Community College Forum Challenges in the Community College

Challenge 1: Creating a successful orientation program for new international students. . . •

Challenge 2: Stimulating student involvement in International Student Association. . . • The problem

Challenge 3: Organizing the International Office, creating an effective division of labor or just

Other Challenges: What are you facing in your office? • How can community college

Thanks for coming. • Randy Bush, Butler Community College, rbush@butlercc. edu • Julie Pitts,

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Community College Forum: Challenges in the Community College International Office By Randy Bush Butler Community College Andover, Kansas

Challenge 1: Creating a successful orientation program for new international students. . . • Problems with the non-mandatory, one day orientation: lack of participation, students don’t take it seriously. • Developing a mandatory 8 -week orientation course: 2 hours per week, 1 credit hour. • Emphasis on strategies for academic success, introduction to student services, overview of F-1 visa regulations. • Improvement in academic success, compliance with F-1 regs, and attitude toward orientation.

Challenge 2: Stimulating student involvement in International Student Association. . . • The problem with meetings – no one wants to come. Try serving food, using subtle persuasion, even coercion. Timing and location are key. • Selecting leaders – competition is stimulating, cooperation is harder to achieve. Regional representatives may work – South Asia, East Africa, etc. – cultural connections are key. • What to do – students know best – food, music and dancing seem to be popular. Keep it simple.

Challenge 3: Organizing the International Office, creating an effective division of labor or just multitasking. . . • Too many community colleges undervalue the international program, creating a lack of leadership and organization. • Two strategies for survival: creating Specialists and breaking down various functions or going Generalist and having each person “do it all” • Problems in gaining support within entrenched administrative structures: lack of understanding and recognition of international programs.

Other Challenges: What are you facing in your office? • How can community college international educators better communicate and support each other? • How can Regional Community College Reps better serve your needs? • How can we advance community college interests within NAFSA?

Thanks for coming. • Randy Bush, Butler Community College, rbush@butlercc. edu • Julie Pitts, Johnson County Community College, jjpitts@jccc. edu • Jen Sydow, Scottsdale Community College, jen. sydow@sccmail. maricopa. edu