International Partners Outreach Group
ISSS Director's Perspective
The International Partners Outreach Group (IPOG) was formally launched on April 11, 2007 at International House. It is very remarkable that many of our Penn colleagues are very excited to partner with ISSS in creating a climate that is conducive to the international community. Since then, the IPOG members have been very engaged in an active dialogue with the student representatives of the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB).
This amazing forging of a collaborative relationship between IPOG and ISAB resulted in the formation of four IPOG subcommittees, representing some of the major areas of needs for international students, namely – academic performance and integration, administrative and financial concerns, housing, and student life and cultural experiences. Each of these sub-committees comprise of university administrators as well as ISAB representatives. In the past, administrators and students in various IPOG subcommittee meetings and IPOG meetings have deliberated on student concerns, framed solutions and examined best practices to resolve student issues. Finally, in April 2009, all the subcommittees presented their plan of action for the future. We thank all IPOG members especially the co-chairs, Maureen Rush (Division of Public Safety), Douglas Berger (Business Services), Chia-Ying Pan (Weingarten Learning Resources Center), Susan Herron (Office of Student Conduct), Nora Lewis (College of Liberal and Professional Studies, Michael Brosnan (Student Financial Services, Elisabeth O’Connell (Undergraduate Admissions), Joseph Sun (SEAS) and Meeta Kumar (CAPS) for their efforts and commitment, and look forward to implementation of some of these plans in the near future.
It is my goal that IPOG will have a proactive partnership and symbiotic relationship with the ISAB (International Students Advisory Board) and ISSS in maintaining the global eminence of Penn. It has become a reality due to the great leadership demonstrated by IPOG members. Again, let me reiterate my appreciation for the work that you will do during the coming year.
Sincerely,
Rodolfo
R. Altamirano, Ph.D.
Director, International Student & Scholar Services
Purpose
The International Partners Outreach Group (IPOG) is comprised of representatives from key stakeholder offices and academic hiring units within the Penn community. The purpose of IPOG is to advise ISSS on policies and practices. It was also created to provide the Director of ISSS and other administrators with advice and guidance to help make the university a more warm, welcoming and respectful environment for international students and scholars. IPOG will also explore opportunities for partnerships among the members to enrich the internationalization of Penn.
Members' Role and Duties
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Attending one (or two) meeting(s) per semester to review initiatives, and explore partnership opportunities for the enhancement of the academic and personal lives of the international community
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Sharing critical information from each unit that will impact the lives of international students, scholars and faculty
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Supporting units' programs, processes, policies, and procedures in partnership with the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) as they are implemented across Penn
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Advising ISSS on disseminating information and obtaining University-wide compliance on immigration policies and processes
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Helping, promoting, and providing feedback on several ISSS initiatives (e.g., satisfaction surveys, focus groups, open forums, programs) per year, as well as on a periodic basis
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Participating in working groups, task forces, and subcommittees to share their strategies and ideas with administrators, and then communicate with their fellow administrators
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Engaging in dialogue with students about their experiences on campus and about their ideas for improving our campus atmosphere for international students
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Members of the International Partners Outreach Group are encouraged to submit suggested agenda items or topics for discussion in advance of meetings to Rodolfo R. Altamirano, Director of ISSS