The Building Our Global Community certificate program creates an opportunity for University of Iowa faculty and staff to learn about the experiences of international students and scholars, and methods they can use to foster skills for working with and awareness of our increasingly intercultural campus community. To earn a Building Our Global Community certificate, participants must register for and attend the Introduction to Building Our Global Community core course and at least four elective courses. All courses taken for the program are free of charge and fill on a first-come, first-served basis.
Participants may take courses individually, without working toward a certificate. Successful fulfillment of the Building Our Global Community certificate requires completion of the Introduction to Building Our Global core course and four elective courses.
Individuals who complete the Building Our Global Community certificate program will receive a certificate, obtain a placard for their office, and be recognized on the International Programs website. Certificates will be awarded at the end of each semester through campus mail.
Participants in Building Our Global Community will learn:
- skills to recognize their own culture and how their cultural lens influences their interactions
- techniques for assisting international students and scholars with the cultural adjustment process
- strategies for interacting and supporting international students and scholars
- how to navigate cross-cultural conflicts and their preferred conflict style
- F-1 and J-1 immigration regulations followed by international students and scholars
1000+
faculty and staff have attended a course
450+
certificates earned
15
courses offered in the 2022-2023 academic year
How to Register
- Go to UI Employee Self Service, and click the “My Career” tab
- Go to "Learning and Development", and click on “My Training”
- Click “Enroll in Courses” on the top left
- In "Find a Course" section type "BGC" in the "Course Title" and click "Search Courses". All of the series' classes begin with the code "BGC" and click "View Details" to enroll in a course.
Participants must register for all courses in advance. Register early. Space is limited. A waitlist is available for courses with full enrollment. Participants are asked to cancel their registration for any sessions they are not able to attend by visiting Employee Self-Service.
All courses taken for the program are free of charge to participants. Virtual courses are offered via Zoom and in-person courses take place in the International Commons (Room 1117) in the University Capitol Centre. If you need assistance registering, please contact UI Learning and Development by emailing dorian-walker@uiowa.edu.
Schedule
Core Course
BGC: Introduction to Building Our Global Community
Wednesday, September 28, 2022 | 10:00am–12:00pm | Zoom
Instructors: Michael Bortscheller, Associate Director; Brandon Paulson, Assistant Director; and Taivna Mills, International Services Associate, International Student and Scholar Services
Description:
This introduction session will introduce the Building Our Global Community program and share an overview of the international student and scholar population at the University of Iowa. Participants will have opportunity to learn about the cultural adjustment experienced by international students and strategies to assist with the transition. Participants will take part in an interactive activity demonstrating the experience of students whose first language is not English. The session will conclude with an international student panel sharing their experiences transitioning to the U.S. and studying at the University of Iowa.
Participants who attend this session will be able to:
- identify the purpose of the Building Our Global Community program and how the program can assist with working effectively with international students and scholars
- articulate an overview of the international population at the University of Iowa
- understand cultural adjustment and apply strategies to assist with the transition
- discuss the experience of students whose first language is not English studying in the U.S
- understand some of the experiences of international students studying at the University of Iowa
Elective Courses
BGC: Developing Your Intercultural Insight
Monday, October 10 & 17, 2022 | 3:30-5:00pm | Zoom
Instructors: Pauline Beazer James, Senior Advisor, International Student and Scholar Services; Amy Alice Chastain, Associate Professor of Instruction, Outreach Coordinator, ESL Programs; Shuhui Lin, Coordinator of International Student Support and Engagement; International Student and Scholar Services/Multicultural and International Student Support and Engagement; Brandon Paulson, Assistant Director, International Student and Scholar Services
Description:
In this two-part session, participants will learn about developing their intercultural insights by exploring the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). The IDI generates an individual profile of “worldview orientation to difference,” and is based on the research of Dr. Milton Bennett and Dr. Mitchell Hammer. Participants will be required to complete the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) before the session. Participants will sign-up and attend a follow-up 1 hour virtual meeting with a trained IDI facilitator to receive feedback on their individual profile and discuss their individual development plan for intercultural growth.
