2014-2015 annual reportsponsored student programs increased infrastructure to support 62 students...

International Center, 2014 - 2015 Annual Report of 21

INTERNATIONAL CENTER 2014-2015 Annual Report

Compiled by Natalie Ayala, Business Manager

Cristen Casey, Assistant Vice President for International Programs

Rodolfo Hernandez, Director for International Partnerships

Lisabeth Lassiter, Director for Education Abroad and Intercultural Programs

Imperio Shanks, Assistant Director for International Risk and Safety and Development

Eve Su, Technology Manager

Josephine Vitta, Director for International Student Services

Submitted by Cristen Casey, Assistant Vice President for International Programs


Executive Summary ..................................................................................................................................................... 3

Program Unit Information.......................................................................................................................................... 5

Programs and Services Activity

Two Year Activity Summary ........................................................................................................................ 6

Int'l Student Recruitment and Retention .................................................................................................... 8

Int'l Employment Success / Readiness ....................................................................................................... 10

Int'l Research and Faculty Development .................................................................................................. 11

Global Citizenship and Engagement ......................................................................................................... 12

Sponsored Students and J-1 Programs ...................................................................................................... 13

SEVIS reporting and F-1 Program ............................................................................................................ 15

Summary of Assessment Report ............................................................................................................................... 15

Professional Staff Activity Report ............................................................................................................................ 18


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The International Center (IC) strives to impact the UT Dallas campus community in several ways. To

reduce barriers and increase opportunity for foreign nationals to come to the United States for study,

research or work in collaboration with, and for the benefit of, UT Dallas. To offer diverse and varied

opportunities for UT Dallas students to engage in global experiences. To partner with Academic Affairs

and other key UT Dallas constituents, with international agencies, organizations and universities, with

students and alumni, and with local and national community representatives to engage in a dialogue about

the impact of globalization on our country, state, university, and selves. To provide options for our

community to access the opportunities made available in UT Dallas' growing international landscape.

The International Center encompasses

five departments whose activities are

included in this report: International

Student Services, Intercultural

Programs, Education Abroad,

International Risk and Safety,

International Partnership Development.

Programs and services are organized

around six strategic threads:

international student recruitment and

retention, international employment

success/ readiness, alumni programs,

global citizenship and engagement,

internationalization of curriculum, and

international research and development.

Administrative goals are designed to

reflect UT Dallas' evolving institutional

goals, and are carried out in partnership

with many academic and administrative

units. Newly articulated goals include

increasing international recruitment

mechanisms, increasing international

alumni involvement, expanding

participation in university sponsored/ vetted education abroad experiences, adding J-1 programs and

services, and expanding mentoring and leadership programs for international students.

The UT Dallas International Center's 2014-15 progress has been marked by clarification of organizational

and strategic priorities, strengthening of infrastructure that will support future growth and integrity in

education abroad, partnership development, risk and safety programs, and by severe regulatory changes

impacting international students.

International Center Points of Pride.

Establishment of IC strategic planning foundation, including strategic initiatives, goals, and

objectives.

UT Dallas named as number one in the State of Texas in number of F-1 international students and

number nineteen nationwide. UT Dallas established as number five nationwide in terms of

international enrollment growth.* Quick and effective response to rapidly changing regulatory

environment for F-1 and J-1 students, including expansion of SEVIS reporting requirements and

high growth of student population.


New services for incoming international students, including a peer mentoring program added to

international student orientation, webinar to address student questions before they arrive in the U.S.,

and an ISSO app for iPhone and android- first in Texas! iFriend Program expansion by 40% in

AY15 from 126 pairs to 189, with weekly guided conversations designed to enrich students' global

knowledge and learning.

Education Abroad expanded, giving students access to opportunities more quickly, easily, and with

more confidence. Added an online EA database for approved programs, re-introduced the study

abroad fair, held EA interest sessions. Celebrated International Education Week for the first time in

many years, to highlight international education opportunities and accomplishments at UT Dallas.

International partnerships now include 81 agreements with 54 partners in 20 countries, an increase

of 10% of partners from last academic year. Faculty-led programs increased by 19% in AY15,

with 36% more students going abroad for a course taught by UT Dallas faculty in an international

destination. International Partnership Development services expanded to include a campus-wide

committee evaluation, assessment tools, and a mechanism to close expired partnerships.

Risk and Safety services expanded to include traveler toolkits, pre-trip security briefings,

emergency outreach, streamlining of insurance coverage for business travelers, centralized alerts

and travel notifications in the high risk regions online tool, and special reports on topics impacting

travel.

Sponsored student programs increased infrastructure to support 62 students and researchers in

AY2015, funded by an external sponsoring agency such as CONACYT, BSMP, IIE-CAPES,

Fulbright, AMIDEAST, LASPAU, SACM, etc. Two new J-1 programs were added.

The international student population, and the international alumni for whom the International Center is

responsible to monitor, advise, and report, has continued its significant rise. Alumni enrollment in the

F-1 SEVIS employment program has increased by 650% (STEM OPT) and 146% (Standard OPT) over a

5 year period. At the same time, new international student enrollment declined by 3% in fall 2015, the

first decline since fall 2009. In AY2016, new international student recruitment and outreach will be a

focus of International Center leadership.

