- Home
- About Us
- Membership
- AIEA Annual Conference
- 2024 AIEA Annual Conference
- Past Conferences >>
- Conference Session Archives
- 2023 AIEA Annual Conference
- 2022 AIEA Annual Conference
- 2021 AIEA Virtual Annual Conference
- 2020 Conference
- 2019 Annual Conference
- 2018 AIEA Annual Conference
- 2017 Annual Conference
- 2016 Annual Conference
- 2015 Annual Conference
- 2014 Conference
- 2013 Conference
- 2012 Conference
- 2011 Conference
- 2010 Conference
- 2009 Conference
- 2008 Conference
- 2007 Conference
- 2006 Conference
- Future Conferences
- AIEA Dialogues
- Programs
- Resources
AIEA Town Hall DiscussionsUpcoming Town Halls | Past Town Halls Current AIEA members are invited to take part in AIEA's virtual Town Hall meetings. Please note:
Many thanks to the Professional Development and Engagement Committee.
Upcoming Town Hall Discussions
Navigating Institutional Change We find ourselves in the swirl of intense currents of change in higher education. If we do not find ways to flow with these waves of change, we run the risk of being swept away and our work eroded. In theory, we are equipped to understand change as SIOs are shepherds of change. After all, internationalization is a change process that facilitates transformational global learning opportunities for our students and global knowledge production by our faculty. In practice, however, it's challenging to both navigate and facilitate change. This Town Hall meeting will be focused on unpacking this challenge. Two experienced senior leaders --- Cheryl Green and Carolyn Stefanco have agreed to share their perspectives on the most pressing currents of change and how senior leaders are grappling with these currents. They will also share their thoughts on how higher educational institutions are evolving. Two experienced SIOs -- Roger Brindley and Penelope Pynes will share their perspectives on these pressing changes and the tactics they have used to companion senior leaders through these waters. They will also share the strategies they have employed to both navigate institutional change and continue to advance internationalization. Speakers: Moderator: Register Now! (current AIEA members only; log-in required) Voices from Asia: Global SIOs Perspective on International Education The Global South, especially Asia represents a large share of international student mobility in higher education. However, its participation and voices in international education is often dwarfed by its western hemisphere partners. At this AIEA Town Hall, we will have the opportunity to learn from our Asian partners (SIOs), the scope, responsibilities, and challenges they are experiencing. Speakers: Laurene Chua-Garcia, Vice President of External Relations and Internationalization, De La Salle University, Philippines Moderator: Access Recording - (current AIEA members only; log-in required)
Integrating SDGs into International Education Two universities in Canada and one university in Mexico will share their practices and experiences in integrating SDGs into various areas of international education, including joint activities, virtual exchange, student mobility programs, partnership development, and an SDG Framework that aligns global engagement with institutional priorities and strengths. Speakers:
Vinitha Gengatharan, Assistant Vice-President, Global Engagement & Partnership, York University, Canada
Shaheen Nanji, Executive Director of SFU International, Simon Fraser University, Canada
Patricia Montaño, Director for International Innovation, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico
Moderator: Access Recording - (current AIEA members only; log-in required) Presidential Roundtable and Reflections Town Hall Discussion Join current President Jeet Joshee and President Elect Amir Reza, along with past presidents Jewell Winn and David Fleshler for a town hall on the Presidential Perspectives. They will reflect on the 2023 AIEA conference and the current state of the international education field, and address AIEA's priorities moving forward. Speakers:
Jeet Joshee, AIEA President
Amir Reza, AIEA President-Elect Jewell Winn, AIEA Immediate Past President
David Fleshler, AIEA Past President Moderator: Access Recording - (current AIEA members only; log-in required) Global Facets of Inclusive Internationalization As the pursuit of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) is being supported among Senior International Officers in the United States, how are these ideas and practices being developed by our colleagues around the world? In this Town Hall, we will explore global perspectives on inclusive internationalization with several international education leaders representing Europe, Africa and Latin America. The audience will be encouraged to ask questions and share best practices during this Town Hall. Moderator: Speakers: Access Recording - (current AIEA members only; log-in required) Geopolitics and the Impact on the SIO October 27, 2022, 1:00 pm EDT Moderator: Panelists: Increasingly, SIOs understand local is global and vice-versa, especially as new wave of political forces, shifting alliances reshape not only geopolitics, but the very core of academic institutions including international education, partnerships, and policies. Many of us as SIOs are reacting to what’s coming at us and managing risk with little to no training in international relations and geopolitics. In this current environment, how does the SIO prepare themselves for this new reality and develop principles and procedures for global engagement? What are the resources and tools available to successfully navigate these turbulent times in pursuit of ethical, sustainable, and inclusive internationalization? This session discussed perspectives from SIOs who will share their experiences and strategies to navigate the intersection of geopolitics and international education. Access Recording - (current AIEA members only; log-in required) AIEA Leadership Town Hall Join AIEA leaders to discuss pathways to leadership within AIEA, open leadership positions within AIEA, and ways to get more involved. Please note that the AIEA leadership nominations deadline is October 10.
