EducationUSA Training Institute (Level 2)
Fall 2011 Proposal
From Members of Study Texas
1. Dates:
Preferred dates for on-campus portion of training are December 4-10, 2011.
2. Basic Information:
The Group Coordinator will be Meghan Pace from Angelo State University. Her contact
information is as follows:
Meghan Pace
International Student Services Counselor, Center for International Studies
Angelo State University, Member, Texas Tech University System
ASU Station #11035
San Angelo, TX 76909-1035
Phone: (325) 942-2083
Fax: (325) 942-2084
Email: meghan.pace@angelo.edu
Meghan will also act as the Institution Coordinator for Angelo State University.
Angelo State University, a member of the Texas Tech University System, delivers more than
100 majors and concentrations that lead to 42 undergraduate degrees, 25 master's
degrees, one doctoral degree, and one associate degree in the liberal arts, sciences, and
professional disciplines. Teaching is more than a classroom experience at Angelo State
University. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1, faculty are accessible and approachable
outside of class to help students feel at home on the ASU campus. Professors serve as mentors
and offer an unmatched level of care and dedication to their students.
Angelo State University is located in San Angelo, the center of a West Texas community of
about 100,000. Situated between the Hill Country to the southeast and the Rolling Plains
to the northwest, San Angelo is within just a few hours of driving from most locations across
the state.
There are currently over 6,500 students at Angelo State. Cultural student organizations and
campus-wide events create a second home for students attending from around the world. In a
learning-centered environment distinguished by its integration of teaching, research, creative
endeavor, service, and co-curricular experiences, ASU prepares students to be responsible
citizens and to have productive careers.
The following institutions and individuals will also be participating:
A.
University of North Texas:
Mr. Pieter Vermeulen
Director of International Recruitment
Phone: 940 369 7847
Fax: 940 565 4822
Email: Pieter.Vermeulen@UNT.edu
Website: www.international.unt.edu
UNT-International
307 South Avenue B
Sycamore Hall, Room 288C
Denton, Texas 76203
USA
UNT is an academically rigorous and rewarding university with a modest price tag. The
Princeton Review lists the University of North Texas as a “Best of the West” school and it has
also been named in the top 100 Best College Buys® for 14 consecutive years!
Located in Denton, Texas—just 30 minutes from the economically and culturally vibrant DallasFort Worth metroplex, UNT is a world-class school with a small-town feel. Denton is a safe and
friendly suburb with a warm climate. We offer an Intensive English Language Institute,
conditional admission to most programs, 97 bachelor degrees, 101 master degrees, and 49
doctoral degree programs.
Known for excellence, our programs are widely recognized and rated among the best in the
nation. We offer highly regarded programs in the Natural and Social Sciences, Engineering,
Information Science, Business, Journalism, Merchandising & Hospitality Management, Visual
and Performing Arts, Public Administration and Education.
There are currently over 36,500 students at the University of North Texas; over 2,700 of those
are international students from 121 countries around the globe! International students at UNT
enjoy a rich university experience and intensive academic career as a member of the diverse
student body. Cultural student organizations and campus-wide events create a second home for
students attending from around the world.
B. Texas Wesleyan University:
Mr. Andy Harris
International Programs
Texas Wesleyan University
1201 Wesleyan Street
Fort Worth, TX 76105
Tel: 817-531-4965
Fax: 817-531-4980
Email: aharris@txwes.edu
Texas Wesleyan University is a private university regionally accredited by the Commission on
Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate, master's,
Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association. Texas Wesleyan
University excels in its biology, education, law, computer science, and psychology programs. We
are ranked as a top tier regional university by the U.S. News and World Report. With a total
population of 3,300 and student-to-faculty ration of 14:1, Texas Wesleyan University strives to
provide exemplary educational programs with personalized attention from faculty and staff.
C. Baylor University
Mr. Anis Qourzal
International Recruitment Coordinator and Admissions Counselor
Baylor University
Phone: (254) 710-3435
Fax: (254) 710-3436
Email: Anis_Qourzal@baylor.edu
Cell: (254) 644-5152
Baylor University is a private university and a nationally ranked research institution with a
Christian heritage. Founded in 1845, Baylor is the oldest continually operating institution of
higher learning in Texas. With a very diverse population of 14,000, our students represent all 50
states and 86 countries.