*Source: DHS: SEVIS by the Numbers and IIE: Open Doors report.


PROGRAM UNIT INFORMATION

MISSION STATEMENT

The University of Texas at Dallas International Center (IC) brings the world to our campus, and our

campus to the world.

The IC facilitates access to quality international education programs that impact all of UT Dallas and

supports the UT Dallas community in adapting to world changes, developing productive careers, and

leading rewarding lives. The IC partners with others to develop innovative and educationally relevant

international initiatives that forward the UT Dallas mission, engages the campus in a strategic inquiry on

the impact of internationalization, and supports our community in responding effectively to tomorrow's

challenges and rapidly changing world.

INTERNATIONAL CENTER ORGANIZATIONAL CHART AS OF 08/31/2015


SUMMARY OF PROFESSIONAL STAFF DEMOGRAPHICS AS OF 8/31/2015 This report includes all professional staff at the International Center and its units: International Student

Services, Intercultural Programs, Education Abroad, International Partnerships and Sponsored Programs,

and Risk and Safety. The report follows the guidelines from the U.S. Department of Education

http://nces.ed.gov/IPEDS/reic/resource.asp and http://nces.ed.gov/statprog/2002/std1_5.asp.

Female 17 Male 5

White 7 Hispanic/Latino 7

Asian 3 Black or African American 1

Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 0 American Indian or Alaska Native 1

Two or more races 3 Not reported 3

TWO YEAR ACTIVITY SUMMARY

9/1/2014 – 8/31/2015

Description AY14 AY15 %

Change

International Student Recruitment and Retention

F-1 students (enrolled only) 5,148 5,430 5

Immigration advising consultations1 17,678 19,746 12

International student orientation attendees2 2,339 2,389 2

International student conference attendees3 1,541 1,362 -12

CONACYT recruitment fair contacts 993 1188 20

Airport transportation, students picked-up 421 271 -36

Scholarship and tuition waivers applications (GNSF, PPEMS, IEF)4 204 161 -21

Other immigration workshops attendees (travel, COS) 7 64 814

Change of status to F-1 workshop attendees 7 48 586

Initial student DS-2019 issued 3 36 1100

UTD-Mexico summer research program attendees n/a 15 n/a

New int’l student orientation webinar n/a 43 n/a

International Employment Success / Readiness

F-1 students (OPT and STEM OPT alumni, under UT Dallas sponsorship) 1681 2423 44

Alumni advising 19,905 21,473 8

CPT applications 2,138 2,775 30

OPT employment reports 2,119 2,754 30

OPT applications 1,419 1,737 22

Employment workshops attendees 491 732 49

STEM OPT applications 374 596 59

http://nces.ed.gov/IPEDS/reic/resource.asp

http://nces.ed.gov/statprog/2002/std1_5.asp


International Research and Faculty Development / Internationalization of Curriculum

Faculty and staff travel authorizations 761 861 13

Exchange Program (EXCH) credit hours transferred back to UTD 219 414 90

Faculty-led program participants 234 336 44

Study abroad (STAB) credit hours transferred back to UTD4 260 235 -10

Academic Research participants (non-credit)3 118 157 33

High risk region travel authorizations 83 85 2

Student Exchange Program Agreements 18 23 28

Dual Degree Program Agreements 4 4 0

Other International Program Agreements 59 54 -8

Exchange program, out-bound participants 20 45 125

3rd party STAB participants 37 40 8

Faculty and administrators advising on international partnerships 32 33 3

Faculty-led course proposals authorized 14 17 21

Delegations visiting UT Dallas 8 15 88

Education abroad advising n/a 287 n/a

Emergency abroad responses handled n/a 11 n/a

Risk and safety workshops attendees n/a 35 n/a

Global Citizenship and Engagement

International Week attendees 3,198 3,592 12

Texas Party5 1,800 2,000 11

English Conversation Hour 783 726 -7

Cultural Trips attendees 444 561 26

iFriend program participants 252 378 50

Education abroad pre-departure orientation attendees (in person and

online) 232 221 -5

American Culture workshop attendees3 241 175 -27

Regional Socials events attendees3 167 119 -29

Spouse and Family events attendees 68 66 -3

Education abroad recruitment activities attendees n/a 541 n/a

International Education Week attendees n/a 309 n/a

Education abroad general information sessions attendees n/a 42 n/a

Reach out to on-campus international students n/a 2 n/a

J-1 Programs

J-1 students (enrolled only) 22 48 118

J1 cultural programs (Hunger banquet, J-1 Luncheon, etc) attendees 24 98 308

International sponsored student programs (ISSP) participants (BSMP

Luncheon, CONACYT Breakfast, etc.) 26 61 135

Exchange program, in-bound participants 12 16 33


F-1 / J-1 SEVIS Reporting Program

Registration 11730 12925 10

Update record: Personal Information 8529 9606 13

Create Student 3430 3126 -9

Travel Endorsement 1800 2168 20

Invitation Letter 1390 1739 25

Social Security Administration Letter 1269 1521 20

Status Verification Letter 868 713 -18

Update record: Program Information 659 783 19

I-20 Replacement 433 535 24

Shorten program 319 37 -88

I-20 Reprint 261 640 145

Termination of record: Student 209 161 -23

Immigration Transfer 192 188 -2

SEVIS error correction requests 190 299 57

Transfer Clearance Form 157 136 -13

Financial Update I-20 140 158 13

New I-20 Document 139 517 272

Students changing immigration status to F-1 135 141 4

Change in Educational Level 104 60 -42

Concurrent Enrollment 97 128 32

Defer Attendance 94 72 -23

I-20 F-2 Dependent 67 58 -13

Reduced Enrollment 62 57 -8

Service Center Inquiry 72 36 -50

Other: Reprint, Reinstatements, F-2 Dependent Visa support letters,

Termination of dependents, Update J-1 records, Extend J-1 records,

Validate J-1 records.

