Building our Global Community logo with black and gold globe

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

14

courses offered in the 2024-2025 academic year

How to Register

  1. Go to UI Employee Self Service, and click the “My Career” tab
  2. Go to "Learning and Development", and click on “My Training”
  3. Click “Enroll in Courses” on the top left
  4. 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

Samantha Gray holding a certificate smiling

"I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to complete the BGC Certificate Program during the 2023-2024 school year. This program is so impactful, and I recommend that every faculty and staff member complete this program. As a staff member who is newer to the University of Iowa and did not attend the university as a student, it was so helpful to be able to learn comprehensive resources and strategies to support international students at our university. I now feel more confident that I can support my students and refer them to appropriate resources. I already see what I learned informing my work as an Academic Advisor in the Tippie College of Business. If you work with students, this program is for you."

Samantha Gray, Academic Advisor, Tippie College of Business Undergraduate Program

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.