A professional development series for faculty and staff at the University of Iowa
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 program website. Certificates will be awarded at the end of each semester through campus mail.
What Participants 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
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450+
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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. If you need assistance registering, please contact UI Learning and Development by emailing uilearndevelop@uiowa.edu.
Schedule
Fall 2026
Core Course
BGC: Introduction to Building Our Global Community
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Virtual (Zoom)
Instructors: Michael Bortscheller, Director, and Brandon Paulson, Associate Director, International Student and Scholar Services
Description:
This introduction class 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 multilingual learners. The class will conclude with an international student panel sharing their experiences transitioning to the U.S. and studying at the University of Iowa.
Participants in this class will:
- 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 multilingual learners studying in the U.S.
- Understand some of the experiences of international students studying at the University of Iowa
Elective Courses
BGC: Story Stitch
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Virtual (Zoom)
Instructors: Pauline Beazer James, Assistant Director, Intercultural Programming, International Student and Scholar Services; Rudia W. Kihura, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Special Education, University of Arkansas at Little Rock; 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:
- 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, October 14 & 21, 2026 | 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Virtual (Zoom)
Instructors: Pauline Beazer James, Assistant Director, Intercultural Programming, International Student and Scholar Services, and Rudia W. Kihura, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Special Education, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
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:
- 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: Study Abroad
Monday, November 2, 2026 | 3:00-4:00 p.m. | Virtual (Zoom)
Instructor: Monica Ernberger, Assistant Director, International Internships and Outreach, 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 in this class will:
- 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
"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."
Recent Participants
| Vedansh Airen | Jocelyn Demiglio | Kelly Kauffman | Corey Pass | Corey Rubin |
| Asih Asikin-Garmager | Kelly Elliott | Tracy Litsey | Alicia Peden | Kristen Stradt-Johnson |
| Julie Arnold | Rachel Franke | Megan Logan | Sarah Raper | Allie Tokarski |
| Maggie Atkins | Aria Guzulaityte | Jennifer Maiers | Chanelle Reese | Seth Wimmer |
| Matthew Brown | Jori Hendon | Brigid Martin | Ana M. Rodriguez | |
| Olivia Croskey | Molly Gehlsen | Ranae Miller | Susanna Rodriguez |
Program Contact
Contact Brandon Paulson with questions about the Building Our Global Community certificate program by email brandon-paulson@uiowa.edu or phone (319) 335-0335.
Building Our Global Community is a collaboration between International Programs and UI Learning & Development, along with the contributions of many campus partners. Classes are offered on a rotating basis each academic year.
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.