Access Recording (current AIEA members only; log-in required)
September 22, 2022, 1:00 pm EDT SIO Leadership in Exploring Synergies between Internationalization and Public Engagement Moderator: Wing-kai To, Bridgewater State University Panelists: Earl D. Kellogg, Professor Emeritus and Former Associate Provost for International Affairs, University of Illinois; David Fleshler, Associate Provost for International Affairs, Case Western Reserve University This town hall will examine the under-emphasized importance of higher education’s internationalization to public engagement. Discussion will be focused on why public engagement and internationalization are mutually strengthening and important to HEIs and society. There will be opportunities to discuss campus strategies for public engagement with international issues and affairs and what AIEA and SIOs might do to enhance this important synergy. Substantial time will be allocated to discussion among attendees. Access Recording (current AIEA members only; log-in required) June 23, 2022, 1:00 pm EDT Revenue Strategies for Internationalization: Is Anything New? Moderator: JY Zhou, Stockton University Panelists: Jill E. Blondin, Virginia Commonwealth University; Alan Preece, Consultant writing at http://www.viewfromabridge.org/; Paulo Zagalo-Melo, Western Michigan University This AIEA town hall will discuss revenue and budgeting strategies for internationalization. Panelists will share a global perspective on revenue models and strategies for internationalization, explore how to strategize revenue sources to avoid “seemingly profitable” initiatives and address opportunities and challenges in RCM-inspired models, and discuss strategic planning and budget alignment, sustainable initiatives development, and intentional budget planning. Access Recording (current AIEA members only; log-in required) May 19, 2022, 1:00 pm EDT Title: International Scientific Research Collaboration and Security Moderator: Jane Gatewood, University of Rochester Panelists: Rebecca Keiser, U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF); Kalpen Trivedi, University of Massachusetts at Amherst Join us for a discussion on international scientific research collaboration and security with Rebecca Spyke Keiser, Chief of Research Security Strategy and Policy (CRSSP) at the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). Keiser is the first CRSSP, a position established in March 2020 to ensure the security of U.S. federally funded research while maintaining open international collaboration. In this role, Keiser provides the NSF director with policy advice on all aspects of research security strategy. She also leads NSF’s efforts to develop and implement efforts to improve research security and the agency’s coordination with other federal agencies and the White House. Prior to this role, Keiser served as head of the Office of International Science and Engineering (OISE) at NSF. She has also served in policy and advisory roles at NASA and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). Access Recording (current AIEA members only; log-in required) Ukraine: What Can We Do; What Should We Do? Moderator: Richard Harvey, University of East Anglia Panelists: Heba Gowayed, Boston University; Anatoly Oleksiyenko, University of Hong Kong Many people are horrified by the war in Ukraine. Sadly, for many Senior International Officers this is the latest in a battalion of sorrows - every armed conflict, even a local one, creates enormous human damage which, in turn creates schisms and challenges on a global scale. The scale of the humanitarian crisis is daunting (UN HCR estimates over 84M forcibly displaced persons worldwide). In this session we examine the impact of global conflicts on international higher education with two scholars who specialize in post-Soviet higher education and crisis of displacement. We hope to not only briefly review the situation in Ukraine but also ask what can or should international educators do in response to such crises. Access Recording (current AIEA members only; log-in required) Webinar - AIEA's Forty Year History: Presidential Perspectives Moderator: Dafina Diabate Join past AIEA presidents Gilbert Merkx, Jack Van de Water, and Harvey Charles, and current president Jewell Winn for this webinar on the history of the association. Past Presidents will reflect on the challenges faced by AIEA during their presidency and address how those challenges were met, as well as implications for the future. Access Recording; Access Chat transcript (current AIEA members only; log-in required) International Student Enrollment After Covid-19: How SIOs can Lead and Learn With Challenges and Opportunities Ahead Moderator: Panelists: COVID-19 severely disrupted international student mobility. As many top destination countries for international students begin to pull out of the pandemic, international education administrators find themselves at a crossroads in terms of future strategy. Will the online programs and services created in response to lockdowns and travel bans continue to play a role now