Integration & Participation

To encourage and facilitate integration between home and international students and to enact a change in culture on campus by: promoting cultural exchange; introducing Global Awards; introducing the SU to new international students early; creating a global umbrella brand that brings together all cultural and global activities; working with societies' inclusion officers and representatives; publicising our internationalisation strategy.

Update on this objective

Finished: I have worked closely with marketing over the summer to produce an International Students' Flyer. That flyer was distributed during Orientation Week, Intro Week, Welcome Talks (for International Students, Erasmus and Study Abroad students and ELTC), Fairs, January Erasmus and study abroad students intake etc. This flyer will also be used for the January Erasmus and Study Abroad students intake

I organised numerous welcome talks for international students. (two during Orientation Week, one during Intro Week, two for ELT students, one in week 6 for late arrivals and one for second semester Orientation) I also contributed to the Erasmus and Study Abroad students welcome talk and the talk on 'International Opportunities Abroad and at Home'.

I also took part in many open day and welcome talks. This year was the first time that the International Students' Officer spoke at the PGT talks. 

I together with the Multifaith Chaplaincy organised an alternative Christmas Event in Coffee Revolution and the unofficial Burns Night Haggis Meal in Interval and a Ceilidh in the Foundry. We are currently making plans for St. Georges Day celebrations.

Ongoing: There will soon be focus groups taking the global umbrella branding forward.

Going to work on some ideas for pre-arrival information soon, especially information for home students about our globalised campus.

 

---

Representation & Feedback

To increase international students' participation in representational structures so that they can have an active input and are adequately represented by: investigating the addition of an internationalisation rep to SSC; being involved in the 'I will lead' programme; utilising representative committees and SU councillors to increase representation; supporting the Black Students' Campaign; empowering ISC reps and national societies to act as representatives of their region; communicating with students on a regular basis; ensuring the local community understands the benefits of international students; continuing to campaign on local and national level to protect international students' rights.

Update on this objective

Finished: I was a member of the elections committee for Students' Union Council elections which enabled me to have a direct input into how elections were publicised and held. I also actively promoted elections at every talk I did and whenever I talked to students.

Organised events and activities for Black History Month, together with Sarah Charlesworth. There is also an elected Black Students' Committee since October. 

Helped ISC reps to draft their objectives for the semester and I am still assisting them in representational matters.

There was a positive story about international students in The Star. I referred students to be interviewed and highlighted the annual World Food Festival. Additionally, I did a separate press release for World Food Festival. The Deputy Lord Mayor and some local councillors also attended the event together with the Vice Chancellor, the Registrar and Pro-Vice Chancellors from the University. http://www.shef.ac.uk/union/news.php?contentID=15670

Consulted students and gave comments to the University's Internationalisation Strategy. Need to ensure that students are involved throughout the process.

Ongoing: 'I will lead' programme - more sessions to come.

I am in the process of getting in contact with student reps of international origin.

The first cultural awareness training will happen in March, so currently working on developing the training with Jo Holliday and the Representation and Democracy Department.

I try to attend 'conversation club' and 'inter-faith cafe' regularily to talk to students.

Currently collaborating with NUS on immigration issues - some developments there where the government wants to change the 'points based system' to a 'contribution based system'

I am working with NUS this year to improve representation at national level. I have been appointed the NUS UK delegate at the European Students' Union sitting on the board and having the chance to represent students in the UK at EU level. I am also going to attend the NUS International Students' Conference.

---

Support

To improve, develop and promote support mechanisms that bear in mind international students' needs by: ensuring information is communicated adequately; promoting the '100 things' website; working closely with SAC and the Careers Service; improving and developing training for staff on cultural matters; strengthening support on academic issues and requirements; making national societies forums effective; re-launching the linguist club.

Update on this objective

Finished: Organised two national society forums so far together with ISC. There will be another one in March.

I have consulted with USIC about halal options in the Students' Union.

There will be a language wall in the Students' Union soon. :) This will include a language board where students can find language partners.

There has been one meeting of the Internationalisation Audit Group so far, another one will take place soon to embed internationalisation in everything we do.

Had a meeting with registry services about EU Exam-resits and the possibility for EU students to take re-sits in their home counrty. Currently waiting on data in order to write a proposal.

Ongoing: I am working with ISC Welfare to promote '100 things I wish I had known before coming to Sheffield'. I have mentioned the website in all my welcome talks in order for students to have a look at it. http://www.shef.ac.uk/union/advice/100things/

Jo Holliday and I will be setting up a working group to look into what we can do to engage and support Chinese students, as they are the biggest international students' group on campus. 

I have lobbied various actors in the University on supporting international students with academic practices. I am in the process of collecting research and best practice on the topic.

Lobbied the University to install a language partner finding notice board in the IC. I am waiting to hear back from them. The SU is also looking into, as part of the vibrant building project, getting a notice board in the SU.