Baylor consistently ranks in the top 100 national doctoral-granting universities by U.S.News &
World Report. The Engineering program was ranked No. 11 by U.S.News & World Report in 2010,
and the Business program ranked 57th in the Best Undergraduate Business Programs category by
U.S. News & World Report. Baylor is also listed for the sixth straight year as a “Best Buy” in the
2011 edition of The Fiske Guide to Colleges.
Baylor offers 151 baccalaureate, 76 master, 33 doctoral, and the juris doctor degree programs.
The active campus atmosphere is enhanced with 260 student organizations and numerous
opportunities for service to others.
The University consists of 11 academic units: College of Arts and Sciences, Hankamer School of
Business, School of Education, School of Engineering and Computer Science, School of Music,
School of Social Work, Honors College, Louise Herrington School of Nursing, School of Law,
George W. Truett Theological Seminary, and Graduate School.
D. Richland College
Thomas Adams
Coordinator, International/ESL Student Services
Richland College
12800 Abrams Road
Dallas,Texas 75243
Phone: (972) 238-6903 Phone
Fax: (972) 238-6165 Fax
Email: tadams@dcccd.edu
Richland College of the Dallas County Community College District was recognized as a recipient
of the Texas Award for Performance Excellence and the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality
Award. Both of these awards (http://www.richlandcollege.edu/thunderdoc/awards/php) are a
testament of this institution’s commitment of performance excellence.
Richland College’s mission of teaching, learning, and community building is reflected in very
course, program, and support service we offer. Richland College offers over 100 degrees and
has approximately 20,000 full and part-time students with over 1,100 of those being in F-1
student status.
The primary goal for international students is to complete an associate degree for transfer to a
university to complete a bachelor’s degree. Richland College works closely with universities and
currently has transfer guides/articulation agreements with more than fifty universities. Richland
College provides Core Curriculum required for all degrees.
The American English and Culture Institute offers an excellent intensive English program to
prepare those students not yet English proficient. The most common transfer universities
include the University of North Texas, the University of Texas at Dallas, the University of Texas at
Arlington, and Texas A&M University. The vision of Richland College is to become the best
place to learn, teach, and build sustainable local and world community.
3.
Proposal Narrative:
The above-mentioned Study Texas Members have joined together to submit this proposal as
host campuses. They will also be working with representatives from two other members,
Angelo State University and Northlake College, who will be participating in the training sessions..
These members believe that the diversity provided by each of their institutions, and the depth
of knowledge of each of the presenters will deliver a well-rounded program.
Sunday - December 4, 2011
Arrive in DFW metroplex. Group will be met at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport by
Meghan Pace (Angelo State University), Pieter Vermeulen (University of North Texas), and Andy
Harris (Texas Wesleyan University) and escorted to their hotel. Once the group has had a
chance to get situated in the hotel, they will then meet in lobby to take the bus to Texas
Wesleyan University for a welcome dinner.
Hotel Information:
Marriot Courtyard Fort Worth: Downtown/Blackstone
601 Main Street
Fort Worth, Texas, 76102
Phone: 817-885-8700
Fax: 817-885-8303
Monday - December 5, 2011
To provide them with some extra down time, all advisors should plan on having breakfast on
their own. There are many options within the hotel or at many nearby restaurants.
Pickup:
Group will meet in lobby of hotel for 7:45 am pickup. Arrive at Texas Wesleyan
University at 8:00 am.
Where:
Texas Wesleyan University
Louella Baker Martin Pavilion
Who:
Frederick G. Slabach, President of Texas Wesleyan University (to be confirmed)
Dr. Helena Bussell, Associate Provost (to be confirmed)
Andy Harris, Director of International Programs
John Singleton, TCU International Admissions (to be confirmed)
Dr. Carlos Martinez, Dean of the School of Education (to be confirmed)
Norma Vallejo, International Programs Coordinator
Chuck Burton, Asst. VP of Marketing and Communications (to be confirmed)
Holly Kiser, Director of Undergraduate Admissions (to be confirmed)
Beth Hargrove, Graduate Admissions Coordinator (to be confirmed)
Bethany Winkenweder, Graduate Recruiter (to be confirmed)
Chris Windsor, Assistant Dean of Students (to be confirmed)
Sharon Manson, Residence Life Director (to be confirmed)
8:00
Social time, coffee and pastries provided by Texas Wesleyan University Dining
Services.
