Student leaders are trying to bridge the gap between international students after years of minimal communication.
One of the goals of the 2003-2004 Associated Students of the University of Utah’s administration was to help international students feel involved on campus and to help with issues such as housing and visas.
In an effort to keep the promise, the Non-Traditional Student Board is now planning an International Week, which previously stirred up complaints due to its focus on only selected cultures.
“Last year, they picked a few cultures to really emphasize. This year, we want to be all- encompassing. The best way to do that is looking at our own international community,” said April Heiselt, director of the non-traditional student affairs board.
International students also felt that their input was left out in planning last year’s event.
“No one let us know about that week. How can you do something involving international cultures without actually involving international students?” said Jahanara Saleh, the International Student Council president.
This year, ASUU has approached the ISC and involved other international students in planning events and joining ASUU boards.
Other groups to help with the planning of International Week will include the ASUU’s Diversity Board, United Leadership Council, Presenters Office and the U’s International Center.
International Week will run Sept. 2 through 5. Also, in late August, both ASUU and the U student groups will attend the international student orientation for student recruitment.
“This is a great way to get them involved with ASUU. It hasn’t ever happened before so we’re really excited,” Heiselt said. “Instead of waiting for them to come to us, we’ll go to them.”
The week will include live bands, such as Samba Gringa, international movies and an ASUU open house.
The event will cost about $10,000, according to Heiselt. The majority of the money will come from a joint effort from several ASUU boards and co-sponsorships with other organizations.
Valerie Green, the U’s International Student Advisor, said the international students would benefit ASUU.
“I was really excited to see ASUU taking the initiative to get students involved. It’s good to see that an administration made a promise and are now really following through,” Green said.
Green adds that although the week is a great start to introduce both international students and U students to each other, the real test will be if bonds form between ASUU and international students.
“It shouldn’t just be a great party, but lead to dealing with issues like student involvement in volunteering to help international students with language skills,” Green said.
Feeling welcome when first entering the country and campus is important for the new international students to feel, Saleh said.
“International Week is a good start, but I think they are still missing what we want. It seems like their intentions are to introduce Utah to international students, not international students to Utah,” she said.