Berkeley
The University of California
INTERNATIONAL
OFFICE
Three Year Review
2009-2011
http://InternationalOffice.berkeley.edu
CONTENTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Berkeley
INTERNATIONAL
OFFICE
Berkeley International Office: Vision, Mission and Services
Organizational Chart
Key Stakeholders
Statistical Data - Students and Scholars
Regulatory Update
Strategic Plan Accomplishments
A Snapshot of the Student Needs Assessment Survey - April 2011
Budget
Future Challenges
Conclusion
Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley
1. BERKELEY INTERNATIONAL OFFICE (BIO)
INTERNATIONAL
OFFICE
Vision
In recognition of the importance of global understanding and in support of the university’s mission of excellence in
teaching and research, Berkeley International Office strives to
provide the highest level of service and programs.
Mission
Our mission is to enhance the academic experiences of international students and scholars
by providing the highest levels of knowledge and expertise in advising, immigration services, advocacy, and
programming to the UC Berkeley campus community.
Key Services
 Immigration and personal advising to over 3,700 non-degree and degree seeking international






students, over 1,800 summer session students, and over 2,900 J visiting scholars
Issuance of visa documents to students and scholars
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) compliance for F and J students and scholars
H-1 B, O-1 and TN petitions and advising on related regulations
Permanent Residency petitions and advising on related regulations
General programs and services to students and scholars that support their arrival, adjustment and academic
life while attending the University of California, Berkeley
Advising and related services to campus administrators who work with international students and scholars
Berkeley
INTERNATIONAL
OFFICE
2. ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
Ivor Emmanuel, Ph.D.,
Director
Don Bernstein
Programmer Analyst
Jonathan Martinez
Data Mgr/CRS
Sook Hollingshead
Student & Scholar Adviser
Kaetlin Miller
Student & Scholar Adviser
Jazmin Pratt
Int’l. Scholar Case Coord.
Rico Johnson
Int’l. Scholar Case Coord.
Matthew Ostrander
SEVIS Coordinator
Rebecca Sablo
Student & Scholar Adviser
Kathy Shek
Student & Scholar Adviser
Theresa Estrada
Student & Scholar Adviser
Vacant / SAO II
Student & Scholar Adviser
Phil DeNeeve
Employment-Based
Adviser – PR Status
Lillian Torres, Business
Manager /Analyst
Laura Nikravesh
Communications Specialist
Mina Kalra
Employment-Based
Adviser H1-B Visas
Rita Gazdag
Admin. Assist. 3
Limited Appt.
Leticia Menchaca
Employment-Based Case
Coordinator
Student Assistants
1.0 FTE
Lillian Otsuka
Employment-Based Case
Coordinator
Evren Essner
Int’l. Student Case Coord.
Maggie Mead
Summer Session Case Coord.
Pauline Filemoni
Student & Scholar Adviser
Arielle Moire-Selvage Freitas
Int’l. Student Case Coord.
Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
3. KEY STAKEHOLDERS
Post Docs
College
Deans
Families
Research
Scholars
HR/
Payroll
Undergraduate
Students
Federal & State
Agencies:
DOS, DHS, SSA, DOL,
EDD, IPS, DMV, SEVP
Graduate
Division
Student
Affairs
Graduate
Students
BIO
Vice
Chancellor Research
Academic
Departments,
Faculty, Advisors
Organized
Research
Units
Affiliates:
LLNL, ICSI,
UC-Merced
Summer
Session
Campus
Administrators
International
Faculty
Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley
INTERNATIONAL
OFFICE
4. STATISTICAL DATA
(A) All Degree–Seeking International Students
4000
3775
3800
3600
3419
3400
3200
3069
3000
2800
2785
2678
2600
2005
2688
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley
INTERNATIONAL
OFFICE
4. STATISTICAL DATA
(B) Graduate Degree-Seeking International Students
1900
1885
1880
1870
1878
1860
1843
1840
1820
1804
1800
1780
1775
1760
1740
1720
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley
INTERNATIONAL
OFFICE
4. STATISTICAL DATA
(C) Undergraduate Degree-Seeking International Students
1800
1654
1600
1400
1270
1200
928
1000
800
675
651
666
2005
2006
2007
600
400
200
0
2008
2009
2010
Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley
INTERNATIONAL
OFFICE
4. STATISTICAL DATA
(D) Summer Session International Students on F and J Visas
2000
1810
1800
1600
1351
1400
1200
1008
1308
1059
1000
800
753
600
400
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
2010
Berkeley
INTERNATIONAL
OFFICE
4. STATISTICAL DATA
(E) International Scholars (J 1, H1B, TN, O visas)
3100
2950
2833
2900
2700
2565
2500
2398
2245
2300
2107
2100
1960
1900
1700
2003-2004
2004-2005
2005-2006
2006-2007
2007-2008
2008-2009
2009-2010
Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley
INTERNATIONAL
OFFICE
4. STATISTICAL DATA
(F) International Visiting Student Researchers
600
(a subsection of international research scholars)
537
500
466
374
400
331
300
256
193
200
100
0
81
2003-2004
2004-2005
2005-2006
2006-2007
2007-2008
2008-2009
2009-2010
Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley
INTERNATIONAL
OFFICE
5. REGULATORY UPDATE
This period did not witness significant changes to regulations across
government agencies. Activity during this period include:
 Additional employment benefits accorded to students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields
entailing more reporting and tracking.
