A collaboration between University of Iowa (UI) International Programs and the UI Human Resources Learning & Development team, Building Our Global Community (BGC) is a certificate program for faculty and staff to better interact with and support international students and scholars. Since its inception two decades ago, BGC has enhanced intercultural awareness and fostered a more globally minded and welcoming campus by providing valuable training to over 1,000 UI faculty and staff.
“I’m delighted to congratulate the Building Our Global Community program as it celebrates 20 years of making connections between Iowa’s international community and our faculty and staff,” said Russ Ganim, associate provost and dean of International Programs. “BGC’s courses and certificate program provide excellent models for bridging cultures, and International Programs is proud to support this immensely successful initiative.”
Brandon Paulson, associate director of International Student and Scholar Services, has been instrumental in the program’s success, serving as its coordinator. “I’m very pleased to recognize the 20th anniversary of the Building Our Global Community certificate program. A milestone that marks two decades of intercultural learning and celebrates the participation of faculty and staff, who have been committed to learning about and supporting the experiences of international students and scholars,” said Paulson.
Paulson also expressed his gratitude for the collaborative efforts that have made the program a success, stating, “I extend great appreciation to the course instructors, international students, and scholars who have shared their expertise, insights, and experiences to foster learning in this program.”
Recent BGC participant Samantha Gray, an academic advisor in the UI Tippie College of Business, reflected on her rewarding experience with the program. “I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to complete the BGC certificate program during the 2023-2024 school year,” said Gray. “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.”
The fall 2024 schedule for BGC courses are now available for enrollment through Employee Self Service.
International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement. IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.