that more institutions are resuming in-person operations? Beyond the pandemic, what are other major factors influencing international enrollment strategy? This town hall will explore these and other questions relating to the future of international student enrollment. Access Recording (current AIEA members only; log-in required) November 18, 2021, 1:00 pm EDT Lessons Learned from the Afghanistan Crisis: Higher Ed Responses to Support At-Risk/Displaced Students and Scholars in the US Moderator: Dr. Randy Kluver, Oklahoma State University Panelists: Sarah Willcox, Scholars at Risk Network; Kyle Farmbry, Rutgers University; Hourie Tafech, University Alliance for Refugees and At-Risk Migrants (UARMM). The fall of the Afghan government in August of 2021 created a crisis moment for citizens of Afghanistan, including many students and scholars. Universities across the US and around the world have sought to find ways to bring assistance to the effort for those displaced by the crisis, and for the many thousands of other nationals displaced by conflict and repression in their home countries. This town hall will bring to light several different approaches that universities, faculty, and students have taken in response to the moment. Discussions will consider the possible long-term outcomes and lessons that can be applied to support displaced students and scholars. AIEA’s Professional Development & Engagement Committee presents this town hall featuring several organizations that have responded to the resettlement efforts in the US. Access Recording (current AIEA members only; log-in required) Decarbonizing Internationalization Moderator: Richard Harvey, University of East Anglia (UEA), UK Panelists: Janet Ilieva, Education Insight; Asher Minns, Tyndall Centre; Debra Rowe, US Partnership on Sustainability; CJ Tremblay, MD and Founder Alethea Global. COP26 (https://ukcop26.org) is imminent and people will ask what we International Educators and Administrators are doing to curb our emissions. It’s easy to give “stock” answers such as virtual exchange, internationalization at home and so on. And given that student mobility always exceeds that of the educators and administrators, reducing unsustainable travel in our students will have an impact. But what about our own behavior? Surely what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander? If a climate catastrophe is to be avoided then answers, and best practices, are needed urgently. However it’s a complex question because there are questions of social justice intertwined with a pressing need to reduce carbon emissions, intertwined with strong evidence that mobility of overseas has a very powerful positive impact on student performance. Access recording (current AIEA members only; log-in required) September 30, 2021, 1:00 pm EDT Dealing with Delta: An AIEA Peer-Sharing Town Hall Moderators: Rick H. Lee, Cornell University and Erich Dietrich, New York University The Delta variant has forced universities and colleges to address the shifting nature of the local, national, and global responses to the pandemic, as well as their respective plans for a safe return to campus in the upcoming semester. Join fellow senior international officers and IE leaders for a peer engagement opportunity to think through questions and concerns related to risk management, mobility, and resource management. The format of the town hall will include breakout rooms and a debrief session, so please come prepared to participate and share! Facilitators: Funwi Ayuninjam, Georgia Gwinnett College; Erich Dietrich, New York University; Gbemi Disu, Carnegie Mellon Africa; Adel El Zaim, University of Quebec in Outaouais; Kate Jennings, Vancouver Island University; Rick Lee, Cornell University; Matt Pucciarelli, St. John's University; Jeff Riedinger, University of Washington; Wing-kai To, Bridgewater State University; Kalpen Trivedi, University of Massachusetts Amherst. Access recording (current AIEA members only; log-in required) September 22, 2021, 4:00 pm EDT Join AIEA President David Fleshler and AIEA President-Elect Jewell Winn to hear more about specific opportunities to be a leader within the Association of International Education Administrators. This is also an opportunity to ask questions you may have about serving in leadership roles in AIEA. Access recording (Public) August 26, 2021, 11:00 am EDT As we plan for a new academic term, senior leaders from universities in Colombia, India, Japan, and South Africa will discuss the consequences of the pandemic to date, including challenges and opportunities for the future of higher education. The conversation will explore COVID’s effects on their universities, cities, and countries as well as ways their institutions have been part of larger community response efforts. Access recording (current AIEA members only; log-in required) July 29, 2021, 1:00 pm EDT This discussion is designed as a chance for AIEA leaders to welcome newer members to the association and share tips related to current programs, networking opportunities, and other ways to become more involved.
