising and document processing workload § the creation of a communications position to maintain web site, to communicate to stakeholders, and to develop self-guided tutorials for customers Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
3. CHANGES IN REGULATIONS Berkeley INTERNATIONAL OFFICE (B) Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) § Introduced in January 2003 § Database operated by the Department of Homeland Security § Collects and monitors information about international students and scholars; used for issuing F and J visas § Labor intensive and technology-based, resulting in the creation of three technical positions at BIO: 1. Programmer Analyst 2. SEVIS Coordinator 3. Computer Resource Specialist § Changed advisors’ roles to include a skill set that includes proficiency in database knowledge that allows them to issue visa documents and track student and scholar activity Failure to comply with SEVIS reporting requirements could result in the institution’s loss of certification to host international students and scholars. Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
3. CHANGES IN REGULATIONS: Berkeley INTERNATIONAL OFFICE (C) Background and Security Clearances § “FBI Checks” on applicants for change of status or change to permanent residency delay the ability of applicants such as faculty to gain permanent residency quickly, thus depriving them of their ability to apply for certain grants and making travel to international conferences inconvenient. § “The Technology Alert List Checks” cause delays in the ability of students and scholars to secure entry or re-entry visas. Makes travel for personal visits or for conferences a hardship. Delays take up to 4 months and more. When a scholar is subjected to a security check, up to 4 months of research activity is lost If a student is affected, an entire semester can be missed. There is an absence of transparency in the process – FBI and Technology Alert List Checks are handled by an agency in Washington D. C. without any avenue to expedite these checks. Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley INTERNATIONAL OFFICE 3. Changes in Regulations (D) At Social Security Administration § Employment now required to be eligible for Social Security Number (SSN) § Employment verification letters by school officials now required for applications § Ineligibility for Social Security Number creates inconveniences e. g. obtaining driver licenses § Requires verification of SSN applicants with Homeland Security database causing delays § Independent Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) now being used as an alternative to the SSN but hard to obtain Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley INTERNATIONAL OFFICE 3. Changes in Regulations (E) At the Department of Motor Vehicles § Introduction of the Real ID Act causing states to reexamine driver license provisions for non-residents § Spouses have difficulty obtaining a drivers license due to absence of a social security number – often get the “run-around” § Students and scholars are obtaining licenses that are limited to length of original program of study, causing problems for those who extend their stay Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley 4. STRATEGIC PLAN INTERNATIONAL OFFICE In 2004 a strategic planning process was initiated; four key strategic goals were identified: A. Optimize and expand existing resources (people, money, time, space, and technology). B. Enhance the role of BIO as an active participant in support of the teaching, research and outreach mission of the University. C. Develop a clear internal and external identity that supports our vision. D. Build and foster good working and service relationships. Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
4. STRATEGIC PLAN - ACCOMPLISHMENTS Goal A: Optimize and expand existing resources. (people, money, time, space, and technology) § Increased the revenue base of the unit by increasing recharge fees, renegotiating the summer session contract , and seeking temporary funding § Negotiated new contract with I-House to include more professional- looking, contiguous space and address overall costs – presently occupy 3, 011 sq. ft. § Added key positions to the unit, changed the organizational structure to make it more agile, and Developed annual performance goals for staff § Organized staff retreats to enhance communication, engage in strategic planning, and to build team work § Invested in technology – developed the Non-Immigrant Form and the Ad Hoc Report Writer – sophisticated tools to enhance the work of the unit Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley INTERNATIONAL OFFICE ORGANIZATIONAL CHART Ivor Emmanuel, Ph. D. , Director Don Bernstein, Programmer Analyst Ally Wu SEVIS Coordinator Jonathan Martinez, Computer Resource Specialist Laura Nikravesh, Communications Coordinator Lillian Torres, Business Manager /Analyst Maggie Mead Int’l Case Coordinator Marianne Callahan Financial Assistant Sook Hollingshead, Student & Scholar Adviser Rebecca Sablo, Student & Scholar Adviser Phil De. Neeve Scholar Adviser – Permanent Residency Ron Reeves, Scholar Adviser – H 1 B visas Kaetlin Miller, Student & Scholar Adviser Shannon Plath Student & Scholar Adviser Rosemary Yacono International Assistant Leticia Menchaca Int’l Case Coordinator Hierete Desta Int’l Case Coordinator Kevin Long, Student & Scholar Adviser Emeric Velasco International Assistant Maya Hann-Byrd Int’l Case Coordinator Pauline Filemoni Student & Scholar Adviser Lillian Otsuka Int’l Case Coordinator (20%) Student Assistants 1. 0 FTE Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
4. STRATEGIC PLAN - ACCOMPLISHMENTS Goal B: Enhance the role of BIO as an active participant in support of the teaching, research and outreach mission of the University. § Communicated with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, the Office of the Chief Counsel and UCOP General Counsel regarding various visa policies related to students, post docs and student interns § Collaborated with the Graduate Division and Student Affairs units to address various international student needs § Consulted with student organizations and other key stakeholders on BIO’s programs and services § Consulted with the International Education Committee on key issues related to visas for international scholars and employees § Presented to other stakeholders including the Student Life Committee of the Academic Senate, the ORU’s under the Vice Chancellor for Research, various faculty meetings in the College of Engineering and HR administrators on campus Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