474 624 32

Other

Welcome Desk Interactions6 22,707 34,387 51


INT'L STUDENT RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION

The International Center (IC) strives to impact international student recruitment. transition, and retention

through a variety IC programs and activities. In AY15, total international student enrollment rose while

new student enrollment dropped. In AY16, the IC will partner with academic affairs, enrollment services,

office of administration, housing, and other campus partners to address this drop in line with university

goals.

International student recruitment efforts include international student advising, prospect development

programs in conjunction with Academic Affairs, and pre-arrival marketing efforts to encourage

enrollment yield. AY15 saw an initial I-20 issuance decrease by 7% and a 3% drop in international

enrollment for fall 2015, despite a 6%

increase in international admissions.

Prospect development programs were

enhanced with a 20% increase in

CONACYT recruitment fair contact

names, which were loaded into the

Enrollment Services recruitment

database to be used for further

outreach and recruitment efforts. The

UT Dallas Summer Mexico Research

program, in conjunction with

ANNUIS, was re-established and

resulted in fifteen highly qualified

Mexican undergraduates partnering

with UT Dallas faculty in research

labs during summer 2015- Students

stated a 97% likelihood that they

would attend UT Dallas after

graduation from their undergraduate

program. Pre-arrival marketing efforts expanded and now include two new videos (UT Dallas housing

and what to pack video), a revision of pre-arrival communication campaigns to be more streamlined, and

an ISSO app available internationally.

Transition and acculturation programs include mandatory international student orientation programs,

international student conference, safety seminars, transportation initiative/ airport pickups, housing

outreach, student organization outreach, and social events. In AY15, a peer mentoring component was

added to new student orientation, and a pre-arrival webinar provided for students in their home countries

to answer questions they have about UT Dallas and the United States. The IC partners closely with

international student organizations and community partners, most notably the Indian Student Association,

on several initiatives for new students. In partnership with the IC, these groups organize airport pickups,

arrange for temporary housing, perform culture-specific orientations for new students, coordinate

American friendship family meetings, give away furniture, etc. While these services increased in AY15,

the IC’s role in airport pickups dropped by 36%, as more of these pickups were done by individual

students due to flight schedules of new student arrivals.

Retention activities include immigration services and cultural programs for the 5430 currently enrolled

international students, 48 J-status students, and 2423 international alumni who remain in the U.S. under

the responsibility umbrella of the UT Dallas F-1 program. These programs are further articulated in the

global citizenship and program sections of this report.


INT'L EMPLOYMENT SUCCESS / READINESS

International students come to UT Dallas not just for a degree, but to launch a career. By enriching

student occupational experiences UT Dallas can continue to be a leading destination for international

students and more effectively compete in the 'global race for research talent'7. The International Center

(IC) fosters student employment readiness/success by assisting students access to employment benefits,

supporting critical decision-making, education on pertinent regulatory developments, and keeping alumni

engaged with our university. IC assessments show that demand for employment services are rising

significantly in most areas for new students, continuing students and alumni.

New and Continuing Student Services.

IC efforts promoting employment

success/readiness occur throughout

students’ time at UT Dallas and may last up

to 29 months after graduation. In AY15 the

IC issued 1,558 employment verification

letters, a 23% increase. Additionally, the IC

has maintained consistently high

participation in employment sessions at the

International Student Conferences. In

regards to internship authorizations, IC

offers next day processing for Curricular

Practical Training (CPT) I-20s to

approximately 2,775 students in AY15,

reflecting a 26% increase from the previous

year. This expedited service allows UT

Dallas students to accept and begin

internships as soon as possible. To transition students to employment

available after graduation the IC offers

weekly Optional Practical Training (OPT)

workshops which have seen a 64% increase

in participation from 368 to 604. Periodic

seminars by legal and career services

professionals who focus specifically on

international student employment

success/readiness have also seen a 301%

increase in participation from 151 to 607 in

the previous two years.

Alumni Support Services. Immigration regulations allow graduates apply their academic learning by

experiencing the American workplace. As a result, UT Dallas graduates go on to make significant

contributions in business, research, and academia nationwide. The IC advises approximately 20,000

alumni on employment matters each year via phone, email in and person. In FY 15, the IC submitted to

DHS 2754 OPT employment reports, a 29% increase, as well as 596 OPT STEM Extension applications,

a 59% increase.

Institutional Employment Support. Institutionally, the IC supports UT Dallas HR and other

employment compliance auditing compliance, collaborating with stakeholders across campus to offer

training and develop policies, assisting with HR Employment Express, providing employment data to the

career center and academic departments across campus to track graduated students.