June 24, 2021, 1:00 pm EDT As the pandemic becomes a series of epidemics, universities are no longer constrained by national laws and public health edicts. They have choices. But what choices could they, or should they make? This panel will discuss the scenarios they feel are the most likely for the start of the next semester. Does vaccination need to be mandatory? Will in-person classes be fully open or at limited capacity? Will there be a third or fourth COVID wave, and if so, when will that hit? These and other questions will form the basis of this panel, which will attempt, if not to predict the future, then to make some reasoned guesses. May 27, 2021, 1:00 pm EDT As we approach the 1-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd amidst ongoing concerns about racial injustices in the United States, higher education leaders have been affirming our values and practices in supporting equity on our campuses. For international education leaders, what are the opportunities and challenges for infusing justice/equity/diversity/inclusion (JEDI) in our work with the campus community? In this panel three SIOs in different regions and contexts will discuss their efforts to support students and develop programs that promote wellness, inclusion, and justice in international education. We hope to share our experiences and explore concrete actions to advance racial justice through internationalization. Access recording (current AIEA members only; log-in required) April 29, 2021, 1:00 pm EDT We are approaching the first 100 days of the Biden administration. In this discussion, we invite speakers offering three perspectives—from higher education institutions, Access recording (current AIEA members only; log-in required) April 8, 2021, 1:00 pm ET The issues of student success and engagement among Chinese students are well-observed and ongoing challenges for US universities. Beyond language skills, Chinese students also face hurdles with their understanding of academic expectations and cultural adaptation which has their roots in the Chinese education system. As the coronavirus pandemic forced universities to shift their instruction and services to a virtual environment, it also provided them with an opportunity to experiment with traditional programming and its delivery. With the advent of the “new normal,” a number of new possibilities are now available to higher education institutions, allowing them to reimagine their offerings in order to better engage Chinese students and support their development. In this session, presenters will:
New Mind Education, an accredited post-secondary institution, has supported the Chinese student population for over 10 years providing both in-person and virtual onboarding, advising, instruction, and activities to support its partner universities and its mission to inspire and cultivate global talent. Access recording (current AIEA members only; log-in required) March 25, 2021, 1:00 p.m. ET In this discussion, we will think through the risks inherent in re-engaging internationalization efforts tabled during the pandemic, emphasizing student and employee safety. The session will start with a brief guided conversation around metrics and resources SIOs might use to assess risk as they advocate for renewed global engagement. We will then move toward Q&A and collegial sharing. We encourage participants to come with examples of compelling approaches that may guide incipient “re-start” efforts. Access recording (current AIEA members only; log-in required) This session will provide multi-country perspectives on how to build sustainable cross border alliances with Indian Higher Education institutions. We will delve into the key factors of consideration for universities that are looking to build joint degree programs and collaborative provisions with Indian institutions such as different models of partnership, program lifecycles and risk management techniques. The approach of the session is to share best practices from different geographies and also engage in problem solving regarding existing impediments to develop partnerships. We will also cover how India’s new National Education Policy will impact the future of cross-border partnerships and highlight immediate opportunities for AIEA members. The outcome of this session is to encourage the development of impactful partnerships with Indian institutions and identify the tools required to create mutually-beneficial collaborations.
