International Partners Outreach Group
Introduction
The International Partners Outreach Group (IPOG) was formally launched during a lunch meeting last Wednesday, 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. During the meeting, the IPOG members were very engaged in an active dialogue with the student representatives of the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB). An excellent presentation was made by Antonio Lambino and Sharihan Abdel-Rahman. Also present from ISAB were Thomaz Dreifuss and Zehua Li. IPOG members recommended that subcommittees be formed this summer to respond to the ISAB presentation.
Please be reminded that the next meeting of IPOG will be October 30, Tuesday, 12 - 2 pm.
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. 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