During the spring, summer and fall terms, we expanded several services and outreach programs, ranging from new permanent residents services to international travel clinics, to better serve international students and scholars at the University of Denver. Collaborative efforts between the staff of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), DU departments and student organizations, international students and scholars themselves, and gracious members of the greater Denver community made it happen. Our deep gratitude to all those who helped ISSS, especially with our SEVIS reorientation and registration processes.
This fall we had 61 students from 93 countries and 39 scholars (faculty and staff) from 16 countries. During the Fall Orientation, we welcomed over 200 new international students to campus. Orientations for entering students were held during the weeks prior to the start of classes, covering SEVIS and other immigration requirements, cultural adjustment in the U.S., DU MyWeb training, and a minifair where campus departments and community businesses introduced their services to the new students. Other orientation activities included an excursion to Georgetown for a steam train ride and old silver mine tour (picture below) and seminars covering topics such as “Living on a Budget in Denver” and “Academic and Career Planning.” Thanks to the I-Team, International House staff and the DU and greater community who have welcomed our international students to the Denver area and helped them adjust to the new culture.
International Student Services continues to improve its resources and services to international students. Much has changed of international student advising since SEVIS, which was mandated as of August 1, 2003. Re-orientation efforts conducted in Spring 2003 to collect accurate data from each international student for SEVIS reporting were largely successful, and all international students in status were entered into SEVIS by the compliance deadline. Because of SEVIS and new regulations, advising content is dominated by questions about travel and employment issues. For the first time this year, ISSS offered workshops on international travel.
One of the Office’s primary initiatives through the International Scholar Services is to help departments expand the international scholar population at DU and to serve these scholars. In the fall, ISSS began offering a new service to DU employees: assistance with obtaining permanent residence through employment at DU. For more information, please contact Laura Buhs at lbuhs@du.edu or 303.871.7861.
The International Student Organization (ISO) hosted a great Halloween party for local children on October 31 including a spooky room, games, pumpkin painting, and many treats! It is gearing up for Festival of Nations 2004 (FON) on April 3, 2004 in Driscoll Center from 12-5 PM. FON is the largest student run event on campus. All are welcome!
International student orientations in the past have been so successful due in large part to participation of the International Orientation Team (I-Team). This year, the I-Team has shifted its recruiting strategy to recruiting groups of interested student leaders for a one-quarter rather than a year-long commitment, and the response has been great. Anyone wishing to be involved in I-Team or to find out more about how they operate, please contact isss@du.edu for more information.
In the Fall, there were several interesting events and programs that provide informal and interactive opportunities for cultural exchange between DU International students and the rest of the student body, as well as community members of the greater Denver area. In their first month at DU, a group of new international students were led on a trip to downtown Denver using public transportation to familiarize them with the bus and Light Rail system. Other events included attending an all-American Rockies baseball game and a winter break trip to Larimer Square for Winterfest.
The International Film and Culture Series presented three opportunities for intercultural exchange, thanks to the participation and direction of our special guests Peruvian Vice Consul Romero Silva and his wife Ana, Dr Susan Stakel, a distinguished French professor at the DU Languages & Literature Department, and fellow international students. The Cultural Dance Workshop this Fall sparked excitement, laughter and lots of energy as a number of DU students took advantage of the rare chance to learn some quick-to-follow Indian Folk (group) dances taught by a DU student from India, Rakhi Punjabi.
ISSS looks forward to continuing these exceptional events in an atmosphere of jovial cultural celebration during our special International House lunches and upcoming unique evening events.

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