Access recording (current AIEA members only; log-in required)
November 12, 1:00 p.m. EST The 2020 U.S. presidential election will have significant national and international implications for higher education for the next four years and beyond. The President will have the opportunity to influence federal higher education policy in a profound way, whether through issuing executive actions, appointing agency leadership, or introducing and signing legislation. This panel brings together experts on internationalization, U.S. federal education policy, and international exchange to assess the potential impact on international higher education. Access recording (current AIEA members only; log-in required) October 22, 1:00 p.m. EDT The changing demographics of US education and the demands of COVID19 have left many universities facing a tough future. Contrary to public belief, over half of US universities have endowments of less than $1M so there is pressure to fill the funding gap with international students. Our panelists will examine the issue through the context of the UK, which traditionally has a high dependence on international students and therefore strong linkages exist between the CFO and SIO, and the US where practice is more mixed. What are the practical, ethical, and regulatory issues associated with the international pressure? To what extent should CFOs and SIOs collaborate or is a more nuanced relationship desirable? Access recording (current AIEA members only; log-in required) October 8, 1:00 p.m. EDT Universities and communities throughout the United States have benefitted in many ways over decades by hosting students from around the world in higher education programs. Policy changes in the last few years, and global pandemic of 2020, pose many uncertainties for international students studying at universities and colleges in the United States. University staff and faculty, as well as fellow students, have sought ways to provide information and advice to students about a range of issues. The purpose of this Town Hall is to share ideas about activities, challenges and initiatives to support international students during the multiple challenges in 2020 for life on-campus, off-campus, in local communities, nationally in the U.S., and in their home countries. Our panelists, who include international students as well as university leaders, will discuss these challenges, and share the activities and practices they have undertaken. We will also have time for questions from and discussion among Town Hall participants. Access recording (current AIEA members only; log-in required) October 2, 2:00 p.m. EDT Join AIEA President Adel El Zaim, President-Elect David Fleshler and Immediate Past President Cheryl Matherly to discuss pathways to leadership within AIEA, open leadership positions within AIEA, and ways to get more involved. Please note that the AIEA leadership nominations deadline is October 15 - see details here. Self-nominations are welcome!
Access recording (current AIEA members only; log-in required)
September 24, 1:00 p.m. EDT Bringing perspectives from Europe and Latin America, panelists will discuss the impact of COVID-19 on institutions themselves as well as broader issues in international education, including student mobility and partnerships. Access recording (current AIEA members only; log-in required) September 10, 1:00 p.m. EDT The aim of this AIEA Town Hall is to discuss what it's going to take to safely send students abroad in person again in 2021 and beyond. Many, if not most, students around the world were recalled home from their study abroad programs in March 2020 due to the outbreak and spread of COVID-19, and many universities have cancelled Summer and Fall 2020 programs, along with Winter 2021 and even Spring 2021. Our students have been greatly disappointed, and want to get back out there as soon as possible. As SIOs, we must advise our university administrations about the best course of action without knowing what the future will bring. Our panelists will talk about what they've done to guide their institutions, and engage participants in a discussion about everything that needs to be considered in order to reestablish our study abroad programs. Access recording (current AIEA members only; log-in required) September 4, 1:00 p.m. EDT The pandemic’s restrictions are keeping many international students enrolled in U.S. universities who are studying and working remotely, from outside the U.S. This has raised questions about international taxation regarding course tuition and international students’ remote work. International offices, deans and other administrators are reaching out to their legal counsels and taxation departments, only to often find they are unable to provide answers to such unprecedented cases. August 19, 1:00 p.m. EDT If 2020 has taught international educators anything, it has been that simply having well-developed emergency plans may be insufficient. They are, of course, important, but many of our plans may not have anticipated events impacting all our students at the same time, nor that they required broad immediate responses and mobilization. Agility is a characteristic more common to the business world than higher education. Committee structures and hierarchical administrations traditionally have not lent themselves to quick decisions and actions. The events of this year, however, have tested international educators by requiring immediate responses with far-reaching implications on the entire institution. This pandemic will not last forever (despite how we may feel currently), although the lessons will be considered far into the future. International educators will review our crisis plans and SIOs will again engage in strategic planning. It will behoove us to borrow a page from our business partners and consider agility in our planning so as to quickly adapt in an ever-rapidly changing world. The bar is being raised and the expectations are increasing. The next time will not be “unprecedented.”