Participants who attend this session will be able to:
- describe the intercultural growth continuum and the stages of intercultural development
- find out where the IDI indicates they are on the intercultural growth continuum
- develop a personal plan for their intercultural growth to be able to work more effectively with international students and scholars
- understand cultural context of your work environment
BGC/STS: Effectively Supervising International Students
Wednesday, October 26, 2022 | 1:00-2:30pm | Zoom
Instructors: Shuhui Lin, Coordinator of International Student Support and Engagement; International Student and Scholar Services/Multicultural and International Student Support and Engagement; and Brandon Paulson, Assistant Director, International Student and Scholar Services
Description:
Will you be supervising international student employees? If so, this course is for you. International students are a tremendous resource to our campus. Awareness of both the benefits and challenges of cross-cultural supervision will help both supervisors and the students develop productive, positive, and collaborative working relationships. This session will be packed full of practical information as well as strategies for applying what you have learned.
Participants who attend this session will be able to:
- articulate a brief overview of the international student population at the University of Iowa
- understand how immigration regulations and on campus employment affects international student success
- develop self-awareness of U.S. workplace culture
- aware of strategies for supervising international students
- aware of resources and making connections to support supervision of international students
BGC: Study Abroad
Wednesday, November 9, 2022 | 3:00-4:00pm | Zoom
Instructors: Kristine Djerf, Senior Advisor and Program Coordinator, Study Abroad
Description:
Study abroad is a valuable opportunity for UI undergraduate students to gain new perspectives and skills to apply in our global workplace. When studying abroad students fulfill academic, professional, and personal goals. We will discuss the benefits and challenges of international education, the specifics of study abroad participation at UI, and resources to help students from the point of preliminary research to the return home.
Participants who attend this session will be able to:
- understand the value of study abroad as part of an undergraduate student’s complete education
- understand the barriers to study abroad and the challenges that undergraduate students face while studying abroad
- identify the resources of Study Abroad
BGC: Story Stitch
Monday, November 14, 2022 | 3:30-5:00pm | Zoom
Instructors: Pauline Beazer James, Senior Advisor, International Student and Scholar Services; Amy Alice Chastain, Associate Professor of Instruction, Outreach Coordinator, ESL Programs; and Brandon Paulson, Assistant Director, International Student and Scholar Services
Description:
In this interactive session, we will engage in the Story Stitch activity to learn about each other through the stories shared and conversations ignited. This activity involves splitting into groups with each member introducing themselves, and then the group taking turns answering story card questions with members having the opportunity to build on each other’s answers using the stitch cards. By engaging in this activity, we will learn more about the unique backgrounds of the group and become more connected.
Participants in this session will learn:
- how storytelling can build trust, create group cohesion, and develop interpersonal connections
- different perspectives and experiences
- valuable tool to foster deeper conversations
BGC: Navigating Intercultural Conflicts
Monday, November 28 & December 5, 2022 | 3:30-5:00pm | Zoom
Instructors: Pauline Beazer James, Senior Advisor, International Student and Scholar Services; Shuhui Lin, Coordinator of International Student Support and Engagement; International Student and Scholar Services/Multicultural and International Student Support and Engagement; Brandon Paulson, Assistant Director, International Student and Scholar Services
Description:
In this two-part interactive session, you will learn about the four intercultural conflict styles. You will discover your preferred cultural approach for resolving conflict and that of others by completing the Intercultural Conflict Style (ICS) inventory developed by Dr. Mitchell Hammer. In addition, there will be opportunities to apply ICS concepts in practice through discussion and case studies.
Participants in this session will be able to:
- describe the four styles of the ICS
- identify their personal preferred conflict style and how others approach navigating conflicts
- discuss potential application in work and home settings
BGC/BUILD: An Introduction to Federal Regulations Affecting International Students
Wednesday, November 30, 2022 | 10:00am-12:00pm | Zoom
Instructors: Pauline Beazer James, Senior Advisor, and Kevin Roiseland, Senior Advisor, International Student and Scholar Services
Cross-listed with Building University of Iowa Leadership for Diversity (BUILD)
Description:
Immigration laws regulate many aspects of international students' lives, including entry to the United States, the conditions under which they may remain in this country and re-enter after traveling abroad, and eligibility for immigration benefits such as employment and extension of stay. This session will provide an introductory overview of the application and visa process, foundations of U.S. student immigration law, ISSS responsibilities to the Department of Homeland Security and to the student, and the basic rules that international students must follow to remain in status while studying in the United States.