 Increased reporting related to employment provisions for F students who have graduated.
 Introduction of a new J intern category.
 Introduction of new reporting requirements for H1B visas related to Deemed Export Control Act.
 Data integrity issues have been identified between the interface of various government agency databases
sometimes putting clients into a limbo status.
 SEVIS helpdesk support has deteriorated over time with customer response time being very slow. Introduction of
SEVIS II to be phased in by 2013.
 The National Security Entry-Exit Registration System has been eliminated, however other security clearance
measures remain in place.
 Obtaining driver licenses remain an issue for our clients.
 An audit of our Exchange Visitor Program was conducted by the US DOS. Preliminary feedback suggests that they
are monitoring our use of various categories of the J visa, and that it is their preference that the program be used
primarily to facilitate reciprocal exchanges.
Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley
INTERNATIONAL
OFFICE
6. STRATEGIC PLAN ACCOMPLISHMENTS
In 2008 the Berkeley International Office Strategic Plan was refreshed; four key strategic goals
were identified:
1.
Enhance the role of BIO as an active participant in support of the teaching, research and
outreach mission of the University.
2.
Communicate a clear identity that supports our vision.
3.
Build and foster good internal and external working and customer service relationships.
4.
Align resources to accommodate growth.
Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
GOAL 1: ENHANCE THE ROLE OF BIO AS AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT IN SUPPORT OF THE
TEACHING, RESEARCH AND OUTREACH MISSION OF THE UNIVERSITY.
 Created a class for undergraduate students to introduce them to American culture and U.S. higher education
 Regularly collaborate with academic units across the campus to address various international student needs including Law,
MFE, Engineering, MBA, etc.
 Collaborated with various Student Affairs units to improve service provision including Student Learning Center, Transfer
Student Center, Career Center, etc
 Collaborated with the VCR office and UCOP to implement new Export Control Act requirements.
 Consulted with student organizations and other key stakeholders on BIO’s programs and services
 Supported campus departmental efforts to recruit, hire and retain key faculty and staff (Department of Statistics, University
Relations, Intercollegiate Athletics, Office of the Chancellor, etc)
 Collaborated with the Tang Center and the VCR Office to identify and implement a health insurance program for visiting
scholars.
 Participated in various OE initiatives. Provided staffing for the High Performance Culture Initiative for Operational
Excellence and to chair the sub-group on Performance Management.
Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
GOAL 2: COMMUNICATE A CLEAR IDENTITY THAT SUPPORTS OUR VISION.
 Engaged in a measured but intentional effort to reposition our programs and services to a broad area that is beyond
immigration advising, visa document production and SEVIS reporting.
 Continuous improvement of services to be more responsive and accessible to customers: improved summer session support,
streamlined processing of H1B petitions.
 Introduced social media networks such as Facebook to increase communication.
 Organized programs to communicate our commitment and concern for students and families – during Spring 2011 a
combined 45 workshops were organized.
 Organized dependent orientation and ongoing programming.
 Organized Pre-arrival webinars for international students.
 Staff have presented at various departmental meetings, orientations and special sessions for students.
