Ccga Unit Briefing Report

Unit Name
International Education

Contact Information
Dr. Jim Lynch
Interim Director of International Education

/ 912-279-5713

Unit Overview

The Office of International Education provides advising about study abroad and other educational exchange opportunities; works with students in finding funding and other resources for these experiences; ensures institutional compliance with U.S. immigration regulations; assists faculty and staff in identifying opportunities to acquire international education experiences; supports international students with campus enculturation; and stimulates general campus and community awareness of international issues and other cultures.

Key Goals (2016-17) Alignment with Coastal Vision 2021 Goals & Objectives

·  Promote a campus climate that fosters intercultural understanding and enriches the quality of life for faculty, staff and students.[1]

·  Increase faculty and staff awareness of and applications for Fulbright grants and other educational awards to support international teaching and research initiatives.[2]

·  Expand study abroad opportunities, interest and awareness to enrich students’ studies on an international scale that complements and extends the College curriculum.[3]

·  Develop and implement an international student recruitment plan that supports the College’s enrollment management goals.[4]

Points of Pride / Strengths

·  Created and maintain an international education operational structure with organizational policies and procedures enabling efficient and effective office administration

·  Contributed to the creation of several Memoranda of Understanding and Exchange Agreements involving new international partner institutions in Anguilla, Belize and Greece

·  Petitioned the Board of Directors of Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars to charter a chapter of the Society at the College of Coastal Georgia; petition was approved and inaugural members inducted in late April

·  Increased campus awareness of study abroad opportunities and the number of students planning to study abroad in 2017

Challenges

·  Increased costs associated with international travel discouraging students from study abroad

·  Lack of brand name recognition outside of southeast Georgia

·  Weak representation of global competencies in the General Education Core

·  Limited funds for international education programs and incentives for faculty, staff and students

[1] Strategic Goal A1. Enhance opportunities for student engagement by providing an educational, inclusive and socially responsible learning community within the College and beyond / Objective A1.5. Develop institution‐wide diversity initiatives that promote inclusion and global awareness

[2] Strategic Goal B2. Enhance and promote excellence in scholarship, creativity and teaching / Objective B2.2. Support reflective, interactive and experiential learning / Objective B2.5. Support faculty research and exchange opportunities abroad

[3] Strategic Goal B4. Extend high-impact learning practices and support current and new educational program offerings / Objective B4.5. Develop study abroad opportunities for students to gain a global perspective

[4] Strategic Goal: E7. Develop and sustain an organizational, fiscal and physical infrastructure that supports and enhances the college community / Objective E7.8. Maintain a sustainable enrollment management plan to ensure continued institutional growth and financial stability