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Every year, international students from more than 100 countries bring unique perspectives that enrich our campus community. As they adapt to the U.S. academic environment, these students may encounter cultural, academic, and regulatory challenges that can affect their learning experiences and overall well-being. Faculty and staff play an important role in fostering supportive, inclusive environments where all students can succeed.
Since Spring 2023, the International Student and Scholar Office (ISSO) and the Center for Transformative Teaching (CTT) have collaborated to offer workshops that provide faculty and staff with practical strategies, timely information, and effective approaches for supporting international students.
Fall 2026 Workshops
Join us Fall 2026 for three interactive sessions focused on developing cultural intelligence, navigating immigration-related changes, and fostering student well-being across cultures. Each session will take place via Zoom from 12:30pm - 1:30pm.
Sign up for Supporting International Student Success
Every Interaction Matters: Cultural Intelligence in the Classroom (Sept 22)
Tuesday, September 22, 12:30-1:30 | Zoom Link
Awareness of how culture influences communication, learning, and student engagement can significantly contribute to more effective teaching. This session introduces faculty and staff to the foundations of Cultural Intelligence (CQ) and explores practical strategies for fostering more inclusive and effective cross-cultural communication. Participants will examine how cultural differences influence classroom interactions, communication styles, and expectations for participation, deepening their appreciation of the diverse perspectives international and multicultural students bring to the learning environment.
The session will explore inclusive communication practices that encourage engagement, build trust, and create welcoming classroom environments where every person and every interaction matters. Through discussion and real-world examples, participants will learn to recognize how cultural assumptions can affect teaching and student success while developing approaches to communicate more effectively across cultural differences.
By the end of the workshop, faculty will have practical Cultural Intelligence strategies they can immediately apply to support student learning, strengthen cross-cultural interactions, and promote a more inclusive educational experience across diverse classrooms.
Supporting International Students in a Changing Immigration Landscape (Oct 15)
Thursday, October 15, 12:30-1:30 | Zoom Link
The second session in our Supporting International Students Series this fall will help faculty and staff better understand the evolving immigration landscape and its impact on international students. Participants will receive an overview of recent immigration policy updates and learn how these changes may affect students' academic experiences, travel, employment, enrollment, and visa status.
Participants will explore the challenges international students may face during periods of policy uncertainty and discuss strategies for creating supportive, inclusive classroom environments. Through case studies and discussion, we will provide guidance on appropriate ways to respond to student concerns, understand the boundaries of their role, and identify when referrals to campus resources or immigration professionals are appropriate.
By the end of the workshop, participants will be better prepared to support international students, foster an inclusive learning environment, and connect students with the resources they need.
Fostering Student Well-Being Across Cultures (Nov 12)
Thursday, November 12, 12:30-1:30 | Zoom Link
International and multicultural students often navigate significant academic, cultural, and personal challenges that can affect their well-being and success. The session helps faculty and staff recognize how cultural differences and pressures may influence students’ academic experiences. Participants will explore common challenges students encounter during cultural transition, identify signs that a student may be struggling, and discuss how cultural perspectives can shape responses to stress and mental health.
Through discussion and practical examples, participants will learn appropriate ways to respond to student concerns while maintaining the boundaries of their role. The session will also highlight effective communication strategies, available campus resources, and best practices for making supportive referrals to counseling, student services, and other offices.
By the end of the workshop, participants will be better equipped to foster a supportive learning environment, respond with confidence and compassion, and connect students with the resources they need to thrive academically and personally.