Participants who attend this session will be able to:
- develop an awareness of the basic federal rules and regulations international students must follow to remain in status while studying in the United States
- recognize the complex employment guidelines international students must follow
- learn how ISSS staff can help departments with immigration concerns and issues
Core Course:
BGC: Introduction to Building Our Global Community
Wednesday, February 8, 2023 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Zoom
Instructors: Michael Bortscheller, Associate Director; Brandon Paulson, Assistant Director; and Taivna Mills, International Services Associate, International Student and Scholar Services
Description:
This introduction session will introduce the Building Our Global Community program and share an overview of the international student and scholar population at the University of Iowa. Participants will have opportunity to learn about the cultural adjustment experienced by international students and strategies to assist with the transition. Participants will take part in an interactive activity demonstrating the experience of students whose first language is not English. The session will conclude with an international student panel sharing their experiences transitioning to the U.S. and studying at the University of Iowa.
Participants who attend this session will be able to:
- identify the purpose of the Building Our Global Community program and how the program can assist with working effectively with international students and scholars
- articulate an overview of the international population at the University of Iowa
- understand cultural adjustment and apply strategies to assist with the transition
- discuss the experience of students whose first language is not English studying in the U.S.
- understand some of the experiences of international students studying at the University of Iowa
Elective Courses:
BGC: Engaging ESL Learners Across Disciplines
Wednesday, February 15, 2023 | 3:00-4:20 p.m. | Zoom
Instructors: Ryan Kaduce, Associate Professor of Instruction, ESL Programs and Anastasia Williams, Ph.D., Assistant Director, Center for Teaching
Description:
This session will focus on how to consider and include the perspective of students with English as an additional language in all classrooms. We will invite participants to reflect on their own experiences to inform our conversation and discuss how to accommodate the needs of diverse learner backgrounds.
Participants in this session will learn:
- teaching strategies intended to welcome ESL learners
- techniques for giving transparent feedback to all students
- inclusive assignment and learning activity design
BGC: Developing Your Intercultural Insight
Wednesday, February 22 & March 1, 2023 | 3:30-5:00 p.m. | 1117 UCC
Instructors: Amy Alice Chastain, Associate Professor of Instruction, Outreach Coordinator, ESL Programs; and Shuhui Lin, Coordinator of International Student Support and Engagement; International Student and Scholar Services/Multicultural and International Student Support and Engagement
Description:
In this two-part session, participants will learn about developing their intercultural insights by exploring the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). The IDI generates an individual profile of “worldview orientation to difference,” and is based on the research of Dr. Milton Bennett and Dr. Mitchell Hammer. Participants will be required to complete the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) before the session. Participants will sign-up and attend a follow-up 1 hour virtual meeting with a trained IDI facilitator to receive feedback on their individual profile and discuss their individual development plan for intercultural growth.
Participants who attend this session will be able to:
- describe the intercultural growth continuum and the stages of intercultural development
- find out where the IDI indicates they are on the intercultural growth continuum
- develop a personal plan for their intercultural growth to be able to work more effectively with international students and scholars
- understand cultural context of your work environment
BGC: Bringing J-1 Scholars to Your Department
Monday, March 6, 2023 | 3:30-5:00 p.m. | Zoom
Instructors: Dongwang Liu, New Student Services Coordinator, International Student and Scholar Services and Associate Director, CAPS; and Taivna Mills, International Services Associate, International Student and Scholar Services
Description:
This introduction session will introduce J-1 scholars to the audience. They will learn about the J-1 scholar categories and who J-1 scholars at the University of Iowa are. Attendees will be walked through the J-1 Scholar Application and will come away with an understanding of how to fill out an application and how it is processed. The J-1 scholar orientation will be explained to attendees and issues that scholars commonly experience will be discussed. Attendees will then have time to ask any additional questions about scholars and the invitation process.
Participants who attend this session will be able to:
- describe who J-1 Scholars are and who might be invited as a J-1 Scholar
- articulate some scholar-specific regulations and policies
- understand the J-1 application and processing
- explain the Scholar Orientation session
- understand some of the experiences of international scholars at the University of Iowa
BGC: Mental Health Concerns of International Students and Ways to be an Ally to International Students
Wednesday, March 22, 2023 | 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Zoom
Instructors: Huan-Chung Scott Liu, Ph.D., Staff Psychologist at University Counseling Service (UCS) and Tianyi Xie, Ph.D., Staff Psychologist at University Counseling Service (UCS)
Description:
This session highlights how concerns unique to international students impact their mental health. These concerns can affect international students’ transition to the University of Iowa, their functioning on campus, and their broader adjustment to the United States. We will explore how the forbearance coping style affects some students’ ability to respond to stressors and interpersonal functioning. We will also explore cultural re-entry issues for students returning from a study abroad.
