A Message from the Associate Provost for International Programs

As we head into the holiday season, international politics and the pandemic continue to impact SCU’s global strategy, but I am happy to share that we are resuming global partnerships and programs to the extent that is possible. International students continue to be impacted by travel and immigration restrictions, as well. So amidst this climate I am delighted that U.S. President Biden has issued the Proclamation on Advancing the Safe Resumption of Global travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic. This is welcome news for all universities who value global diversity and intercultural learning, and directly impacts global partnerships, international research, international students, and students seeking education abroad.  

In addition, the Departments of State and Education have issued Joint Statement of Principles in Support of International Education. In their joint statement, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasize a shared commitment to promoting international education at home and abroad and highlighting the benefits of global academic engagement to all Americans.  

There are still many opportunities for engaging with global programs and initiatives, as you can see below.  I invite you to participate.

Best, 

Susan Popko
Associate Provost for International Programs

Updates and Upcoming Events

Planning Global Programs in the Time of COVID-19 presentation is TODAY, 12:00 noon, via Zoom. Register to attend or receive a link to the recording here.  

Student Global Engagement Fellowship applications for Spring 2021 are due October 30, 2021. Fellowships focus on Global Innovation  or Community Engagement. Fellows work with a team of 4 to 6 peers to build essential skills of cross-cultural teamwork and collaboration, concept design, and to develop innovative business solutions to global challenges. Up to 5 fellowships will be awarded. Contact studyabroad@scu.edu.  

Call for Faculty and Staff to Connect with International Students Through the iExchange Program.  We received a high number of interested students and are still looking for additional faculty and staff for this year. Faculty and Staff can register for the program by November 3 here.  Reasons to join: Gain new perspectives; Build a new relationship and enhance personal connections with students; Share your own experience and explore your own community in a new way; Be an ambassador for SCU and the Bay Area.

Annual State of Global Engagement presentation is Tuesday, November 16, 12:00 noon. This event will take place during International Education Week (IEW). Register for the State of Global Engagement hybrid presentation here. Those joining in-person will be provided with lunch to take away at the end of the session. Find more information about IEW events. 

2021-22 Funding for Faculty/Staff Global Initiatives Available. Are you interested in collaborating with a class at one of our international university partners or engaging an artist, musician or speaker with our campus?  Faculty and staff from all departments are encouraged to apply for funding to support projects or initiatives that promote global diversity or that bring international or intercultural events to campus. See Global Initiatives for more information and to apply.

International Education Week (IEW) 2021 is November 15-19. This annual celebration of international education and exchange is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education. Learn more and see SCU’s calendar of events here 

The higher education response to the Afghanistan refugee crisis continues and opportunities for engagement and support can be found here.

Undergraduate students: Applications for 2022-23 global programs are due January 3, 2022. Apply and learn more here.  In case you missed the Global Opportunities Expo last week you can access the on-demand videos of information sessions, goal-setting workshops and advising basics on the webpage as well in each program brochure. 

Undergraduates: Consider adding an International Studies Minor to your degree.  

Are you a faculty or staff member traveling abroad? Register Individual Faculty/Staff Travel. University-sponsored travel includes all student, faculty, staff travel funded or organized in any way through SCU as articulated in the University International Travel Policy and COVID-19 Addendum. Find out more about what is considered university-sponsored travel.

Is your department interested in hosting an international scholar or researcher? The deadline for Spring Quarter is November 1, 2021. Submit Proposals to host a visiting researcher or scholar here. Learn more about the benefits of hosting an international visiting faculty member or researcher in your department. Contact: scholars@scu.edu.

 

Student Spotlight

Jessica completed the MBA in Data Science and Business Analytics program while navigating the pandemic with three small children. She graduated in March 2021 and is currently working at Gilead Sciences. She was hired into Gilead’s CFO MBA Leadership Program, in which employees serve in two different one-year positions before being placed into a long-term role. Jessica is currently working in global commercial consolidation. Reflecting on her role, Jessica emphasized how the MBA program prepared her to see the whole picture, built confidence, expanded her network, and broadened her worldview. Jessica noted that her SCU experience has made her ready for the challenges that will come.

Jessica Yuan came to the US from Shanghai, China after earning a bachelor's degree in political science and public administration. She went on to earn a second bachelor’s degree in accounting in the US and is a CPA candidate. Jessica chose SCU’s MBA program due to the course flexibility, student diversity, and the strong alumni network.  While a student, Jessica served as the President for Graduate Women in Business and is proud to have organized in-person and virtual presentations. Jessica also helped to found the Leavey School of Business International Student Association. She is passionate about helping international students find their voice and speak up.

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