4. STRATEGIC PLAN - ACCOMPLISHMENTS Goal C: Develop a clear internal and external identity that supports our vision. § Adapted services to be more responsive and accessible to customers: improved summer session support and created a drop-in and appointment system for students to see advisers § Offered a wide array of workshops for campus administrators that cover topics such as payroll, hiring, admission and arrival process, and cross-cultural issues § Organized programs to communicate our commitment and concern for customers e. g. a workshop after the Virginia Tech tragedy and a money management workshop in response to the economic climate § Developed new initiatives to address changes in student body, e. g. modified orientation and special web pages for undergraduate students § Changed our name to Berkeley International Office and developed a logo to convey a new identity Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
4. STRATEGIC PLAN - ACCOMPLISHMENTS Goal D: Build and foster good working and service relationships § Initiated regular, proactive communication and collaborative efforts with campus administrators to ensure timely arrival and support of visiting students and scholars. § Overhauled web site to make it more user friendly and provide more online resources for students, scholars and campus staff. § Introduced expedite services for J scholar work to increase responsiveness to campus units needs for fast and agile services. § Conducted an informal survey among peer institutions regarding permanent residency services for faculty. Concluded that the existing model of providing inhouse services is the most efficient. § Undertook an external review of our H 1 B services. The recommendations indicate that the employment-based area of the department requires a more streamlined approach to services In a recent survey conducted by the Graduate Division among 2 nd year Master's students and 3 rd year Ph. D. Students, the services of BIO received a 90% rating of Excellent to Good. Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
5. ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES Berkeley INTERNATIONAL OFFICE Key staffing changes were made to meet the growing demands on the unit: § Added staff support positions to enhance the work of the department and to allow advisers to focus on the work of immigration advising and visa document production § Created a lead student adviser and a lead J scholar adviser role with advisors reporting to these two positions § Rearranged the student and scholar model – allowing for advisers to advise both students and scholars § Greater emphasis on cross-training of staff for more efficient use of resources § Expanded the use of volunteers and paid students to accomplish various tasks Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley INTERNATIONAL OFFICE 6. BUDGET Aligned resources to meet the needs of the unit § Returned $168, 000 (including $30, 160 for next year) to the campus through permanent budget reductions § Sought and received $175, 000 over a two-year period in temporary funds § Increased Summer Session financial support from $25, 000 to $105, 000 § Raised recharge fees and added new fees resulting in about $500, 000 in additional revenue § Proposed a new student charge for all non-immigrant students that could increase our revenue by about $125, 000 Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley INTERNATIONAL OFFICE 6. BUDGET § Berkeley International Office received no new resources at the time the government mandated electronic tracking SEVIS database was implemented despite the increased workload. § Among all University of California campuses, UC Berkeley § has the lowest ratio of financial support per international student § is the only campus where the international office supports Summer Session students – that number (including students on tourist status) exceeded 1, 500 in 2008 § is the only campus where the international office pays its own rent Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
6. (A) BUDGET REDUCTIONS $488, 526 Berkeley INTERNATIONAL OFFICE 20000 Fund account for the period 2004 -2010 – includes 8% reduction for 09 -10 $377, 011 Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
6. (B) BUDGET – RECHARGE REVENUE Berkeley INTERNATIONAL OFFICE 138% growth for the period ’ 03 -’ 08 Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley INTERNATIONAL OFFICE 6. (C) BUDGET - REVENUE Chart Title $54 566 $75 000 $377, 011 $873, 092 Recharge Income Reg Fees Summer Session Temporary Funding Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley INTERNATIONAL OFFICE 6. (C) BUDGET COMPARISONS UC International Office Funds 19900 and 20000 January 2009 Students 19900 funds 20000 funds Total Ratio of $ Per Student 3069 1500 $0 $105, 000 – $377, 000 $105, 000 – $123 $70 UC Berkeley -Degree Seeking -Summer Session (contract based) UC Davis 2048 $318, 619 0 $318, 619 $155 UC Irvine 1622 $267, 733 $176, 026 $443, 759 $274 UC Los Angeles 5557 $161, 000 $695, 000 $856, 000 $154 UC Santa Barbara 1158 $407, 000 $95, 000 $502, 000 $434 UC San Diego 1754 $331, 014 $156, 900 $487, 914 $278 Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
