Overview of Assessment and Programmatic Change

Following departmental review and in response to comments and suggestions from students, faculty, staff and parents the following changes or new services were implemented during the last ten years:

General office/administrative/faculty Development

The International Studies Advisory Committee (ISAC) was formed. ISAC evaluates international programs, student applications, and the campus commitment to global awareness.

The position of Director of International Studies has grown from a part-time position to a full-time, twelve-month administrative position. In addition one student intern has been added to the staff.

A budget was created specifically to cover the Office of International Studies (OIS) expenses.

The Emergency Response Manual is distributed to all faculty members, who will accompany students on trips abroad.

Program development, which specifically benefits international students

Returning study-abroad students are matched with international students to help the later adjust to their new surroundings.

OIS provides access to rental cars for exchange students so that they can visit historical monuments and educational events.

OIS is working with Admissions to define and implement new ways of recruiting international students.

OIS and the Office of Admissions ask current international students to nominate students for the international student scholarship.

OIS is working with other offices on campus, GLTC and community leaders to restore public transportation to Sweet Briar.

International students are provided with a waiver to the SBC accident and sickness insurance, which offers better benefits, since most do not have other U.S. policies.

OIS sponsors bus trips to University of Virginia International Center events. These trips are open to the entire campus community.

OIS will provide tax software for international students for the first time this year.

An international student/host family program will be established next year.

Program development, which specifically benefits study abroad students

OIS maintains contact with students who are abroad through newsletters and email.

Study abroad exchange agreements were created with German and Italian universities.

OIS keeps students’ study abroad evaluations on file for future reference.

Returning study abroad students are invited to a reception, where information regarding re-entry shock is discussed.

Both parents and students are given information on re-entry shock when the students return from study abroad.

In addition to individual advisement sessions, Study Abroad Night is held to introduce all interested students to the many programs they can choose from.

International student ID cards are purchased for all study abroad students, who do not receive them from their study abroad programs. This provides much needed insurance.

The Families Guide to Study Abroad is distributed to all parents of students who will study abroad.

The Study Abroad Orientation Manual is distributed to all students who will study abroad.

Program development, which benefits all students/the campus community

Orientation programs are offered to all incoming international students as well as all study abroad students.

OIS and the Nations United club co-sponsor the International Banquet to introduce all members of the campus community to international cuisine.

OIS and the Chaplains Office hold events especially for international and study abroad students.

OIS works closely with career services to assist students to find positions abroad and international students who would like to participate in practical training.

The new international/multicultural room houses information on study abroad, and is available for tutoring and student meetings.

OIS is working with the Development Office to define and find funding to meet scholarship needs for study abroad and international students.