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
7
courses offered in the fall 2024 semester
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
Thursday, September 19, 2024 | 9:00-11:00am | Virtual (Zoom)
Instructors: Michael Bortscheller, Director, and Brandon Paulson, Associate Director
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 class 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: An Introduction to Federal Regulations Affecting International Students
Wednesday, October 9, 2024 | 10:00am-12:00pm | Virtual (Zoom)
Instructors: Pauline Beazer James, Senior Advisor, and Kevin Roiseland, Senior Advisor, International Student and Scholar Services
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 class 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
BGC/STS: Supervising International Students
Monday, October 28, 2024 | 1:30-3:00pm | Virtual (Zoom)
Instructors: Shuhui Lin, International Education Program and Student Affairs Advisor, International Student and Scholar Services, and Brandon Paulson, Associate Director, International Student and Scholar Services
Cross-listed with Supervising Today's Students (STS)
Description:
Will you be supervising international student employees? If so, this course if 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, October 30, 2024 | 10:30-11:30am | Virtual (Zoom)
Instructor: Phoebe Nishimoto, Study Abroad Advisor & 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
Friday, November 8, 2024 | 3:00-4:30pm | Virtual (Zoom)
Instructors: Pauline Beazer James, Senior Advisor, International Student and Scholar Services; Rudia W. Kihura, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Educational Psychology & Early Childhood, Black Hills State University; and Brandon Paulson, Associate Director, International Student and Scholar Services
Description:
In this interactive class, 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 class 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
Wednesday, November 13 & 20, 2024 | 10:30am-12:00pm | In-Person (International Commons 1117 UCC)
Instructors: Shuhui Lin, International Education Program and Student Affairs Advisor, International Student and Scholar Services, and Brandon Paulson, Associate Director, International Student and Scholar Services
Description:
In this two-part interactive class, participants will explore the four intercultural conflict styles using the Intercultural Conflict Style Inventory (ICS). The ICS is an 18-item assessment that measures individuals’ core approaches to communicating about differences, resolving conflicts, and solving problems across cultures. Participants will complete the ICS inventory after part 1 in preparation for part 2.
Enrolling in this class entails:
• Participating in part 1 & part 2 of the class for a total of 3 hours, engaging in discussions and activities • Completing the Intercultural Conflict Style Inventory (ICS) (15 – 20 minutes) after part 1
Participants in this class will be able to:
• describe the four distinct intercultural conflict styles and how they impact communication and conflict resolution
• identify their personal preferred conflict style and gain insights into how others navigate conflicts
• apply ICS concepts through discussions and case studies, emphasizing practical application in work, academic environment, and home settings
BGC: Developing Your Intercultural Insight
Tuesday, December 3 & 10, 2024 | 10:00-11:30am | Zoom
Instructors: Pauline Beazer James, Senior Advisor, International Student and Scholar Services, and Shuhui Lin, International Education Program and Student Affairs Advisor, International Student and Scholar Services
Description:
In this two-part interactive class, 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 commonalities and differences,” and is based on the research of Dr. Milton Bennett and Dr. Mitchell Hammer. The IDI is one of the tools to conceptualize intercultural competency, and this workshop, in addition to the completion of the inventory can serve as an opportunity to explore one’s intercultural growth. Participants must complete the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) after part 1 and attend a debrief session after part 2.
Enrolling in this class entails:
• Participating in part 1 & part 2 of the class (3 hours) • Completing the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) (15 – 20 minutes)
• Attending a 1-hour individual debrief session with an IDI Qualified Administrator (QA)
Participants who attend this session will be able to:
• understand and describe the intercultural growth continuum and the stages of intercultural development
• reflect on their intercultural experiences and journey
• find out where the IDI indicates they are on the intercultural growth continuum
• develop a personal plan for their intercultural growth
"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."
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.