 Introduced new tax reporting resources (Cintax) and referrals for tax advising.
 Developed new initiatives to address changing demographic of the international student body, e.g. modified orientation and
special web pages for undergraduate students, introduced a special orientation session for parents, arranged for temporary
housing for new international students, provided transportation for students from temporary housing to permanent housing.
Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
GOAL 3: BUILD AND FOSTER GOOD INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL WORKING AND CUSTOMER
SERVICE RELATIONSHIPS
WHAT WE HAVE DONE INTERNALLY….
 Initiated internal unit level committees to work on strategic initiatives – continue to improve on this model.
 Introduced a new web site to make it more user friendly and provide more online resources for students, scholars
and campus staff.
 Conducted a needs assessment survey to understand students experience with campus wide services with an eye
towards increased collaboration and improved service provision.
 Streamlined H1B processes in response to an external review of our H1B services.
 Continue to build upon a successful cross-training model for staff to maximize resources and to provide a more
seamless service model.
 Emphasis on high performance with values that :
• Place strong emphasis on agility to respond to customer needs.
• Encourage internal and external consultation to inform decision making.
• Build an atmosphere of team work.
• Assume responsibility for our work without owning our work
Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
GOAL 3: BUILD AND FOSTER GOOD INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL WORKING AND CUSTOMER
SERVICE RELATIONSHIPS
WHAT WE HAVE DONE EXTERNALLY….
 Participated in trainings for college advisors including: Letter & Sciences, College of Engineering, College of
Environmental Design
 Initiated new workshops with Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Advocate Office, Transfer Center,
Student Learning Center, Scholarship Connection Office, Cal Alumni Office, and ASUC
 Conducted presentations in collaboration with Payroll and HR at GSAO meetings.
 Provided input and collaborated with New Student Services for CalSo and Welcome Week
 Strengthened liaisons with Student Organizations
 Provided Pre-arrival orientations at local community college feeders
 Continued offering of workshops for campus administrators that cover topics such as the challenges of working with
international students, admission and arrival process, and cross-cultural issues.
 Participation in Departmental Orientations - LLM, Summer LLM, Econ, Haas, Engineering
 Participated in Advisor Network Council (ANC) focus meeting to discuss international student enrollment
 Made presentations at Stay Day – an annual conference for advising staff on campus.
 Conducted staff trainings to implement e-scholar database
 Participated in Cal Day.
Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
GOAL 4: ALIGN RESOURCES TO ACCOMMODATE GROWTH.
 Increased the revenue base of the unit by moving summer session funding support to a recharge model, and
obtaining additional permanent registration fee funding.
 Created an additional student/scholar advisor position.
 Reassigned business support staff to focus on student client needs.
 As part of budget reductions, eliminated a full-time support staff position and moved towards seasonal help.
 Hired a replacement H1B Project/Policy Analyst that has served as a catalyst for improved services.
 Initiated steps to phase out a Project/Policy Analyst position for permanent residency and move towards a cross
training model.
 Introduced an on-line database for J scholars requests.
 Initiated steps towards an on-line database process for H1B petitions.
 Utilized technology to harness our work more extensively – introduced webinars for students, live streaming of
workshops, real time tracking of work progress, advance data sharing to facilitate visa applications, use of data
discrepancy triggers and use of bSpace to facilitate financial aid applications among others.
 To go green increased emphasis on scanning for data storage and use of RightFax for electronic submission of
faxes.
 Provided professional development opportunities for strategic alignment such as student affairs training and
leadership development.
Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley
7. A SNAPSHOT OF THE NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY - APRIL 2011
INTERNATIONAL
OFFICE
Reasons For Visiting BIO: All International Students
Response Percent
Response Count
Academic matters
32.6%
258
Employment Matters
29.0%
230
Financial Aid
20.6%
163
Personal/ Family matters
7.4%
59
Letters, documents and signatures
67.0%
531
BIO program and workshop information
17.4%
138
Tax matters
25.3%
200
Immigration and visa questions
60.0%
475
Payroll
8.8%
70
Total
792
Berkeley
INTERNATIONAL
OFFICE
Perception of BIO and BIO Staff
Agree
Somewhat Somewhat
Agree
Disagree
Disagree
Do not
know
Response
Count
I find BIO’s location to be accessible
54.0%
(428)
24.7%
(196)
9.6%
(76)
4.5%
(36)
7.1%
(56)
792
I view BIO as an advocate for
international students
43.7%
(346)
32.6%
(258)
8.3%
(66)
3.0%
(24)
12.4%
(98)
792
BIO staff is interested in my needs as an
international student
50.9%
(403)
30.9%
(245)
6.3%
(50)
1.3%
(10)
10.6%
(84)
792
Total
792
Berkeley
INTERNATIONAL
OFFICE
How satisfied are you with the BIO reception staff?
