April 7, 2013 · 10:04 pm

New Nevada Higher Education Funding Formula: Making International Students More of a Priority

fund form

There are two aspects of the new Nevada higher education funding formula that will contribute towards a stronger demand for international students.  The first involves how Nevada college and university revenue will be calculated.  The traditional formula was based on student enrollment (colleges received funding based on the number of students who enrolled in courses).  The new funding formula is based on student completion rates (colleges receive funding based on the number of students who pass their courses). This change means that colleges and universities only get paid if the students are successful and pass a class.

(old) Enrollment rates    —>    (new) weighted student course    +   completion rates  =  Pay for performance model

1 image

This is a good change if Nevada’s colleges have high performing students who pass all their classes.  Unfortunately, research demonstrates that this is not always the case.  Out of seven public colleges and universities and a handful of private colleges in the state, in-state (resident) students only demonstrate approximately 50% graduation rates within 6 years; whereas, non-resident aliens (out-of-state/international) students demonstrate approximately 70% graduation rates.  This means that the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) will collect approximately 20% more revenue from international and out-of-state students.

The second aspect of the new NV higher education funding formula that contributes towards a stronger demand for international students includes how student tuition/fees are kept on campus.  You see, in-state (resident) students pay approximately $6,500 per year whereas; non-resident aliens (out-of-state/international) students pay approximately $20,000 per year.  Nevada higher education institutions will be able to keep more of their out-of-state student tuition/fees compared to the in-state student tuition/fees based on this new formula.

Remember, higher education is a business.  If international students bring in more out-of-state tuition/revenue and are more likely to pass their courses (hence, more money), colleges and universities will undoubtedly favor and invest in international student recruitment, retention, and graduation.  This is a significant change for Nevada since for many years institutions have under-appreciated the vast diversity and globalization benefits that international students contribute to campuses and communities.  Hopefully, the unintended consequences of this new funding formula will ultimately stimulate greater research, cross-cultural support services, and international partnerships in Nevada.

23 Comments

Filed under Higher Education, International Education

Tagged as , , , , , , , , ,

March 29, 2013 · 2:24 pm

Knock Knock…Who’s there? International Students and We Want Your Attention.

gradiStock_000020829404_Small

By 2025, more than 8 million students are projected to be studying abroad (outside their home country).  This increasing demand for international education presupposes a growing need for student support resources to accommodate a growing international student aggregate.  But as higher education systems struggle with state and federal disinvestment (funding and support), it will also struggle with providing necessary resources (staffing, space, funding, etc.) for student success.  In the midst of this academic conundrum, international students will seek what other options are available.  This is a problem for higher education since it already completes with public, private, online, for-profit and non-profit educational entities for quality international students.  The colleges and universities who can’t provide and support their current students won’t be able to attract/recruit new ones.

Did you know that international students have different needs than domestic/traditional students?  For example, the need for cross-cultural transition education directly impacts student performance.  Many colleges and universities don’t provide the cross-cultural support.  If it is provided, many services are often very minimal, provided long after the semester initiated, or are grant funded (which means the money can always be discontinued after the fixed contract).  This is truly unfortunate for the international student body.  Cultural differences between American college cultures and the norms of international students can influence academic success, social skills, psychological health, and professional development.

If students are not provided proper cross-cultural training before they arrive on American campuses and are not supported during post-induction cultural transitions, serious factors can derail their academic and professional goals (not to mention their overall wellness: psychological, emotional, financial, and physical wellbeing).

As higher education continues to feel the growing pains and pressures to enhance international student recruitment and retention, I believe there is a greater need to prioritize cross-cultural services.  If international students don’t experience a healthy transition, they are not as apt to succeed and pass their classes.

Leave a Comment

Filed under Higher Education, International Education

Tagged as , , , , , , , ,

February 23, 2013 · 4:45 pm

Cross-cultural Adaptation

20130223-164417.jpg

A couple days ago I bumped into a previous international student in front of my office. After exchanging pleasantries, my next question startled her, “how much longer do you have before graduation and how are you liking your study abroad so far?” It must have been a sensitive issue based on her squeamish hesitation.

Sighing with exhaustion, she admitted to having another two years of college before returning to her home country. She described that she was enjoying her time in America but that it was a challenge coping with the academic and social adjustments. “I have a friend now who helps me practice speak English. There aren’t any school services that I know of to practice speaking English and American students don’t have time to help.”

I then asked if she had made many American friends. “Not really. Americans pretty much keep to themselves. It would be nice to connect with a group of friends who were patient with me. It would also be helpful if they corrected my language skills instead of letting my misunderstandings pass by. How are my communication skills going to improve if I don’t know when I’m saying something wrong?”

Of course I offered to help and reminded her that my office door (and email) were always open but this topic begs the question: “Are colleges and universities providing sufficient support services for international students and can cultural adjustment be made fun, educational, and affordable?”

I think so but it presupposes that a new investment is made in this student body and new campus services. As globalization continues to reshape higher education, we’ll all feel the impact of a new international society. Employers are hiring culturally competent applicants and educational leaders are responsible for fostering those cultural competencies. In order to generate a diverse, internationally prepared workforce, we must first address how we introduce cultural sensitivities and facilitate cross-cultural adaptation. What international student support services do you use, do you need, or would recommend trying?

Leave a Comment

Filed under Higher Education, Leadership

Tagged as , , , , , ,

December 4, 2012 · 3:05 am

International Student Support Services

Image Source: http://ow.ly/fNAFh

Image Source: http://ow.ly/fNAFh

Twenty-first century higher education strives to prepare an educated and civilly responsible workforce, capable of succeeding in competitive, global markets. Globalization and higher education are interdependent systems benefiting from each other’s successes as well as impacted by each other’s forgone positive contributions. Globalization is not a trend, but a growing influence reshaping college campuses and employer demands. As technology, transportation, and communication evolve, international collaboration increases; thus, presupposing a greater need for educational systems to bridge diverse cultural gaps.