Regulatory Compliance. IC services to students, UT Dallas and DHS continue to evolve as regulations

and technical updates increase the level of reporting, and expertise that IC staff need to demonstrate in

order to support individual and institutional compliance. Beginning with April 2014, there have been

numerous new and significant regulatory and technical requirements which have affected IC management

of OPT employment.

In September 2014, DHS conducted an out-of-cycle review of IC management of STEM OPT records.

Upcoming regulatory changes will increase the employment services we provide to alumni, as well as

DHS oversight of our compliance. These changes will include increased reporting obligations, upgrades

to our software, and potentially, periods of work authorization possibly leading to up to three years of

post-graduation support to our employed graduates.

Staff Development. Successfully meeting student and institutional needs requires a professionally

developed staff, regular liaison with federal agencies and strong internal controls. Advising staff attend

yearly professional conferences and training sessions, as well as receive in-depth individual and group

training sessions year round. Increases in regulatory requirements have led to stretched human resources

and the need to investigate additional resources/adjustments to current resources.

INT'L RESEARCH AND FACULTY DEVELOPMENT

Engaging in international research and teaching contributes to the goals of many UT Dallas faculty, staff,

and students. Presenting at international conferences, collaborating with international peers, and

providing courses with international components are on the rise. In support of those initiatives, the

International Center partners in the administrative design and implementation of international faculty-led

courses and partnerships, and provides support services related to travel to international destinations. The

IC intends to strengthen the administrative support for faculty who will teach UT Dallas students abroad

in the next year.

Committee Formation and Leadership. Two committees were formed in AY2015 to strengthen

international research, faculty development, and safety in international travel. In collaboration with

Academic Affairs, the International Partnership Development Committee (IPDC) was established to

develop strategic principles to the review and implementation of international agreements and

partnerships. The University established the UT Dallas International Oversight Committee to create and

implement a duty of care culture that supports international travel, and to manage the UT System

requirements for high-risk travel.

International Partnerships and Delegations. Many UT Dallas faculty build collaborative relationships

with international organizations and universities in support of their research goals, recruitment into their

academic programs, and opportunity growth for UT Dallas students. In AY15, UT Dallas expanded the

groups with which it partners by 10%, all of the growth in exchange and degree program areas. Expired

partnerships were considered for renewal, and some determined to no longer be beneficial to UT Dallas.

In partnership with faculty and administration, the IC hosted 15 international delegations, an increase of

88%, instrumental to connecting faculty and strengthening ties between instiutitons.

# Agreement Type 2013-14 2014-15

Exchange Program Agreements 18 23

Dual Degree Program Agreement 4 4

Degree Program Agreement 7 9

Affiliation Agreements 21 20

Other (Cotutelle Agreement, Memorandum of Understanding, Agreement of Cooperation) 31 25

Total 81 81


Faculty-Led Courses. Providing global experiences for students is a priority for many UT Dallas

programs and schools. Courses taught by UT Dallas faculty in international locations offer students a

structured way to learn about the global environment, and these experiences increased by 19% in

AY2015, with 36% more students going abroad for a faculty-led course.

Duty of Care. UT Dallas faculty, staff, and students travel internationally to meet research and academic

goals, and international travel authorizations increased by 13% in AY2015. International travel involves

logistics, liability, and university ownership. The IC provides administrative and logistical support to the

UT Dallas community who travel internationally to pursue their university goals. Services increased

significantly in AY2015, with the addition of the following: Personal Emergency Action Plan templates;

streamlined IOC approvals to quicken review without sacrificing quality; high risk destination review and

recommendations; online Traveler Toolkit, and a High Risk Region online tool. In partnership with the

IOC, 85 travel requests to high risk regions were reviewed and approved, an increase of 2%.

Diversity of UT Dallas Partnerships (green) and Research and Business Travel (blue)

GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP AND ENGAGEMENT

Students with high cultural competence and global knowledge have more choices in the international

workforce. Global Citizenship and Engagement is a priority for the International Center, and efforts

include programs that increase interactions between international and domestic students, showcase the

variety of cultures on campus, and facilitate intercultural leadership opportunities for students. To

support this effort, a variety of programs create a positive campus climate, and increase intercultural

competencies. Students' lives are enriched by these innovative and educationally relevant international

programs that forward the UT Dallas mission.

iFriend Program. The iFriend program provides a cultural exchange partnership between American

students and new international students. The IC outreach efforts have brought more American students,

allowing participation to grow by 50% in AY15 from 126 pairs to 189. The goal is the expansion of

intercultural competencies, specifically in changing attitudes towards culturally different others. This is

accomplished by weekly guided conversations that will enrich students' global knowledge and learning

from their program partner.

International Week. Engaging the campus with the international student population involves

many different opportunities. International Week is one that helps to engage the campus community,

bringing faculty, staff, and students together to celebrate the cultures represented on campus. Events like

Passport to the World and International Talent Show allow the culturally diverse student population to


showcase their culture. Even though the root of this week-long event is to allow the international students

to celebrate their cultures, it has an impact on domestic students who participate by allowing them to

engage in cultural customs that they would not normally be exposed to, including henna and teas from

around the world.

