Region XII Northern District Conference
“Changing Landscape of International Education”
JFK University, Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Schedule
8:30 -9:00 am
9:00-10:15 am
10:15 -10:30 am
10:30 -11:45 am
12:00 -1:30 pm
1:45 - 3:00 pm
3:05 - 3:20 pm
9:00-10:15 am
Registration, light breakfast
Session 1
Break
Session 2
Luncheon
Session 3
Raffle (must be present to win)
Session 1
Family Based Immigration and Adjustment of Status (ISSS)
This session focuses on family based immigration and provides a basic understanding of immigrant
visas and non-immigrant visas available to immediate relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent
residents. The session provides an overview of immigrant visa preference categories, the visa
bulletin, adjustment of status, consular processing and citizenship. This session also highlights issues
related to F-1/J-1 visa holders during the permanent residency process.
Presenters: Charina Garcia, Attorney, Cornerstone Law Group
Melissa Harms, Attorney, Law Offices of Melissa Harms
J-1 Scholar Overview for F-1 Advisors (ISSS)
This session will be focused on giving a practical overview for advisors who work with F-1 students
and want a better understanding of the J-1 scholar status. The session will cover regulations for J-1
scholars and their families who also want to study, including when it may be best to change to F-1
status. In addition, we will offer tips on advising F-1 students who may be interested in changing to a
J-1 scholar status, including the advantages and disadvantages of using a J-1.
Presenters: Margaret Hellwarth, Assistant Director, UC Davis
Simone Kueltz, Lead J-1 Advisor, UC Davis
Using Social Media to Build Innovative Student Engagement Platforms, Programs &
Workshops’ — A Case Study for Study Abroad Professionals (EA)
This session focuses on presenting best practices for engaging study abroad students (prospective,
current, and alumni) in new and innovative ways. Particular emphasis is on analyzing the recent
success of an International Education Week workshop that was offered at UC Davis: “Study Abroad
Blogging & Jobs Workshop: ‘How Using Social Media and Telling Your Study Abroad Story Can Help
You Land a Job After Graduation’
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Presenter: Blake N. Cooper, Marketing, Outreach, & Social Media Professional, University of
California—Davis, Education Abroad Center
Social Connectedness in Students (RAP, EA, IEL, ISSS, TLS)
The impact of stress and a lack of social connectedness are far-reaching, ranging from lower
academic performance to decreased mental and physical health. In this workshop, we discuss the
impact of social connectedness on the student community, and talk about practical approaches to
decrease stress, increase a sense of connectedness to the campus, and increase social
responsibility, particularly amongst international students.
Presenter: Rekha Kodialbail, Program Director, International Association for Human Values
Culture shock: Myth or Reality-Curriculum for Assimilation into American CultureInternational Students.
This session allows students, with the facilitation of a faculty moderator, to share their experiences of
assimilating to US culture. If certain patterns emerge, does this prove that culture shock is a myth?
Should institutions develop curricula introducing students to our culture or is this an unnecessary
expense?
Presenter: Nushi Safinya, Consultant, International Education
10:30 -11:45 am
Session 2
Port-of-Entry and Deferred Inspections in San Francisco Session (ISSS)
Representatives from Field Operations at the San Francisco International Airport, Deferred
Inspections and CBP in San Francisco will talk about the inspection process when a student or
scholar enters the U.S. Participants learn about the process at the airport, and at the deferred
inspections station (at Sansome St. in San Francisco). Short Q&A, if time permits.
Moderator: Rolando Villalobos
Presenters: Representatives from DHS
Technology Transforms (TLS, IEL, EA)
Today’s technology is providing incredible ways to teach our students about the world. Come to this
session to learn how a student-led field trip to Beijing’s Forbidden City turned into an international
lesson on China’s history. This session is ideal for educators interested in technology and the global
classroom.
Presenter: Stuart Ralston, International First-Year Experience Manager, Academy of Arts University
The Development of an International Student Advisor: A Grounded Theory Study (ISSS)
As internationalization moves to the center of institutional agendas, International Student Advisors
occupy a unique role in the landscape of higher education. This session discusses the preliminary
findings of a research study that examines the professional experience of practitioners. Participants
are invited to contribute their experience and perspectives.
Presenter: Kathy Sparaco, Graduate Student, Drexel University
Developing an International Student Association on Your Campus (TLS, IEL)
This session will provide information and discussion about the development and implementation of an
International Student Association at your college campus. More than a student club, we will share
ideas about how an ISA encourages globalization and promotes diversity by leadership training,
student involvement, and developing meaningful opportunities which benefits all students and the
campus community.
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Presenters: Jamil Malik, American River College
John Hess, English Professor, American River College
Hot Topics In RAP/IEM (RAP)
As soon as we think we know what is what, the game changes. Whether the game changers are
internal or external, this session will attempt to address the best practices and methods available for
dealing with change. Topics include student populations, strategic planning and getting a voice, social
media, training and other items attendees wish to bring to the table.
Presenter: Lin Larson, UC Berkeley
12:00 -1:30 pm
LUNCHEON
1:45 - 3:00 pm
Session 3
USCIS Updates: Transformation (ISSS)
As part of the changing landscape of international education, the USCIS is embarking on an
enterprise-wide Transformation Program that will transition the agency from a paper-based system to
a centralized and consolidated environment. Join USCIS Officers for an update of Transformation and
an overview of the services available at the USCIS San Jose Field Office.
Presenters: Gina M. Ippolito, International Scholar Advisor, University of California, Santa Cruz,
Lucee Rosemarie Fan, USCIS Officer, Community Relations Officer,
USCIS Representative from San Jose Field Office
From Student to Employee: A Review of the 17 month STEM and Cap Gap Extensions (ISSS)
In addition to providing an overview of OPT extension eligibility and application parameters,
this session covers other important issues that may arise during the transition from student
to employee.
Presenter: Lisa Harris, International Student Advisor, San Jose State University
Expanding the Landscape Orientating International Students from Afar (RAP, ISSS)
Recent budget cuts have resulted in reduced course offerings at California public higher education
campuses, while the economic downturn has resulted in increased enrollments. Therefore, providing
a thorough and timely orientation for new students is more important than ever. Diablo Valley College
has instituted an online orientation which allows admitted students to register for classes after they
complete a mandatory online orientation. This presentation will describe the history and process of
DVC’s online orientation.
Presenters: Ligia Morcillo, DSO, Diablo Valley College
Mark Isham, International Student Academic Counselor
Assessing English Language Programs (IEP)
In 2010 president Barack Obama signed Public Law 111-306 requiring all English Language
Programs to have initiated an accreditation process no later than January 2013 .This can happen
through WASC, university based programs, and for proprietary programs through Accet or CEA
(Commission for English Language Accreditation). In an ever increasing world of international
students, this accreditation process requires a substantial amount of time and money.
Presenters discuss the process of meeting the accreditation process and share experiences of
programs that have gone through a review.
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Presenters: Nushi Safinya, Consultant, International Education
George Carter, Commissioner for Accet
Sally Conover, Diablo Valley College
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