Agree
Somewhat Somewhat
Disagree
Agree
Disagree
Do not
know
Response
Count
Staff at the front desk are helpful
59.6%
(472)
23.1%
(183)
3.3%
(26)
1.1%
(9)
12.9%
(102)
792
Staff at the front desk are
knowledgeable
45.8%
(363)
30.3%
(240)
6.4%
(51)
2.3%
(18)
15.2%
(120)
792
Staff at the front desk are friendly
62.8%
(497)
20.7%
(164)
3.2%
(25)
0.8%
(6)
12.6%
(100)
792
Staff at the front desk are respectful
62.4%
(494)
21.5%
(170)
2.9%
(23)
0.5%
(4)
12.8%
(101)
792
Total
792
Berkeley
INTERNATIONAL
OFFICE
How satisfied are you with the BIO advising staff?
Agree
Somewhat
Agree
Somewhat
Disagree
Disagree
Do not know
Response
Count
Advisors understand my concerns
52.5%
(416)
23.7%
(188)
3.3% (26)
0.5% (4)
19.9%
(158)
792
Advisors are helpful
56.7%
(449)
20.7%
(164)
3.8% (30)
1.0% (8)
17.8%
(141)
792
Advisors provide useful information
54.2%
(429)
23.1%
(183)
3.7% (29)
0.9% (7)
18.2%
(144)
792
Advisors are courteous
56.9%
(451)
21.8%
(173)
2.5% (20)
0.6% (5)
18.1%
(143)
792
Advisors are knowledgeable
52.3%
(414)
24.1%
(191)
4.3% (34)
0.8% (6)
18.6%
(147)
792
Time provided to discuss my concerns is
adequate
48.9%
(387)
23.7%
(188)
5.4% (43)
1.4% (11)
20.6%
(163)
792
I find BIO advising staff to be accessible to me
50.5%
(400)
24.4%
(193)
5.3% (42)
1.5% (12)
18.3%
(145)
792
Advising staff is sensitive to my needs as an
international student
49.7%
(394)
24.5%
(194)
3.9% (31)
1.3% (10)
20.6%
(163)
792
I view BIO advisors as advocates for
international students
46.0%
(364)
25.6%
(203)
4.0% (32)
1.9% (15)
22.5%
(178)
792
Total
792
Berkeley
8. BUDGET - REVENUE
INTERNATIONAL
OFFICE
All Sources of Revenue for Fiscal year 2010-11
(as of March 2011)
$131,950
$763,770
$413,707
Recharge Revenue
Student Fees
Summer Session
Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley
8. (A) BUDGET- FUND 20000 – REG FEES THROUGH MARCH 2011
INTERNATIONAL
OFFICE
$505,000
$484,900
$485,000
$465,000
$445,000
$425,000
$413,707
$401,382
$405,000
$385,000
$396,885
$390,874
$378,921
$365,000
$378,785
$383,992
$345,000
$350,838
$325,000
2002-2003
2003-2004
2004-2005
2005-2006
2006-2007
2007-2008
2008-2009
2009-2010
2010-2011
Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley
8. (B) BUDGET – RECHARGE REVENUE THROUGH MARCH 2011
INTERNATIONAL
OFFICE
$1,200,000
$1,000,000
$800,000
$600,000
$400,000
$200,000
$-
2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11
Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley
INTERNATIONAL
OFFICE
8. (C) BUDGET – SUMMER SESSION REVENUE
$140,000
$120,000
$100,000
$80,000
$60,000
$40,000
$20,000
$-
2005-2006
2006-2007
2007-2008
2008-2009
2009-2010
2010-2011
Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley
INTERNATIONAL
OFFICE
9. FUTURE CHALLENGES
A.
Projected Growth Among International
Students
B.