Education Abroad. Global citizenship includes expanding intercultural competencies on campus before

sending students across the globe to study. New programs like International Education Week, General

Information sessions and Pre-departure orientation supports this effort. These sessions offer students

important information to make the student abroad experience a success. Aspects students gain include:

what to consider in choosing a program, preparations before leaving, health and safety factors, and

cultural adjustment.

Student leadership. Strengthening leadership of the cultural student organizations and international

student community is necessary to support the advancement of a global campus. The International Center

has a history of offering many leadership opportunities to international students through outreach,

volunteer, and employment opportunities. New in AY15, the International Center organized Global

Voice, a leadership council of cultural student organization executives. These semester meetings facilitate

discussions about university resources, funding, advising, promotion of events, connection to campus

administrators, and allows the participants to collaborate and share ideas. Fostering these relationships

engage student leaders in reaching our mission.

In AY15 the International Center expanded the availability of volunteer opportunities to the campus

community, allowing students to engage with each other and with staff members while enhancing

leadership skills. These opportunities include: Texas Party, International Week, Parade of Flags, Study

Abroad Fair, Hunger Banquet facilitators, and International Student Mentors. The International Student

Mentor program allows current international students to mentor incoming international students at

orientation. They facilitate small group discussions which cover topics such as academic integrity, class

registration, cultural adjustment, and more. This program was directly developed in response to student

feedback on orientation evaluations, saying that peer-to-peer interaction is crucial for navigating through

a new school and culture.

Changes. Some programs like American Culture Workshops and Regional Socials saw changes this

year. The numbers show a decrease in attendance in American Culture Workshops, however, the most

popular American Culture Workshop topic was moved to the International Student Conference. This

allowed for a bigger audience and provided information about Student Engagement to new students at the

beginning of the semester. Regional Socials saw a decrease due to lack of participation by one student

organization. Partnerships with student organizations to support this programs is vital for a few reasons:

1) to allow new students to connect with current students and 2) to provide support in planning and

marketing to students from the region. While International Education Week supports our students going

abroad, it also expands the knowledge of our students by introducing global concepts like the Hunger

Banquet. This event allows all students to consider the injustice around the world related to poverty and

hunger, along with learning about the resources the university provides to students on campus.

SPONSORED STUDENTS AND J-1 PROGRAMS

The J-1 program is a tool for UT Dallas to bring highly qualified PhD students to the United States with

external funding, to bolster recruitment efforts, to expand work in research labs, and to facilitate the

exchange of UT Dallas students to international partner institutions. J-1 programs are generally small,

and also serve to diversify the geographic make-up of the UT Dallas international student population.

One requirement of the J-1 program is that the university provide coordinated and targeted cultural

programs and services to those participating.


New and Continuing J-1 Programs:

Exchange programs (expanding): As of August 2015, UT Dallas had 23 student exchange

program agreements with international universities, an increase of 28%. UT Dallas welcomed 16

incoming exchange students from Australia, Austria, China, France, Germany, and India during

the AY15, an increase of 33% with respect to AY14.

CONACYT program (expanding). Mexico, 27 funded graduate students. This represents an

increase of 23% of UT Dallas – CONACYT students with respect to AY14. Average cumulative

GPA of 3.4.

UT Dallas - Mexico Summer Research Program (re-established AY2015). Mexico, 15

undergraduate researchers. Principle partners: 100,000 Strong Initiative in the Americas and

the Bilateral Forum on Higher Education, Innovation, and Research (FOBESII), U.S. Embassy,

and the Association of Mexican Universities and Higher Education Institutions (ANUIES).

Brazil Scientific Mobility Program (new AY2015). Brazil, 5 undergraduate non-degree

students and 4 research interns.

Expanded cultural programming. The U.S. Department of State purpose for the J-1 Exchange Visitor

Program is “to increase mutual understanding between the United States and the people of other countries

by means of educational and cultural exchanges.” Universities with J-1 programs are required to provide

targeted cultural programs to the J-1 population. For the first time in AY2015, programs were selected

and marketed to the J-1 population uniquely for this purpose, including English Conversation Hours,

American Cultural Workshops, iFriend programs, Cultural Trips, and J-1 Luncheons, among others. The

rate of student's participation in these programs increased 308 percent with respect to the AY14 (24/98).

In addition the number of ISSP students participating in AY15 ISSP events such as the Brazil Scientific

Mobility Program Luncheon or the UT Dallas- Mexican Council of Science and Technology

(CONACYT) Breakfast increased 135% with respect to the AY14 (26/61).


SEVIS REPORTING AND F-1 PROGRAM

DHS School Recertification. The International Center (IC) manages institutional responsibilities which

must be met in order for the university to maintain Department of Homeland Security (DHS) certification

to enroll international students, as well as maintain the immigration status of UT Dallas students.

Internal Controls. The university is audited by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for

compliance every two years, most recently in AY15 where the university was approved for continued

certification. Additionally, the IC was subject to an out-of-cycle review of STEM OPT records in

September 2014, where there was only one minor finding of non-compliance in approximately 415

records.

