International Orientation: Training a Different Type of Student Staff Member

1. International Orientation: Training a Different Type of Student Staff Member Allison Prelosky Graduate Assistant, First-Year Experience and Family Programs Amanda McCarthy Associate Director, First-Year Experience and Family Programs

2. Introductions Alli Prelosky • Graduate Assistant • axp189@case.edu Amanda McCarthy • Associate Director • aam83@case.edu https://sites.google.com/site/cwrunodac2012/

3. Objectives • Gain insight into the recruitment, selection, and training processes • Identify leader characteristics that support the goals of an International Orientation Program • Learn training strategies to support leaders • Have the opportunity to ask questions of the staff who have implemented a successful International Student Ambassador program

4. Case Western Reserve University • 4,386 undergraduate students • Approximate 1,400 new students • 140 international students • First-Year Students • Transfer Students • International Exchange Students • 2,233 Graduate Students • 3,407 Professional Students • Total Enrollment: 10,026

5. Orientation Programs • New Student Orientation (NSO) • 7 days before classes begin • All new students • International Student Orientation (ISO) • 3 days immediately before NSO • First-Year Students, Transfer Students, International Exchange Students • In existence since 2010

6. Your Turn! • International Student Orientation? • Selection • Training

7. Program Mission and Vision • What is the purpose of International Student Orientation • How can you identify skills in leaders to promote your mission and vision? • How does the International program differ from general orientation programs? • How does this change the type of leader you need for the program?

8. Staff Selection • Staffing Models • Single Leader v. Paired Leaders • Group Size • Desired characteristics • Ratio of International v. Domestic • Class standing of students • Countries represented • Identify the appropriate number of leaders

9. Staff Selection • Use selection models that allow you to select the most qualified candidates • Referrals • Selection Interviewers • Interview techniques • Make sure applicants understand the position • What is it called?

10. Staff Training • Key Training Points • identity development, • understanding of the position • acceptance of diversity • Share their story and their journey to the institution • Use the leaders as a focus group for your program • Build understanding of the position more broadly

11. Staff Training • Take inspiration from an “Appreciative Advising” approach to training, to encourage each leader on a personal level and challenge them to set goals for their position • Build confidence • Share stories • Speak publicly • Active reflection

12. Staff Support • Equip leaders to handle difficult questions and occurrances • Create open lines of communication • Encourage dialogue about experiences with new students

13. Program Assessment • Leader Training • Was it adequate? • What do you with you would have known in the spring? • What do you wish you would have learned in August? • What were you unprepared for? • New Students • Were your leaders prepared, helpful, knowledgable?

14. Future Goals • Recruit additional study abroad students • Take a critical look at the program to create more opportunities for small group conversations

15. Take home points • If its different, call it something different. • If you’re hiring for a different type of position, you may also be looking for a different type of student. • If there are different needs, train differently. • If the expectations are different, make sure all groups involved understand them

16. Questions? • First-Year Experience and Family Programs at Case Western Reserve University • orientation@case.edu • 216-368-1352 • https://sites.google.com/site/cwrunodac2012/