Participants who attend this session will be able to:
- identify concerns that are unique to international students’ adjustment, and the potential effects on mental health
- describe how the forbearance coping style impacts students’ response to stressors and interpersonal functioning
- ways to be an ally to international students in your role at the university
BGC/EAC: Enhancing Your Intercultural Insight (Advanced)
Wednesday, April 5, 2023 | 3:00-5:00 p.m. | Zoom
Instructors: Pauline Beazer James, Senior Advisor, International Student and Scholar Services; Amy Alice Chastain, Associate Professor of Instruction, Outreach Coordinator, ESL Programs; Shuhui Lin, Coordinator of International Student Support and Engagement; International Student and Scholar Services/Multicultural and International Student Support and Engagement; and Brandon Paulson, Assistant Director, International Student and Scholar Services
Cross-listed with Engaging Across Cultures
Description:
Designed for participants who have attended the Developing Your Intercultural Insight session and completed the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). Participants in this advanced session will revisit the IDI by discussing real world applications. Participants should attend the session prepared for in-depth discussions about the IDI and its application. Participants who completed the IDI in a previous semester will have the opportunity to complete the IDI again and sign-up to attend a follow-up 1 hour meeting with a trained IDI facilitator to discuss their intercultural growth.
Participants who attend this session will be able to:
- critically reflect on their intercultural experiences
- find out where the IDI indicates you are on the intercultural growth continuum
- identify opportunities for applying the IDI to practice
BGC: Navigating Intercultural Conflicts
Monday, April 10 & 17, 2023 | 3:30-5:00 p.m. | Zoom
Instructors: Shuhui Lin, Coordinator of International Student Support and Engagement; International Student and Scholar Services/Multicultural and International Student Support and Engagement; Brandon Paulson, Assistant Director, International Student and Scholar Services
Description:
In this two-part interactive session, you will learn about the four intercultural conflict styles. You will discover your preferred cultural approach for resolving conflict and that of others by completing the Intercultural Conflict Style (ICS) inventory developed by Dr. Mitchell Hammer. In addition, there will be opportunities to apply ICS concepts in practice through discussion and case studies.
Participants in this session will be able to:
- describe the four styles of the ICS
- identify their personal preferred conflict style and how others approach navigating conflicts
- discuss potential application in work and home settings
BGC/BUILD: An Introduction to Federal Regulations Affecting International Students
Wednesday, April 12, 2023 | 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Zoom
Instructors: Pauline Beazer James, Senior Advisor, and Kevin Roiseland, Senior Advisor, International Student and Scholar Services
Cross-listed with Building University of Iowa Leadership for Diversity (BUILD)
Description:
Immigration laws regulate many aspects of international students' lives, including entry to the United States, the conditions under which they may remain in this country and re-enter after traveling abroad, and eligibility for immigration benefits such as employment and extension of stay. This session will provide an introductory overview of the application and visa process, foundations of U.S. student immigration law, ISSS responsibilities to the Department of Homeland Security and to the student, and the basic rules that international students must follow to remain in status while studying in the United States.
Participants who attend this session will be able to:
- develop an awareness of the basic federal rules and regulations international students must follow to remain in status while studying in the United States
- recognize the complex employment guidelines international students must follow
- learn how ISSS staff can help departments with immigration concerns and issues
The benefits of BGC
Prisma Ruacho, Coordinator, Multicultural Programs, Asian Pacific American Cultural Center
"I decided to participate in the Building Our Global Community certificate program in order to increase my awareness and knowledge of the experiences of international students. I was able to engage in critical dialogue with colleagues in departments across campus that help us better support students together. I enjoyed hearing from the students themselves but also being able to think and reflect on my own choices and research on how I support international students in my sphere of work. I recommend this program to anyone regardless of your position and level of interaction with international students in order to make our community open, safe, and welcome to all students!"
Deb Goodwin, Administrative Services Coordinator, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics
“I recently completed the Building Our Global Community Program and was very pleased with the experience. I gained valuable information on topics such as immigration laws and international student employment from very knowledgeable instructors. I especially enjoyed meeting with several international students to learn about their experiences so I can better assist my students with their transition to the University of Iowa.”
Building Our Global Community is a collaboration between International Programs and UI Learning & Development, along with the contributions of many of our campus thought leaders. Sessions are offered on a rotating basis each academic year. Contact Brandon Paulson with questions about the Building Our Global Community certificate program by email brandon-paulson@uiowa.edu or phone (319) 335-0335.
UI Accessibility Statement
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Brandon Paulson in advance at (319) 335-0335.