Access recording (current AIEA members only; log-in required) July 24, 1:00 p.m. EDT As a follow up to the July 10 AIEA Town Hall, "Recent Immigration Changes and their Impact on International Students and Scholars in the U.S.," this discussion will continue to explore the ramifications of U.S. immigration regulations on our students, and consider what might come next under the current administration. This Town Hall also included initial discussion and interpretation of the recently released information on student visas (released July 24). Access recording (current AIEA members only; log-in required) July 10, 1:00 p.m. EDTRecent Immigration Changes and their Impact on International Students and Scholars in the U.S. Moderator: Adel el Zaïm (University of Ottawa) Presenters: Tina Rousselot de Saint Céran (Georgia Institute of Technology), Marissa Hill-Dongre, (University of Minnesota), Thomas Bogenschild (Gateway International Group) Access recording (current AIEA members only; log-in required) June 26, 1:00 p.m. EDT Daniel Kahneman, Nobel Prize-winning economist and author of Thinking, Fast and Slow, cautions leaders not to get stuck in the “narrative fallacy,” a memory loop that limits plans for the future to slight variations on the past. This Town Hall meeting will provoke decision-makers to engage in divergent, exploratory thinking about future forms of study abroad. Participants will experience futures thinking exercises that they can then implement with diverse teams on their home campuses. Access recording (current AIEA members only; log-in required)
June 12, 1:00 p.m. EDT Access recording (current AIEA members only; log-in required) While higher education holds the promise and potential as a great equalizer in society, we must confront the reality that it has often reproduced both inequality and exclusion. As we strive to respond to racism and injustice and to shift toward more equitable access and outcomes, what is the role of international education? Panelists will provide perspectives on how SIOs can provide leadership in this area, including equitable domestic and international student mobility, campus internationalization, and international partnerships.
May 29, 1:00 p.m. EDT Access recording (current AIEA members only; log-in required) The scenario for higher education in the after-COVID19 era is not precisely positive. Leaders of colleges and universities will face painful decisions in order to keep afloat institutions. But, do they consider internationalization as key component of the “new normal”, or they think that it is relatively marginal? Sadly, the traditional business model behind the internationalization strategy of institutions -mostly focused on student mobility- has shown its fragility. Adapting and re-inventing the approach, rationale and activities, of internationalization strategies is both, urgent and needed. At the Town-Hall meeting we will discuss options and will exchange ideas. May 22, 1:00 p.m. EDT
Access recording (current AIEA members only; log-in required) May 15, 2020, 1:00 p.m. EDT Friday, May 8 Friday, May 1 Friday, April 24 Friday, April 17 Friday, April 3 Friday, March 27 Friday, March 13 COVID-19 Town Hall Meeting GuidelinesAIEA Virtual Town Hall Discussions are intended as a way for AIEA members to discuss the ever-changing situation and challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants have two ways of sharing information: through verbal discussion during the Town Hall discussions, as well as in the Town Hall chat. Both of these methods can be used to ask questions, respond to queries, and/or provide resources relevant to the current issue or topic covered by the town hall. The chat may be used to pose questions and resources relevant to COVID-19 and internationalization that may or may not be directly related to the specific topics covered by the town hall. The discussion and Town Hall chat should not be used to:
Town Hall Discussions are open to all current AIEA members – please do not send access information to others. If you are uncertain whether the content of your messages is appropriate, please send an email to the AIEA Secretariat and ask for advice. Participants who do not adhere to these guidelines may be removed from the Town Hall. |