Management of Student Immigration Status and Records. This includes all Student and Exchange

Visitor Information System (SEVIS) reporting responsibilities (periodic and episodic). Student services

have increased in key areas including semester based registration of immigration status which has

increased 10% from 11,730 to 12, 925, endorsement of student travel which has increased 20% from

1,800 to 2,168 and updates to personal information which has increased 13%, from 8,529 to 9,606. There

are several areas where service levels have decreased due to regulatory changes, for example I-20s for

Change of Level to F-1 and I-20s for Change of Educational Level. Additionally, ISSO issues I-20s for

students for several purposes, including visa processing, petitions for F-1 adjudication, dependent

requests, reinstatement to F-1 status, financial updates, approval for reduction in enrollment, and changes

of program/major. All require eligibility reviews, advising, and upload/download to SEVIS. Immigration

student services also involve consulting for new and continuing students which have increased 12% to a

total of 19,746 for AY15. Consulting is available in-person, by phone and email, as well as afterhours and

during university closures.

Immigration services also include advocating for/ facilitating interactions between international students

and state and local government agencies (Social Security Administration, Department of Public Safety,

Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Citizenship and Immigration

Services), and other outreach on behalf of individual students and the international student population as a

whole.

Management of UT Dallas Compliance with Immigration Regulations. Continued recertifiation

requires staff development and oversight in advising and immigration benefit processing, timely reporting

changes to school information and curriculum, and appropriate records retention. University compliance

requires not only complying with current regulations and SEVIS technical requirements, but also being

able to respond and adjust to changing rules. In AY15 several significant changes have occurred that have

increased our compliance activities such as changes to I-20 name standards (affected approximately 500

students), new I-20 formats (affected all F-1 students), and changes to OPT reporting requirements

(affected 2,423 alumni).

SUMMARY OF ASSESSMENT REPORT

OUTCOMES/OBJECTIVES ASSESSMENT RESULTS FOR 2015

IC Strategic Initiative: Employment Success / Readiness

OPT Workshop. Students completing OPT the workshop have high rates on questions testing

knowledge on how to apply for the employment benefit and maintain status (80%), and on understanding

the pros and cons of specific decision making areas (97%). Interestingly, they seek advising between 7%

and 25% more than non-attendees, and report employment between 11% and 21% less than non-

attendees. This was unexpected as we anticipated completion of the workshop would lead to less face to


face advising and more compliance. We will implement the following actions to better determine the

impact of the OPT Workshop: Assess the effectiveness/value of face to face OPT workshop in

comparison to other avenues to relay OPT information to students. Evaluate the quality of OPT reports in

addition to the quantity of OPT reports. Evaluate knowledge base of students who did not attend the OPT

workshop and where they got their information.

IC Strategic Initiative: Global Citizenship and Engagement Intercultural Programs (IP). Students participating in selected IP programs will demonstrate growth in

intercultural competencies, specifically in their attitudes (curiosity and openness) towards culturally

different others. Existing evaluation results for 5 programs were extrapolated to answer this outcome.

The extrapolated results show over 94% indication of cultural interest, over 89% indication of openness

and over 76% indication of identification of cultural perspective elements. The extrapolation did not

provide information on growth of intercultural competencies. We will implement the following actions

to better determine the impact of selected Intercultural Programs on intercultural competencies: Update programs evaluation for future year to obtain growth information on intercultural competencies.

Review the pre and post evaluation expectations, and determine best approach.

IC Strategic Initiative: Research and Faculty Development

Affiliation Agreements. To better support the University's faculty seeking to renew or establish new

international partnerships we increased the Affiliation Agreements area structures. This included

identifying needs and metrics, and establishing and publishing the IPD mission and objectives

(http://www.utdallas.edu/ipd/) in alignment with IC and UT Dallas vision and objectives. The goals of

this objective were met, which is a success. We will implement the following actions to further

develop these achievements: Solidify the incorporation of IPD Plan in to IC Strategic Plan, which

ultimately will be published and available to stakeholders. Solidify and publish IPDC metrics related to

the IC Strategic Plan. Establish a timeline for tasks related to strategic planning, avoiding over-

commitment of resources.

International Oversight Committee (IOC). To better support the University's faculty, staff and

students traveling abroad we incremented the International Oversight Committee structures. This

included establishing the IOC as a University committee, publishing the IOC charge

(http://policy.utdallas.edu/utdpp1092) in the HOP, establishing initial IOC policies and procedures,

publishing the list of High Risk Regions that require IOC authorization. Increasing information provided

to travelers on risks identified by worldwide and professional sources. The key goals of this objective

were met, which is a success. We will implement the following actions to further develop these

achievements: Provide crisis and risk management training and resources to faculty / staff leading

faculty-led groups. Launch a faculty handbook. Create catalog of Region Status reports to inform pre-

departure orientations, decision making around location of faculty-led programs, evaluation of risk for

specific programs in specific locations. Develop risk evaluation guidelines for travel authorization

requests. Develop evaluation of blanket approvals for specific regions for faculty and staff. Develop

evaluation of blanket approvals for specific programs in specific sites. Development of emergency

response procedures. Identify and establish tools and guidelines for the IOC members to assess risks for

travelers. For the ICRSO to become an active member of the OSAC and UT System communities around

on International Risk and Insurance. Participate in trainings from OSAC, UT System and others as

applicable.