7. COLLABORATION WITH STAKEHOLDERS Key initiatives that advance the work of BIO in support of our clients: § Interact regularly with government agencies: USCIS, Social Security Administration, and the Department of Motor Vehicles § Consult frequently on student matters with the Office of the Registrar, the Graduate Division, Tang Center, Career Center, undergraduate advising offices, Student Learning Center, and key graduate units § Work closely on scholar matters with a J Scholar Advisory Committee, Tang Center Insurance Office, Payroll and HR, and with larger customers such as Engineering Research Service Organization (ERSO), and other ORU’s § Liaise with the Financial Aid Office and with the Graduate Division in the administration of financial aid to undergraduate and graduate students § Maintain key contacts with campus administrators who work with international employees Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley INTERNATIONAL OFFICE 8. CURRENT INITIATIVES Work that is currently underway at BIO: § Developing a web-based scholar database to enhance data collection and to create electronic documents to replace paper § Reorganizing the employment-based functions to bring coherence to the H-1 B and P. R. areas § Modifying programs and services to improve public perception § Updating the strategic plan § Implementing J-1 student intern category option Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley INTERNATIONAL OFFICE 9. FUTURE CHALLENGES A. Projected Growth Among International Students and Scholars B. Changes to Immigration Policy/Practice C. Resource Constraints Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
FUTURE CHALLENGES: Berkeley INTERNATIONAL OFFICE A. Projected Growth Among International Students and Scholars Other than summer session which has been impacted by the global recession, at the current level of growth there will be a significant presence of international students and scholars at UC-Berkeley within the next few years. 1. 2. 3. 4. Projected Growth Among All International Students Projected Growth Among International Undergraduate Students Projected Growth Among International Summer Session Students on F and J Visas Projected Growth Among International Visiting Student Researchers (A Subsection of Research Scholars) Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley 9(A 1). FUTURE CHALLENGES: INTERNATIONAL OFFICE Projected Growth Among All International Students Projected enrollment of approximately 4, 000 international students by 2011 – a 25% growth rate Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley INTERNATIONAL OFFICE 9(A 2). FUTURE CHALLENGES: Projected Growth Among International Undergraduate Students 2000 1878 1800 1678 1600 1328 1400 1200 928 1000 800 651 666 Projected to grow 100% by 2011. 600 400 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
9(A 3). FUTURE CHALLENGES: Berkeley INTERNATIONAL OFFICE Projected Growth Among International Summer Session Students on F and J Visas Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley INTERNATIONAL OFFICE 9(A 4). FUTURE CHALLENGES: Projected Growth Among International Visiting Student Researchers (A Subsection of Research Scholars) 700 600 59% growth among international visiting student researchers based on an average over the last five years 593 520 500 447 374 400 331 300 200 100 0 2006 -2007 -2008 -2009 -2010 -2011 Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
9. FUTURE CHALLENGES: Berkeley INTERNATIONAL OFFICE B. Changes to Immigration Policy/Practice § Heightened interest in H 1 B visas: Introduction of a new immigration bill could have an impact on H 1 B visas; In addition, higher education faces a possible loss of visa cap exemption and possible new recruitment requirements for H 1 B employees § Security clearances: Will remain a problem without coordination of multiple government agencies § Visa retrogression: Permanent residency status for Indian and Chinese tenure track faculty will be a challenge § Introduction of SEVIS II by March 15, 2010: § paperless process of facilitating the entry of international students and scholars into the U. S. § will require continuous adaptation and infusion of resources to maintain campus level programming for the interface to succeed § additional monitoring and compliance requirements will increase workload burden § Proposed Dept. of State regulations: New insurance requirements, greater monitoring of dependents’ employment, and tighter deadlines imposed on schools to report activities of students and scholars Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
9. FUTURE CHALLENGES: Berkeley INTERNATIONAL OFFICE C. Resource Constraints § Growth Given their unique needs, the projected increase in enrollment of undergraduate international students along with the growth of research scholars will place a burden on the limited resources of the unit - this is heightened by the unionization of post-docs and their demand for specific immigration benefits § Changes to regulations/policy § The introduction of SEVIS II will result in more mandated services. § Current staffing levels will be insufficient to fulfill visa document production, SEVIS reporting requirements, advising capability, and front line services. § Technology A means to invest in technology must be identified to bring efficiencies into the workplace and to meet the ever evolving monitoring requirements of the federal government § Budgetary Climate In light of the budget constraints faced by the university, a budget oversight process must be identified to address the changing needs of the unit. Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
10. CONCLUSION Berkeley INTERNATIONAL OFFICE The changes to regulations coupled with the growth among students and scholars at UC Berkeley has been a challenge to the international office in a very limited resource environment. Evidence points to the fact that while the volume of work has increased in proportion to the growth, permanent funds to the unit has been decreased. The unit has been successful in adapting to these changes in recent years. However, looking ahead there is indication that: § there will be further increases in workload as a result of a rapidly growing client base § there continue to be sudden, unfunded mandates by the federal government with little prior notification § the university will continue to experience financial challenges resulting in reduced budgets and hiring freezes Given that this is happening all at the same time, considerable more stress is placed on staff. With new recertification processes in place, the likely exposure of the university to risk that is harmful to our teaching and research mission is increased. Accordingly, if future trends are to be realized, UC-Berkeley campus decision makers must consider this larger context in addressing the resource needs of BIO in support of the presence of international students and scholars. Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
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