Programming Efforts at Michigan State University
When I first began working at the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS), I was hired to develop community outreach for the department that focused on creating special programming to help international students and scholars integrate into and adjust to the academic, cultural and social life at MSU. This included coordinating programs that would bring students from diverse backgrounds into contact with each other and make use of cultural differences as an educational resource on campus and in the community.
As part of the overall programming plan, OISS worked to promote intercultural understanding through training workshops geared toward MSU faculty, staff, students and the greater community to promote better cross-cultural awareness. As part of my professional development, I attended the Summer Institute for Intercultural Communication at Reed College. Part of my interest was including issues of social justice and studied under Dr. Kathryn Sorrells to gain understanding on bridging the intercultural and multicultural paradigms.
Below is a sampling of the programming and training I created and participated within as part of the OISS outreach initiatives:
Annual Programs
International Student Orientation
Dates: August
Location: Various campus locations
Partners: Campus and community
A week-long event which includes government check-in, tuberculosis screening, information sessions, social events, and academic orientation programs. Responsible for assembling campus and community volunteers to welcome over 1500 international students. Coordinated with Lansing airport to host welcome tables and coordinated with area taxi services to bring students to campus. Also worked with campus and community partners to host an event for parents whose children will be attending East Lansing Public Schools.
Resource Fair
Dates: August
Location: Breslin Center
Partners: Campus and community
The Resource Fair created a way for connecting new students to local resources attended by over 100 vendors and 1500 students. Through vendor participation and advertisements, I raised over $38,000 to support OISS programming efforts. Here's a quick snapshot of the fair: http://oiss.isp.msu.edu/multimedia/?id=1-14-28-103-ikdohq0welo
Coffee Hour
Dates: Every Friday during school year
Partners: Campus and community
Coordinated efforts to make Coffee Hour a staple event where international students can socialize with other international and domestic students, MSU faculty and staff, and greater Lansing community members. Campus organizations and student groups can sign up to host Weekly Coffee Hour to share culture or educate students about resources.
Global Festival
Dates: Every November
Location: MSU Union
Partners: Campus partners and the Community Volunteers for International Programs (CVIP)
MSU student organizations representing dozens of countries share their culture and talents through exhibits and demonstrations, exciting and colorful performances, a world gift shop and plenty of children’s activities. Catch a glimpse of our photo's here: https://picasaweb.google.com/117438390511505247695/GlobalFestival2010
East Lansing Welcomes the World
Dates: Every Fall semester
Location: East Lansing Public Library
Partners: Campus and community
Coordinated a reception hosted at the East Lansing Public Library with President Simon and important members of the East Lansing community. A short program, entertainment and refreshments offered. Bus transportation to the library provided from 3 pick-up points on campus for easier access.
Programs for Community Connection
I-SPEAK program
Dates: Various
Location: Area schools, community centers and retirement centers
Partners: Community Volunteers for International Programs (CVIP)
International Speakers Program places international students and scholars in area schools and community organizations for cultural presentations or performances.
One World; Many Stories
Dates: March
Location: K-12 schools and East Lansing Public library
Partners: Campus and community
This literacy program, geared towards young children within the East Lansing K-12 community is a multicultural initiative that promotes family reading practices with interactive events that expose children to a variety of cultures. Books highlight the importance of community participation, and celebrate global citizenship and understanding. My blog entry from one of my favorite programs highlights the event and this adorable video captures the excitement during the unveiling of the project: http://www.kaltura.com/index.php/kwidget/cache_st/1332181749/wid/_599132/uiconf_id/7796271/entry_id/1_rbfnxxhv
Translation/Interpretation
Dates: Various
Location: K-12 public schools
Partners: Students and community
International and domestic students utilize language skills to provide services to ELL and refugee families during parent/teacher conferences. OISS provided intercultural communication training to teachers and support staff in Lansing schools
Intercultural Communication and Social Justice Presentations
"A Journey through Intercultural Communication"- Broad Art Museum
"Communicating Effectively Across Cultures: Serving our International Student Population"- Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence (SARV) program
"Working with the "Other": Intercultural Training Workshop"- Residence Education and Housing Services
"MSU As An International University: Communication in a Globalized Workplace"- University Apartments Community Liaisons
"Intercultural Communication"- College of Communication Arts & Sciences
"Intercultural Communication"- MSU College of Law
"A Journey through Intercultural Communication"- College of Education (GIFT program)
"A Journey through Intercultural Communication"- Linking All Types of Teachers of Teachers to Intercultural Cross-Cultural Education (LATTICE)
"Culture Shock"- Mastercard Foundation Scholars
"Communicating Effectively Across Cultures"- Greater Lansing Visitors Bureau
"Connecting Cultures and Community"- Rotary Club
"Intercultural Communication and the Classroom"- Riddle Elementary, Lansing Public Schools
"The Gift of Community"- Ionia County Peace Community
"MSU Diversity Session for Management"- MSU Federal Credit Union
“Being an Ally When You’re In the Majority”- MSU Faculty Series