IC Administrative Imperative: Development

International Center Effectiveness. To measurably contribute to the University and Student Affairs

strategic goals we increased the International Center structures. The International Center created a shared

IC 3-5-10-year strategic planning process and a strategic plan that continues to be refined. Established

vision, mission, values and goals (http://www.utdallas.edu/ic/) which refer/relate those of UT Dallas, and

http://www.utdallas.edu/ipd/

http://policy.utdallas.edu/utdpp1092

http://www.utdallas.edu/ic/


Student Affairs. Identified metrics and established a plan to request resources to achieve goals. The

goals of this objective were met, which is a success. We will implement the following actions to

further develop these achievements: Solidify and publish the IC Strategic Plan. Solidify and publish

metrics related to the IC Strategic Plan. Establish a timeline for tasks related to strategic planning, to

avoid over-commitment of resources.

OUTCOMES/OBJECTIVES FOR 2016

IC Strategic Initiative: Global Citizenship and Engagement

iFriend program. Students completing the iFriend Program will demonstrate the intercultural

competency of curiosity towards culturally different others.

Incoming exchange program. Students completing an inbound UTD international exchange

program will identify cultural self-awareness perspectives and demonstrate a complex

understanding of another culture and their own culture.

J-1 orientation. J1 students completing the J1 orientation will identify that they have adequate

knowledge of UT Dallas culture.

Pre-departure orientation. Students completing a Pre-departure Orientation are able to develop a

personal emergency response plan. Students completing a General Information Education Abroad

session are able to identify the steps to take to pursue a study abroad experience.

IC Strategic Initiative: Recruitment, Retention Services

International Center Immigration Advising Services. Students participating in IC immigration

advising services will have information from relevant sources on approaches/options to acquire and

maintain their immigration status; have a thorough, complete and accurate understanding of the

regulatory and institutional information pertinent to maintain their status; have the information

needed to prepare and file applications, petitions and reports pertinent to their immigration status.

OPT Workshop. Students completing an OPT Workshop will have information from relevant

sources on approaches/options to acquire and maintain their immigration status; a thorough,

complete and accurate understanding of the regulatory and institutional information pertinent to

maintain their status; the information needed to prepare and file applications, petitions and reports

pertinent to their immigration status.

IC Strategic Initiative: Employment Success / Readiness

OPT Workshop. Students completing an OPT Workshop will be able to clearly identify factors

to consider on key decision making areas related to applying for OPT and maintaining status

while on OPT; logically tie their decisions to information covered during the workshop.

International Center American Workplace Culture series. Students completing the

International Center American Workplace Culture series will demonstrate behaviors and attitudes

that foster constructive team climate.

IC Strategic Initiative: Research and Faculty Development

Institutional Partnerships. Program sponsors will be able to identify key resources to renew

and establish new partnerships; Partnership proposals will comply with key partnership process

requirements.

International Risk and Safety. Faculty leaders will be able to identify the existing risk/safety

resources that are pertinent to their trip, and identify the resources related to Title IX and Clery

Act responsibilities while on faculty-led programs.


IC Administrative Imperative: Development

Budgeting. IC staff (AVP direct reports) completing budgeting training will be able to use

budgeting principles.

Assessment. IC staff (AVP direct reports) completing assessment training will be able to

articulate assessment principles and theories. IC staff (all IC staff) participating in the annual

staff retreat will be able to articulate assessment principles and IC objectives/ targets.

Strategic initiatives. IC staff (all IC staff) participating in the annual staff retreat will be able to

articulate UTD and IC strategic initiatives.

Internet security policies. IC staff participating in IC Technology training will demonstrate

knowledge on following office policies regarding internet security and appropriate use of various

technology.

Online communication. IC staff participating in IC Technology training will demonstrate

knowledge on how to develop and maintain online communication.

PROFESSIONAL STAFF ACTIVITY REPORT

UNIVERSITY COMMITTEE SERVICE

Staff Member's

Name

Group / Committee Position

Elisabeth Walker The LEAP (LGBTQ Education, Advocacy &

Programming) Initiative

Member

Jennifer Smith Welcome Week Committee Participant

Jennifer Smith Texas Party Committee Chair

Jennifer Smith VIVA Volunteer Participant

Jennifer Smith LLC Diversity & Inclusion Certificate Committee Participant

Jennifer Smith Student Diversity Training Committee Participant

Jennifer Smith UT Dallas Scholarship Committee: Asia Center Participant

Katherine Knable Homecoming Committee Participant

Andrea Diaz Hispanic Success Committee Participant

Imperio Shanks Hispanic Success Committee Participant

Imperio Shanks International Oversight Committee Secretary

Rodolfo Hernandez

Guerrero

Fulbright, Brazil Scientific Mobility Program, Good

Neighbor Scholarship Program, Mexican Council of

Science of Technology - UT Dallas Scholarship

Program, Pilot Program for Enrolling Mexican Students,

International Partnership Development, Center for U.S. -

Latin America Initiatives, and Spanish Club.

