Internationalization Task Force Final Report

VI. Northern Michigan University 's Division of Student Affairs will play several key support roles in nurturing global citizenship through international education.

The Internationalization Task Force acknowledges the important support roles played by Student Affairs in nurturing the learning that takes place on campus both in and outside the classroom. Student Affairs is particularly involved with recruitment and orientation of students and has a central role to play in introducing NMU students and potential NMU students to the benefits of a global education. The International Task Force implementation plan contains details that will promote these goals. Highlights include:

1. Development of protocols along with the University Admissions Office to engender on the part of NMU applicants and desire for, and an expectation of, a global education.
2. Development of First Year Experience Program (FYE) cadres of students particularly interested in exploring and pursuing study abroad options, the minor in Global Studies or the Global Studies Certificate Program.
3. Development of orientation materials that include discussion of study abroad options and a globalized education.
4. Active encouragement of student organizations such as Platform Personalities and Northern Arts and Entertainment (NAE) to host each year a minimum number of international speakers/performers.
5. Support for existing and new student organizations with an international focus, such as the All Nations Club and the International Service Learning Organization.
6. Institution of an International Student Residence Hall to house those international and US students particularly interested in pursuing daily intercultural immersion.

Policy Recommendations: Internationalizing Student Affairs

• The university is urged to include members of the Division of Student Affairs in regular training programs and workshops covering matters relating to internationalization.

Apart from the categories specifically recommended by the American Council on Education, the committee devised a set of recommendations classed under the rubric of Technology, Advertising, Public Relations, and Community Outreach.