9:00
Opening remarks from University President Frederick G. Slabach (to be
confirmed) and overview of international education initiatives from Dr. Helena
Bussell, Associate Provost (to be confirmed)
9:30
Specialized Topics in Undergraduate Admissions
Training staff: Andy Harris, Director of International Programs
John Singleton, TCU International Admissions (to be confirmed)
Dr. Carlos Martinez, Dean of the School of Education (to be
confirmed)
Norma Vallejo, International Programs Coordinator
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Tailoring application essays to specific institution/program types
Credential evaluation – how it is done by each campus, and what
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11:00
information should EducationUSA advisors provide?
Standardized test policies and requirement for international students
How to prepare supplementary materials, e.g. recommendation letters,
explanation of special circumstances, etc.
Common pitfalls on international student applications- case studies
Review and critique of application essays
Mock admissions panels
Admissions Marketing and Recruiting
Training staff: Chuck Burton, Asst. VP of Market and Communications
Holly Kiser, Director of Undergraduate Admissions
Beth Hargrove, Graduate Admissions Coordinator
Bethany Winkenweder, Graduate Recruiter
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“Target markets” for each institution – types of students they want to
recruit (graduate and undergraduate)
How institutions market themselves to attract students in their target
markets
Use of social media in the recruiting process
12:30
Lunch at Dora’s Café on campus
2:00
Collaborating with EducationUSA
Training staff: Dr. Helena Bussell, Associate Provost (to be confirmed)
Chris Windsor, Assistant Dean of Students (to be confirmed)
Sharon Manson, Residence Life Director (to be confirmed)
Andy Harris, Director of International Programs
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How EducationUSA advisors and on-campus staff (e.g. in admissions,
student services, etc.) can work together
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Student recruitment
Admissions process, including credential evaluations
Supporting students once they’re on campus
Developing institutional partnerships
3:30
Coffee Break
4:00
Campus tour then departure
5:15
Return to hotel
Tuesday – December 6, 2011
To provide them with some extra down time, all advisors should plan on having breakfast on
their own. There are many options within the hotel or at many nearby restaurants.
7:45
UNT bus picks up advisors at hotel in downtown Fort Worth.
8:45
Arrive on campus at UNT in Denton, Texas. Proceed to Graduate School.
9:00
Welcome by Dr. Richard Nader (Vice Provost for International Affairs) and Dr. James
Meernik (Dean, Toulouse Graduate School).
9:15
Introduction / overview of UNT by Emerald Eagle Scholar team.
9:30
Seminar: ‘Navigating International Graduate Admissions Challenges’
This session aims to familiarize advisors with key aspects of the graduate admissions
process including GPA and standardized test policies, conditional admission, personal
statements, the role of departmental academic advisors, and common pitfalls on
international student applications. During the session the advisors will work with our
team of international admissions evaluators on actual case studies.
Facilitators:
Robert Prather (UNT-I, Director of International Admissions and
Recruitment) and Benjamin Dearman (Director, Graduate
School Admissions & Student Services).
Participants:
Graduate School Admissions Coordinators and UNT-I application
evaluators.
11:30 Panel Discussion: ‘Roadmap to Grad. School: now you tell me…!’
Advisors will hear first-hand from current graduate students and Welcome Center
advisors about the information deficiencies and adjustments experiences of
international students as they embark on their studies in the US. Best practices of prearrival communication will be shared.
Facilitator:
Olga Greco (UNT-I, Director International Student Welcome Center)
Participants:
International graduate students, Yunju Langran (UNT-I Welcome Center
Coordinator) and Dana Modecai (Graduate School Orientation
Manager).
12:30 Lunch and campus tour by Emerald Eagle Scholars
2:00
Introduction and ‘Skyped’ virtual tour of Angelo State University
2:45
Master Class: ‘Impactful Communication Across Borders’
This session addresses various public speaking and presentation challenges where
advisors may experience that their message gets ‘lost in translation’.
Facilitator:
Pieter Vermeulen (UNT-I, Director of International Recruitment)
Participants:
Meghan Pace (Angelo State, International Student Services Counselor)
and Angelo State Communications faculty.
4:45
Advisors depart UNT-I to the bus
5:00
Bus leaves for downtown Denton
5:30
Dinner with Graduate Advisors on the square
7:00
Bus departs back to hotel
7:45
Arrive back at hotel downtown Fort Worth
Wednesday – December 7, 2011
To provide them with some extra down time, all advisors should plan on having breakfast on
their own. There are many options within the hotel or at many nearby restaurants.
