International division undertakes comprehensive strategic realignment, changes name

LAWRENCE — The Office of International Programs has changed its name to KU International Affairs. The new moniker reflects refocused efforts and new services at the University of Kansas that better advance global exchange and interaction.

“The name KU International Affairs signifies that we are here to embolden, empower and enable KU students, faculty and staff across the institution as they engage in work that increasingly transcends geopolitical boundaries,” said Charles Bankart, associate vice provost for international affairs.

KU International Affairs (KUIA) incorporates Study Abroad and Global Engagement, International Admissions, the Academic Accelerator Program, International Support Services, the Applied English Center and more. Collectively, KUIA programs serve Jayhawks from all 50 states and over 105 nations by mobilizing discovery, research and service. Through its engagement of the global community, KUIA cultivates inclusion and collaboration across campus and the region.

“These are exciting changes that will help KU be more responsive to the needs of our people and programs,” said Carl Lejuez, interim provost and executive vice chancellor. “Our world-class stature as a top institution for learning, creativity and discovery is predicated on how well we engage with others, regardless of who they are or where or how it happens. KU International Affairs is working to remove barriers that limit that engagement while also promoting opportunities that enhance learning and scholarly work. KU International Affairs is a key campus partner, and Charlie and his team are doing amazing work for our community.”

To better serve the campus and prepare for future opportunities, and in conjunction with its updated name, KUIA has announced the following strategic divisional realignments:

International Short Programs (ISP):

International Short Programs is a newly independent function within International Affairs that partners with academic and administrative units across the university in the design, facilitation and delivery of programs for visiting international students, groups and professionals. Previously a function of the Applied English Center, International Short Programs builds on 20 years of experience in successful grant development and collaboration with KU partner universities for customized and discipline-specific short programs for international groups on the KU campus. In collaboration with KU schools, academic departments, campus units and faculty, ISP establishes the requisite international agreements, develops proposals, constructs appropriate financial models, coordinates logistics and incorporates desired linguistic and cultural competency curricula and capacities from the AEC. Staff members are entrusted with one of the most prestigious programs in the world. For the past 15 years, KU has been the national pre-academic training site for the Fulbright Program’s international professionals coming to the United States to pursue graduate degrees. Interested departments and individuals may contact Margaret Coffey, International Short Programs director, at mcoffey@ku.edu or in 300 Strong Hall.

International Support Services (ISS):

All international student, faculty, visiting scholar, and staff immigration advising and support services have been integrated to form a one-stop unit that provides comprehensive immigration support, orientation and programming. International Support Services (ISS) combines the work of International Student Services, international employee and scholar advising, the Jayhawk Semester program, international student scholarship administration and sponsored student programs. Charles Olcese is the director of International Support Services. He based in 2 Strong Hall and can be contacted at colcese@ku.edu.

Study Abroad & Global Engagement: 

The former Office of Study Abroad has updated its role and name to reflect its commitment to provide every KU student with an opportunity to have a significant intercultural or international experience. To provide easier access and expanded opportunities, Study Abroad & Global Engagement (SAGE) now houses KU’s undergraduate international certificate program called the (GAP), as well as the Global Scholars program. In addition, SAGE now provides advising and support for all graduate-level, university-affiliated international travel, research and academic experiences, including KU’s long-standing Graduate Direct Exchange and China Direct Exchange programs. Study Abroad and Global Engagement is led by Angela Perryman, aperryman@ku.edu, in 108 Lippincott Hall.

The changes, which the division began to consider in spring 2018 and implemented throughout the 2018 fall semester, reflect an effort to shift from a collection of discrete programs to a collaborative division committed to a shared mission, vision and set of values.

“After conducting an inventory of our strengths and capacities over the past year, and assessing the many international opportunities that lie before KU, we have undergone a significant strategic realignment to better leverage our resources and talents in the service of the university,” Bankart said.

KUIA is committed to innovation and adaptation. The division has recently expanded the role and recruitment targets of International Admissions, launched intercultural skills workshops and supported innovative online English-language learning curricula in the Applied English Center, which welcomed Valerie Pierce as its new director in January.

Throughout the spring 2019 semester, International Affairs will continue to update its visual identity, university documents and online presence to reflect the name changes and realignment. Any required physical moves occurred across the division over winter break. The office email address is now intlaffairs@ku.edu. The web address will remain international.ku.edu.

KU International Affairs and its units can be found at the following locations:

• International Affairs Administration (Charles Bankart, 300 Strong)
• Academic Accelerator Program (Amy Neufeld, 126 Strong)
• Applied English Center (Valerie Pierce, 204 Lippincott)
• International Admissions (Somer Chalfant, 45 Strong)
• International Short Programs (Margaret Coffey, 300 Strong)
• International Support Services (Chuck Olcese, 2, 13, 15 (in March) & 17 Strong)
• Study Abroad & Global Engagement (Angela Perryman, 108 Lippincott).