Global engagement strategies continued in the Spring 2025 Global Initiatives Master Class Series
Contact: Nicol Tinsley
VCU Global Education Office
(804) 828-6463
nctinsley@vcu.edu
Richmond, VA (Jan. 16, 2025) — Virginia Commonwealth University's Global Education Office will present the next phase of its Global Initiatives Master Class Series: Global Engagement Strategies during the spring 2025 semester. The series is designed to provide attendees with support, recommendations, guidance and data-informed approaches to increasing global engagement through the expertise of international education leaders from universities around the country.
The spring workshops will be facilitated by Hilary Kahn, associate vice chancellor for international affairs at Indiana University, Indianapolis; Malaika Marable Serrano, Ph.D., vice president for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging at Guild Education; and LaNitra Berger, Ph.D., associate professor of the history and art history department and director of the African and African American Studies program at George Mason University.
Jill Blondin, Ph.D., vice provost for global initiatives, is excited to offer the workshop series that will focus on student success through topics including preparing globally-ready learners, prioritizing inclusivity in program design and building access and equity in internationalization.
"GEO's Global Initiatives Master Class series has been successful on so many levels — the workshop facilitators have provided practical information and guidance to the participants in order to advance meaningful global learning and student success at VCU,” she said.
The workshop series is in its second year, following the inaugural series that offered six workshops focusing on recruitment and partnership strategies.
The spring 2025 workshops are scheduled as follows:
Preparing Globally Ready Learners
February 6, 2025
11 a.m. -1 p.m.
Student Commons - Virginia Rooms C-D
Facilitated by:
Hilary Kahn
Associate Vice Chancellor for International Affairs
Indiana University Indianapolis
Workshop details:
This master class will help prepare faculty to be more intentionally global in their classrooms so that learners acquire the skills, knowledge and attitudes they need to be successful in our interconnected world. Rather than adding on a new and separate global dimension to teaching, faculty will be encouraged to consider how global perspectives and pedagogies can advance existing course, professional and disciplinary goals. Global learning will be framed as an imperative for public institutions whose missions are to serve communities, locally and globally.
Inclusive Program Design in International Education
March 27, 2025
11 a.m. -1 p.m.
Student Commons - Virginia Rooms C-D
Facilitated by:
Malaika Marable Serrano, Ph.D.
Vice President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
Guild Education
Workshop details:
How can we ensure that international education is accessible and inclusive for all students? This workshop will explore strategies to prioritize inclusivity and accessibility, emphasizing the importance of equitable access to global learning. Faculty and staff will gain practical approaches to enhance inclusion in both education abroad and virtual exchange, with methods to address financial and cultural barriers, incorporate inclusive pedagogy, and design programs that reflect diverse, authentic perspectives. Participants will leave with tools to assess inclusivity and foster belonging, empowering all students to fully experience the transformative impact of international education.
Social Justice and International Education: Tools for Staying Focused on Access and Equity in Internationalization
April 23, 2025
11 a.m. -1 p.m.
Student Commons - Richmond Salons IV
Facilitated by:
LaNitra Berger, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, History and Art History Department, and Director, African and African American Studies Program
George Mason University
Workshop details:
International educators work to create a more just and peaceful world through internationalizing their campuses, which includes ensuring that international education is accessible to everyone and that our campus resources are distributed equitably. This workshop uses social justice principles from the NAFSA edited book, "Social Justice and International Education: Research, Practice, and Perspectives (NASFA 2020)" to guide participants through a series of exercises to understand how concepts such as identity formation, mutually beneficial partnerships, and "fugitive pedagogies" can help international educators broaden their outreach and magnify their impact.
To learn more about the speakers, their biographies can be read at global.vcu.edu/master-class-series. Inquiries about the workshops can be made at vcu.global@gmail.com and those interested in attending the workshops must register in advance. Lunch will be provided during the workshop.