Pickup: Group will meet in lobby of hotel for 8:00 am pickup.
9:00
Welcome by Zarina Blankenbaker, Vice-President for Teaching and Learning
Susan Barkley, Dean of World Languages, Cultures, and Communications
9:30
Introduction and overview of Richland College, North Lake College, and the Dallas
County Community College District
10:00 Seminar: Tuition and Fees
This session will educate participants on the advantage of community colleges and the
role community colleges play in educating students for transfer to universities. The
close working relationship between universities and community colleges will be
explored. Tuition and costs of community colleges will be compared with tuition and
costs of universities. Scholarships to area universities will be discussed. Current and
former F-1 students will be available to discuss experiences in a community college and
university transfer options.
Facilitators:
Thomas Adams, Coordinator, International/ELS Student Services
Samanthia Slaight, Director, International Education
Ewa Worth, International Student Coordinator
Maria Solis Houg, International Student Specialist
11:30 The American English and Culture Institute
Participants will visit the American English and Culture Institute and share the learning
experience of F-1 students in the intensive English program of Richland College. There
will be a question and answer session on the English requirements and the transition
from intensive English to college credit courses.
Facilitator:
Diana Urrutia, Associate Dean, World Languages, Cultures, and
Communications
12:00 Lunch and campus tour
2:00
Beyond the Classroom: Student Resources
Participants will visit the Multicultural Center and learn the process for international
student admissions. Current F-1 students will be available to discuss the process they
experienced. Participants will visit the Advising Center to discuss transfer guides and
articulation agreements with local universities. Disability Services will discuss resources
available to international students.
Facilitators:
Thomas Adams, Coordinator, International/ESL Student Services
Zina Gardner, Asst. Director of Academic Advising
Aliene Pylant, Senior Rehabilitation Specialist, Disability Services
4:45
Advisors depart to bus
5:00
Bus departs for evening destination
Thursday – December 8, 2011
To provide them with some extra down time, all advisors should plan on having breakfast on
their own. There are many options within the hotel or at many nearby restaurants.
Pickup:
Group will meet in lobby of hotel for 7:00 am pickup.
Where:
Baylor University
Who:
Sinda Vanderpool, Assistant Vice Provost for Enrollment Management
Bethany McGraw, Associate Dean for Judicial Affairs
Dr. Naymond Keathley, Interim Director, Center for International Education and
former Vice Provost
Session I:
Academic Structures and Requirements
Advisers will be introduced to Baylor’s academic programs, credit system and
degree requirements, as well as the support systems available to international
students, such as the Paul L. Foster Success Center and the P.A.W.S. Partner
program. The importance and implications of academic integrity will also be
discussed, focusing on situation case-studies.
Session II:
Meet the Academic Programs, Part 1: College Fair
During this session, representatives from the College of Arts & Sciences, School
of Education, School of Social Work, Honors College, Louise Herrington School of
Nursing, and School of Music, will meet with advisers and answer questions
about their respective departments. Representatives from Student Life and
Spiritual Life will also be present to discuss opportunities for campus and
community involvement as well as personal development outside the
classroom.
Lunch:
12:30 pm at the McMullen Faculty Center
Session III:
Meet the Academic Programs, Part 2: Department Visits
Representatives from the Hankamer School of Business, the School of
Engineering and Computer Science, and the Baylor Science Building will use this
time to answer Advisers’ questions before conducting personalized department
visits. Advisers will choose and attend individual and/or group visits of
departments and facilities of interest. These tours will feature special majors,
classrooms and state-of-the art laboratories.
Pickup:
Bus will meet group at 5pm for return to Fort Worth hotel.
Friday – December 9, 2011
To provide them with some extra down time, all advisors should plan on having breakfast on
their own. There are many options within the hotel or at many nearby restaurants.
Pickup:
Group will meet in lobby of hotel for 8:45 am pickup.
Where:
Texas Wesleyan University
Session I:
EducationUSA
Lunch:
12:30 pm
Pickup:
Bus will meet group at 5 pm. Group returned to hotel by 5:15 pm.
Saturday - December 10, 2011
We have budgeted for a bus to pick group up, but will work out details once we know more
about departures times.