Applicant: Susan X. Smith
Project: Examining Residence Life Practices Abroad
Proposal Narrative: SIG
As Assistant Director of Residence Life at WKU, I am responsible for providing leadership to the HRL staff
as well as contribute to the development of intentional programming for the 5,000 undergraduate and
graduate students living in the more than 15 resident halls on our campus. As our institution’s
international reach expands and diversifies through increased participation in study abroad programs
and the growth of the international student population, it will be essential for HRL to provide
meaningful and effective programming to our residents that can enhance the WKU’s global focus and
advance our strategic plan.
Intellectually, I am able to imagine what a study abroad experience must be like for a first-generation
student—the fears and doubts they are plagued with prior to leaving and the excitement, curiosity, and
new perspectives they return with. Similarly, I can imagine how an international student might feel
about their sudden immersion in American culture and higher education, the challenges of being away
from home, without the familiarities of their language, food, etc. However, having never studied or
traveled abroad, I lack the relevant firsthand experience that would enable me to not only relate better
to both our international and study abroad students but would also provide me the necessary frame of
reference to be able to develop my staff in ways that support both populations and to create intentional
residence life programming geared to expanding our student’s intercultural awareness and intellectual
curiosity.
I propose to travel to Harlaxton College to shadow the residence staff at the Manor for a full week. I
would reside in the Manor, observing the student residence experience. Harlaxton College hosts
approximately 350 students each academic year—with nearly 80 of those being WKU students. All
students and faculty reside in the Manor—which boasts an impressive calendar of programming and
events each year. My general objectives for this visit are as follows:
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Gain a better understanding of the obstacles our students face when pursuing an international
experience—(i.e., put myself in their shoes);
Gain a better understanding of what our international students might face at WKU by
experiencing a new culture and being forced out of my “comfort zone”;
Shadow and learn from peers in the residence life field about best practices;
Utilize this experience to enhance the services and programming provided by the HRL team to
support international education abroad and on the WKU campus;
Create stronger ties between HRL and other relevant units in carrying out WKU’s
internationalization goals (SAGL, ISSS, OIP, OIDI, Student Activities, etc.).
Prior to visiting Harlaxton, I will meet with SAGL and ISSS in order to expand my knowledge of the
student experience from both perspectives. I will explore the topics of retention, promotion of
education abroad, intercultural understanding, and international student integration.
The following are the measurable outcomes of this project:
Comment [CA1]: PRIORITY MET: staff member
with little to no international experience.
Comment [CA2]: PRIORITY MET: utilizes an
existing partner. Harlaxton is just one in a long list
of affiliates and partners that staff may utilize for
their proposals.
Applicant: Susan X. Smith
Project: Examining Residence Life Practices Abroad
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Maximize the investment for HRL by presenting on my experience to my colleagues and sharing
the knowledge gained as a result of this experience;
Develop and implement training modules for HRL staff designed to:
a) Educate on the challenges and issues facing international students;
b) Educate on the value of the education abroad experience for WKU students—
particularly as it relates to student retention and success;
c) Train them in developing programming with a global focus that will provide the resource
and tools to promote study abroad and facilitate international student integration. This
training would become part of annual series for HRL staff.
Oversee the design and implementation of 8-10 globally focused programs across the residence
halls annually—both independent and in collaboration with other stakeholders (SAGL, OIP, OSD,
Honors, Student Activities, etc.).
Describe plans for long-term sustainability.
The mandatory annual training and resources developed as a result of this program will impact how our
staff works with students and designs programming.
Does your program build upon current WKU internationalization initiatives? If so, how?
Increasing the number and diversity of students who study abroad is a university objective--as is the
development of programming that promotes global perspectives. This project would contribute to both
of these objectives.
How will WKU students benefit from your proposed international experience?
WKU students will have more opportunities to engage with cultures other than their own. They will
receive better support from HRL staff when considering to study abroad, when arriving to WKU from
another country.
What prior experiences have you had that are likely to contribute to success?
I have a Certificate in International Students Services which I received while pursuing my M.Ed. at WKU
in Student Affairs.
How will you assess and/or demonstrate the effect of your experience at promoting overall WKU
internationalization goals?
An increase in globally-themed or focused programming along with a greater number of events
marketing international education experiences.
Comment [CA3]: Sustainability
Applicant: Susan X. Smith
Project: Examining Residence Life Practices Abroad
BUDGET NARRATIVE: SIG
TRANSPORTATION:
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Roundtrip flight from Nashville to Detroit to London: $1160
Train from London Heathrow to Harlaxton Manor: $78.00 each way
Cab from Heathrow to Kingscross: $25 each way
Cab from Grantham to Harlaxton: $15 each way
ACCOMMODATIONS: Harlaxton Manor: $40/night for 6 nights. Harlaxton provided housing at a
reduced rate due to our partnership.
PER DIEM: $16.80/day for two afternoons in Detroit for layover, $94.00/day for 5 days in UK