From a podcast interview with Jon Stauff, a seasoned higher education professional with extensive international education experience and a Ph.D. in modern European history.

“How do we connect the core activity of the university to the international work we do and integrate the international aspect into local conversations? We need faculty as a bridge for these tasks. They bring credibility to our enterprise.”

Introduction

In this interview, Jon Stauff discusses the role of faculty in advocating for international education and its importance to the university. He emphasizes the need to showcase faculty achievements and connect their work to the university’s mission. He highlights the role of faculty in lobbying efforts, grant applications, and engaging with congressional representatives to secure resources for international programs.

Jon also emphasizes the importance of faculty in grounding international work in learning and promoting students’ ability to make changes within global systems. He explains how faculty bring credibility and authenticity to the international education enterprise and serve as a bridge between the study abroad office and other academic departments.

Key Takeaways

• Faculty play a crucial role in advocating for international education by showcasing their achievements and connecting their work to the university’s mission.
• Faculty involvement is essential in lobbying efforts, grant applications, and engaging with congressional representatives to secure resources for international programs.
• Faculty help ground the international work in learning and promote students’ ability to make changes within global systems.
• Faculty bring credibility and authenticity to the international education enterprise and serve as a bridge between the study abroad office and other academic departments.
• Collaboration between faculty and international offices is necessary to create impactful learning experiences that foster global perspectives in students.

Faculty as Advocates for International Education

Faculty members are at the forefront of education, interacting directly with students and shaping their learning experiences. They have a unique perspective and understanding of the importance of international education in preparing students for the future. Jon Stauff, a Senior International Officer, emphasizes the significance of showcasing faculty achievements and involving them in advocacy efforts.

He states, “We need the faculty voice to help ground all this activity. We must ground their work in learning and promoting students’ ability to make changes within global systems in the 21st century.”

Connecting International Education to Local Initiatives

One of the challenges in advocating for international education is bridging the gap between global perspectives and local initiatives. Faculty members play a crucial role in this process by translating the importance of international education into practical components that resonate with local stakeholders.

Jon highlights the example of connecting a faculty member's work in animal science to the economy of South Dakota. By demonstrating the relevance and impact of international education on local industries, faculty members help bring the conversation about international education to the local level.

Faculty as Credible Voices in Advocacy

When advocating for international education, credibility is key. While the study abroad office may only sometimes be at the top of the general public's mind, the faculty members are considered experts in their respective fields. They bring authenticity and validation to international education programs and initiatives.

Jon emphasizes the importance of faculty members participating in advocacy efforts, stating, “They bring credibility to our enterprise, reminding people that NAFSA also has a knowledge community for faculty achievement and teaching and learning scholarship.”

The Role of Faculty in Shaping the Student Experience

The ultimate goal of international education is to provide students with a transformative learning experience that prepares them for the globalized world. Faculty members, with their direct interaction with students, play a crucial role in shaping this experience.

Jon emphasizes the crucial role of faculty members in understanding the first-year experience and linking it to international education. He believes that faculty members, being on the front lines, can gain a deep appreciation of the significance of leading international education programs. Their direct involvement and insights are essential in bridging the gap between students' initial experiences and the broader goals of global education, highlighting the need for faculty support and leadership in these initiatives.

Implications and Potential Impacts

The involvement of faculty members in advocating for international education has far-reaching implications. By showcasing faculty achievements and involving them in advocacy efforts, universities can enhance their reputation and brand on an international scale.

Additionally, faculty members can help bridge the gap between global perspectives and local initiatives, ensuring that international education is relevant and beneficial to the local community. Faculty involvement in shaping the student experience can lead to more meaningful and impactful international education programs that prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century.

Conclusion

Faculty members are crucial in advocating for international education and its importance to the university. They lend authenticity and validation to international education programs and initiatives, and their involvement helps ground the work in learning and promotes students’ ability to make changes within global systems. By recognizing the significance of faculty involvement and leveraging their expertise, universities can enhance their international education efforts and prepare students for success in a globalized world.

To catch the full interview with Jon, CLICK HERE.