2025 Global Initiatives Master Class Series focuses on increasing international student success
Contact: Nicol Tinsley
VCU Global Education Office
(804) 828-6463
nctinsley@vcu.edu
Richmond, VA (September 4, 2025) — The Global Education Office will hold the third Global Initiatives Master Class Series during the fall 2025 semester to provide VCU deans, associate deans, faculty and staff support, recommendations and guidance about increasing international student success. The workshops will be facilitated by leaders in international education, including Vivian Wang, Ph.D., vice provost for global engagement of the University of Tulsa, and Sherif Barsoum, senior associate vice president for global services at New York University. The third series follows 11 workshops over the past two years that provided information about recruitment and partnership strategies, and guidance and data-informed approaches to increasing global engagement.
Jill Blondin, Ph.D., vice provost for global initiatives, is excited to offer this third year of workshops to the VCU community to provide faculty and staff valuable information in the areas of international alumni engagement and international student support.
"These workshops are critical to internationalizing the campus; not only are they designed to increase knowledge on key topics that are important for global engagement, but they also bring experts to VCU and expand our network," she said.
Information and the fall 2025 workshop schedule are as follows:
From Students to Global Ambassadors:
A Strategic Approach to International Alumni Engagement
September 23, 2025
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Student Commons, Richmond Salon IV
Facilitated by:
Vivian Wang, Ph.D.
Vice Provost for Global Engagement
Workshop details:
The workshop will present a comprehensive approach for supporting international students from arrival through graduation and into alumnihood. Wang will explore how consistent engagement throughout the student life cycle builds lasting relationships and strengthens alumni connections.
Discussions will focus on aligning international alumni engagement with broader institutional goals, including international students' recruitment, career development, study abroad, and industry partnerships. We will also explore how international alumni can give back and contribute to advancement efforts.
Holistic and Collaborative Approaches to International Student Support
December 4, 2025
11 a.m. -1 p.m.
Student Commons - Richmond Salon IV
Facilitated by:
Sherif Barsoum
Senior Associate Vice President for Global Services
New York University
Workshop details:
As universities expand their global reach, providing intentional, inclusive support for international students is not just a service; it's a mission-aligned imperative. This two-hour session introduces a holistic framework for international student support that integrates immigration services, transition programming, and student engagement under a unified, cross-campus model. Participants will explore how coordinated efforts across academic and student affairs can cultivate belonging, support personal and academic transitions, and prepare students to thrive across cultures and communities. The workshop will highlight a suite of collaborative initiatives and will share strategies for assessment and continuous improvement, including the use of dashboards, surveys, and feedback to inform program design.
Inquiries about the workshops can be made at vcu.global@gmail.com and those interested in attending the workshops may register in advance. Lunch will be provided during the workshop.