Various positions


Teri Jenkins African American Student Success Task Force

Committee

Member

Josephine K. Vitta African American Student Success Task Force

Committee

Member

PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Staff Member’s

Name

Professional Organization Level (local,

regional, state,

national,

international)

Position Held, if

applicable

Rodolfo Hernandez

Guerrero

Red de Talentos Dallas Chapter Advisory Council

Member

Rodolfo Hernandez

Guerrero

Association of International

Administrators (AIEA)

International Board Secretary

Cristen Casey Texas International Education

Consortium (TIEC)

State UT Dallas

Representative

Cristen Casey DFW LINC (Leading

International Networking

Committee)

Local Founding Member

Josephine K. Vitta DFW LINC (Leading

International Networking

Committee)

Local Member

Karen Stepherson Gilman Scholarship National Scholarship Selection

Panel

Lisabeth Lassiter NAFSA Region III Conference Regional Volunteer Coordinator

Maria Ochoa NAFSA Region III Conference Regional Volunteer

Christina Zhang NAFSA Region III Conference Regional Volunteer

Melissa Hernandez NAFSA Region III Conference Regional Volunteer

PRESENTATIONS

Staff Member's

Name

Conference / Meeting Name Title of Presentation

Rodolfo Hernandez

Guerrero (panelist)

UT Dallas U.S. - Latin America Lecture

Series. UT Dallas, February 26, 2015.

Roundtable Mexico Today: A

Regional Interpretation.

Rodolfo Hernandez

Guerrero (co-chair)

Association of International Education

Administrators (AIEA) 2015

Where Do We Go From There.

Leaders Discussing with Leaders.


Conference, Washington D.C.,

February 18, 2015.

Rodolfo Hernandez

Guerrero (panelist)

Mexican Council of Science and

Technology (CONACYT), Palo Alto,

California; November 1, 2014.

To Transform Mexico with

Innovation: Innovating with

Innovation Roundtable.

Rodolfo Hernandez

Guerrero (lecturer)

UT Dallas U.S. - Latin America Lecture

Series. University of Guanajuato –

Campus Salamanca, September 29,

2014.

U.S. – Mexico Higher Education

and Interculturalism Workshop.

Jennifer Smith

Eve Su

Imperio Shanks

Melissa Hernandez

Jacob Harris

Knable Katherine

Villegas Mario

Christina Zhang

Travis Parker

Sarah Ku

Lauren Kobee

DFW LINC 2015 (Leading

International Networking Committee)

Hosted over 40 professionals from

other higher education institutions

including:

Southern Methodist University

University of North Texas

Collin College

Richland College

University of Texas Southwestern

Medical Center

Dallas Baptist University

TCU

Facilitated 6 roundtable discussions.

Titles of discussions included:

Using technology to improve

advising services

F-1 Employment

F&J Insurance

TX DPS/SAVE

Handling Student Emergencies

Sponsored Student Services

Karen Stepherson

Cristen Casey

Imperio Shanks

Melissa Hernandez

Katie Knable

Christina Zhang

Jennifer Smith

Maria Ochoa

Eve Su

Travis Parker

International Center Staff Training International Internships

Presentation of IC Annual report,

next year goals

A Happy Assessment Hat

CAS Review and OneNote

Delivering World Class Customer

Service

Thinking Globally: How

International Students Contribute to

a Diverse Campus

Student Development Theory


Advising International Students with

Disabilities

Writing for the Web

Globalization in Higher Education

Andrea Diaz, Jennifer

Smith

NAFSA Region III Conference Connecting with Your International

Audience: Intercultural training for

you, your office, and beyond

Jennifer Smith,

Melissa Hernandez,

Katherine Knable,

Christina Zhang

UNT Equity & Diversity Conference Thinking Globally: How

International Students Contribute to

a Diverse Campus

Jennifer Smith,

Katherine Knable

Peer Advisor Training - Spring & Fall Connecting with Your International

Audience: Communicating and

Programming for International

Students

Elisabeth Walker,

Jennifer Smith

Counseling Center Common International Student

Issues

Josephine Vitta

Elisabeth Walker

TA/RA Orientation FAQs for Incoming International

TA/RAs

Maria Ochoa

Mario Villegas

Sarah Ku

Lauren Kobee

International Student Conference CPT/OPT

F-2 Dependents

FOOTNOTES:

1. Immigration consulations are offered in person, by phone, and by e-mail. Phone and e-mail consults are most advantageous to prospective

students and alumni.

2. Does not include online or freshman orientations.

3. Head count. Attendees show duplicated count.

4. Scholarship and tuition waivers awarded went down by 31% from 197 to 144, and amount awarded went down 53% from $123K to $71K.

Explanation included in future section of this report.

5. Estimate. Comet Card swipes.

6. Phone calls, document intake/release, general inquiries, advising sign up, etc… AY15 Number reflects both an increase in traffic, and

improvements made to the tool used to gather this data.

7. https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2015/10/19/2015-26395/improving-and-expanding-training-opportunities-for-f-1-nonimmigrant-students-with-stem-degrees-and#h-20

https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2015/10/19/2015-26395/improving-and-expanding-training-opportunities-for-f-1-nonimmigrant-students-with-stem-degrees-and#h-20

https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2015/10/19/2015-26395/improving-and-expanding-training-opportunities-for-f-1-nonimmigrant-students-with-stem-degrees-and#h-20

2014-2015 annual reportsponsored student programs increased infrastructure to support 62 students...

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