Campus Services for International Students
C.
Technological Changes
D. Resource Constraints
Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley
INTERNATIONAL
OFFICE
9. FUTURE CHALLENGES:
A 1.Projected Growth Among All International Students
4800
4400
4300
4525
4675
4225
3800
3774
3419
3300
3069
2800
2785
2300
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley
INTERNATIONAL
OFFICE
9. FUTURE CHALLENGES:
A 2. Projected Growth Among International Undergraduate Students
3000
2500
2000
2100
1500
2500
2013
2014
1654
1270
1000
500
2275
2450
666
0
2007
928
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley
INTERNATIONAL
OFFICE
9. FUTURE CHALLENGES:
A 3. Projected Growth Among International Summer Session Students on
F and J Visas
3000
2500
2300
2400
2500
2100
2000
1810
1500
1000
1351
1308
2008
2009
1059
500
2007
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
Berkeley
INTERNATIONAL
OFFICE
9. FUTURE CHALLENGES:
A 4. Projected Growth Among International Visiting Student
Researchers (A Subsection of Research Scholars)
900
817
800
710
700
618
600
537
466
500
400
331
374
300
200
100
0
2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013
Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
FUTURE CHALLENGES:
B. CAMPUS SERVICES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
As newcomers to a new academic system and given their linguistic and cultural differences, the
needs of international students are unique. It would be in the strategic interest to the campus
to ensure that a broad array of programs and services be available to them across the campus.
Those include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Pre and post arrival academic advising.
Information covered by CalSo but not covered with international students.
ESL services.
More resources around Financial Aid.
Support for Social and Cultural activities.
Adequate services around international tax issues including specialized payroll services and independent
taxpayer identification numbers.
Closer support systems through the residence halls.
Closer attention to mental health issues.
Focused assistance with regard to post-graduation job seeking strategies.
More training for campus staff.
Given its unique role BIO will have to play a prominent role in providing some of these services and
advocating for others.
Berkeley
INTERNATIONAL
OFFICE
FUTURE CHALLENGES:
C. Technological Changes
 Transition to electronic databases to conduct work for scholars and employees.
 USCIS technology transformation and the limitations it places on clients.
 Keeping up with advances in technology and associated communication tools as it relates to overall
operations.
 Introduction of SEVIS II by September 2013:
 paperless process of facilitating the entry of international students and scholars into the
U.S.
 will require continuous adaptation and infusion of resources to maintain campus level
programming for the interface to succeed
 additional monitoring and compliance requirements will increase workload burden
Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
FUTURE CHALLENGES:
Berkeley
INTERNATIONAL
OFFICE
D. Resource Constraints
 Growth
 Given their unique needs, the growth in enrollment of undergraduate international students
will continue to place new competing expectations on delivery of services.
 Current staffing levels will be insufficient to meet these new expectations while also fulfilling
visa document production, SEVIS reporting requirements, and advising capability.
 Technological Changes
 The implementation of SEVIS II will require the infusion of more resources to deal with
new requirements.
 Acquisition and implementation of a new database for H1B and Permanent Residency
processing will require an infusion of resources.
 Budgetary Climate
In light of the budget constraints faced by the university, a budget oversight process must be
identified to address the changing needs of the unit as enrollment grows.
Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)
10. CONCLUSION
Berkeley
INTERNATIONAL
OFFICE
The growth among international students at UC Berkeley has been a challenge to the international
office in a very limited resource environment. Nevertheless, as results to a comprehensive needs
assessment survey suggest, the unit has been successful in adapting to these changes in recent
years.
At the same time, the many competing demands placed on the unit because of the unique needs
of undergraduate international students will continue to place a resource burden on the unit if we
were to attempt to meet all of these needs. This is heightened by the perception of students that
BIO should be providing services generally undertaken in the academic domain such as academic
advising when in fact those services are better provided by the colleges.
It would behoove the campus, therefore, that steps be undertaken to address the critical needs of
international students. This will position BIO to focus on mandated services and to assist students
to acclimate to campus and community life. This approach will likely reduce the exposure of the
university to risk that is harmful to our teaching and research mission. Accordingly, if future trends
are to be realized, UC-Berkeley campus decision makers must consider this larger context in
addressing the resource needs of key service units on campus that support the presence of
international students.
Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)