Globalization and technology trends presuppose the increased need for highly skilled college graduates with intercultural communication and adaptation skills. As international student enrollment increases, there will also be increasing pressures to develop effective international student support services and the evaluation of those services while competing with for-profit and nonprofit institutions. Greater linkage between higher education student support services and international student needs will foster communication and facilitate better transition into American college cultures; ultimately strengthening international student successes.

Cross-cultural awareness + sensitivity + competencies = intercultural adaptation

Cross-cultural: researching and understanding the similarities and differences between two cultures.
Intercultural: The interaction between two cultures.

The preliminary findings from my dissertation pilot study, “International Student Perception of a Pre-Departure Cross-cultural Competency Preparation: A Phenomenological Study”, found two main themes. The first was that inbound international students need specific and unique student support services (compared to traditional students) that directly impact their academic success. The primary need was for better English speaking (not writing) services. The second was that cultural preparation strategies for international students are needed to enhance student transition into the American higher education system. Specifically, socialization or “sticky campus” strategies that increase a balanced student engagement lifestyle were addressed.

The international student perspective demonstrated that an earlier intercultural intervention could improve student cross-cultural competencies and thus, intercultural adaptation into American college cultures and their academic success. These findings should encourage college and university administrators to more intentionally and accurately address international student needs, prescribe more effective campus support services, and consider developing pre-departure cultural preparation services to better serve international students before they arrive on campus.

If you have experienced effective cultural preparation strategies or would like to recommend helpful educational strategies, please share them in the comments section below.  Thank you for visiting taramaddendent.com.

Leave a Comment

Filed under Higher Education, Leadership

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , ,

October 31, 2012 · 7:29 pm

Student Discipline

Watch this video about school law, specifically student discipline, and participate in a discussion about policy and law.

27 Comments

Filed under Higher Education

Tagged as , , , ,

September 20, 2012 · 10:11 am

Public School Church/State Discussion

In June 2006, (Clark County, NV) Foothill High School Valedictorian Brittany McComb delivered a Christian-laced graduation speech.

Prior to graduation day, her speech was reviewed by school officials who required edits to avoid school-sponsored promotion of a religion.  Brittany agreed to the required changes but proceeded to use her original version anyway. School officials quickly cut off McComb’s microphone, to avoid anyone getting the idea their public school was preaching Christianity.

In relation to church/state regulations in public schools, what are your thoughts about this public school dilemma?  How does the Establishment Clause, Free Exercise Clause, student free speech and expression, limited-open forum/open-forum/closed forum, and preventative school policy relate to McComb’s speech?

In addition, here is a short article related to this topic: http://www.computernewbie.info/wheatdogg/2009/11/23/brittany-mccombs-legal-battle-ends-at-supreme-court/

27 Comments

Filed under Higher Education

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , ,

September 4, 2012 · 3:15 am

We’re here to Help Students Succeed

The first week of our fall semester is over and students are now feeling the hefty weight of their course workloads.  What happens now?  How can students work through the new overwhelming stresses?

It all starts with knowledge: let students know about the wide array of campus resources available to help cope, guide, and manage their academic challenges. The following resources are just a few of the most common campus services for students:

Writing centers- An excellent campus resource that usually offers free writing tutors.  These specialists help students outline writing assignments, edit papers, structure references, and correctly report in-text citation to avoid unintentional plagiarism.

Libraries- Besides the obvious free book rental, libraries are now a modern knowledge utopia.  Most provide free computer labs, free technology rentals (cameras, microphones, projectors, USB’s, tripods, movies, etc), free study rooms, discounted printing options, and research/presentation support.  Many campus libraries also offer free specialized student workshops about a wide array of topics including, “how to navigate WebCampus”, “how to Skype”, “how to create a PowerPoint”, or “How to use Endnote”.

Student Counseling- Most college students pay a psychiatric counseling fee as part of their student tuition but don’t realize it.  Campus counselors are professionals that help reduce anxiety and stress through specialized and confidential discussion. They also teach coping and time management skills. If it’s a service already paid for, why not use it?

Career Centers- While many students complete their coursework, they are also searching for work after graduation.  Building a professional resume, reference page, and cover letters takes time; not to mention the skill to present material in a competitive and professional manner. Student career centers are convenient and free campus resources that help maximize employment efforts in less time and are proofread by trained specialists.

Child Day Care- Many higher institutions provide free child day care for the mommy or daddy college student.  Space is usually limited, so get on a waiting list now. This student support resource can greatly help encourage a consistent attendance rate by not having to worry about a babysitter.

Health Centers- Another excellent student resource that help address and resolve stress and other wellness issues that distract students from completing homework on time. This is another service whose cost is most likely incorporated into student tuition; so why not use it?

Campus Gyms- There are numerous physical, emotional, mental, social, and other wellness benefits of utilizing campus gyms.  Students will experience a boost in self-esteem and health by keeping endorphins high and stress low. Membership fees are usually lower than regular private gyms if not free for students. Suggest that students try working out and having fun in campus recreation activities.

Professors & Administrators- We are here for students.  If they are struggling, have them stop by a professor’s office hours, pop into a Student Services office, or contact the Dean of their major.  We are here to promote their success.  If we can’t directly help the student, we will know the person who can and will make sure the two meet.

 

Students: RELAX and know you’re in good hands. College is fun and you’re going to do GREAT!

Leave a Comment

Filed under Higher Education, Leadership

Tagged as , , , , , , , ,