International Student Services

By Rhonda Ehrhardt

In support of the strategic planning goals of the university and the College of International Studies, International Student Services has spent 2021-2022 working toward its goals to improve and enrich the international student experience. The international student programming team made significant improvements to its services, working with focus groups to strengthen NISO Connection (new international student orientation) and the peer mentor program. Peer mentors are now able to provide quicker, more personalized support, thanks to better communication across departments. Programming also stepped up its collaboration with Student Life, particularly Multicultural Programs and Services, to the benefit of the student experience.

The immigration advising team also made great strides toward its goal of serving students more efficiently. The team collaborated with academic advisors in the Gallogly College of Engineering and University College to improve advising for international students. Our immigration advisors are now moving to collaborate with other colleges and units on campus to facilitate better integrated advising. The Center for English as a Second Language immigration advisor has been working with the CESL director and instructors to include CESL students in the ISS new arrival procedure and to incorporate them into ISS programs. The sponsored student program coordinator added student events to strengthen the program and networked internationally to expand the pool of possible partners.

ISS made these efforts to create a more welcoming, inclusive environment for international students and to provide them with a more rewarding stay at the University of Oklahoma. ISS proudly promotes global fluency through education and we look forward to more growth and improvement in the year ahead.

Rhonda Ehrhardt is assistant director of operations and exchange student coordinator in International Student Services.

Photos Top to bottom: International students attend a fall 2022 breakfast; international students and ISS staff at 2021 Homecoming; newly arrived international students attend the fall 2021 Resource Fair in Oklahoma Memorial Union.