Academic Affairs Newsletter
October 2024
Celebrating International Education at Weber State University
Weber State University has experienced a remarkable increase in international student enrollment in recent years. This growth can be attributed to a combination of strategic recruitment efforts, partnerships with educational agents, enhanced brand recognition, and positive word-of-mouth in key regions such as Nepal. For example, many students from Nepal now apply exclusively to Weber State, influenced by the positive experiences shared through videos created by current Nepali international students. In addition to Weber State's dedicated recruitment initiatives, factors such as the university's affordability and Utah's reputation as a safe state have contributed to this rise in international enrollment.
However, Weber State’s commitment to internationalization extends beyond merely increasing international student numbers. Over the past year, the university has seen a 43% increase in study abroad participation and continues to expand faculty-led programs and offer new study abroad destinations. Students who study abroad benefit from enhanced career prospects, improved language skills, deeper cultural appreciation, and the opportunity to build lifelong relationships.
At the heart of this internationalization effort is the integration of global learning and intercultural competence within the curriculum and co-curricular activities. Weber State actively promotes global learning across all academic programs and disciplines, with many courses embedding global perspectives in their learning outcomes. The high impact educational experiences, combined with the development of intercultural skills, support the interaction of students from diverse backgrounds and contribute to the success of all students, faculty, and staff.
As we celebrate the growing international student population, it is important to recognize that true internationalization goes beyond enrolling international students or acknowledging different cultures. It involves creating an immersive, supportive academic environment that not only recognizes but embraces and integrates diverse cultures into the educational experience.
International student Ritisha Sapkota traveled over 7,500 miles from Hetauda, Nepal.
This fall semester, Dr. Kacy Peckenpaugh is facilitating a faculty group through the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning to explore best practices for teaching and supporting multi-language learners. Please reach out if you are interested in joining the conversation. In addition to offering a session at the recent faculty development symposium, Thrive, Dr. Peckenpaugh is also offering a session during International Education Week entitled "Practical Hacks for Supporting International Students at Semester's End" November 18th 12:30-1:30 pm in SU Ballrooms A&B.
Join us for a free lunch, presentation, and discussion where we’ll explore effective strategies to address common challenges faced by international students:
Reintroducing USASIE and an Update on Current Efforts
The Division of Undergraduate Studies, Academic Support, and Institutional Effectiveness (USASIE) is composed of multiple offices that provide support for the academic mission of our university. The leadership represents a diverse collection of academic programs and academic support services that work collaboratively towards our common goal of retention and student success. Moving forward, USASIE will focus on increasing the university's student success outcomes, with particular attention paid to DFWI rates in gateway courses and overall student retention rates.
Below is a brief summary of our programs/offices and their current foci.
Office of Institutional Effectiveness
The Office of Institutional Effectiveness promotes academic accountability by providing analysis and reporting to inform program quality, strategic planning, and accreditation. With the mid-cycle accreditation visit complete, we will now focus on addressing the concerns raised by NWCCU as we prepare for the next steps. Additionally, USHE recently proposed a new program review schedule and placed a one-year hiatus on program reviews. We are using this hiatus to review and update our processes. Finally, with the Biennial Assessment Report deadline of November 15 quickly approaching, please contact OIE@weber.edu for assistance.
Office of Interdisciplinary Collaborations
The Office of Interdisciplinary Collaborations promotes interdisciplinary teaching and research on campus. We house the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies and support interdisciplinary classes that span across colleges. Additionally, we focus on supporting interdisciplinary endeavors across campus. An example is our faculty grants offered annually to fund interdisciplinary teaching and research. Relatedly, this fall is our first research colloquium series where faculty present their interdisciplinary research to the campus community.
Honors Program
The Honors Program provides high-quality interdisciplinary experiences to stimulate intellectual and affective development, academic and cultural expansion, and lifelong engagements with complex questions, issues, and ideas. In addition to our intro course, “The Meaning of Life,” Honors now features a new intro course entitled “Constellations” focusing on issues of ontology, agency, and ethics. Students in these classes participate in a first-year structure that includes common texts, events, travel, and advising. Additionally, students in the program complete a newly-designed digital portfolio project that offers students a space to express their educational identities and learning experiences. More than a resume, the portfolio is designed to measure and deepen student learning. Students will also be able to present their work at the annual Research & Engagement Symposium.
Photo: Honors student and Student Advisory Board member Hannah Sneddon presents at the Research & Engagment Symposium on April 16, 2024.
General Education
General Education (GE) is a shared responsibility between the Director of General Education who provides oversight and coordination between the Provost’s Office, Faculty Senate, and Academic Programs/Departments. Currently, our GE program is undergoing a revision to align with the new General Education requirements from USHE. This pending revision will mean that our GE program will be reduced from 37 credits down to 27-30 credits. The final number of GE program credits will be contingent on whether we adopt an optional Institutional Area. For more information on the new General Education Guidance from USHE, please see the updated R470.
Academic Support Centers and Programs
Academic Support Centers and Programs promote academic success and life skills through a variety of student-focused services and programming offered through Learning Support and Tutoring Services, Testing Services, and Student Support Services. Currently, there are numerous initiatives and efforts across these areas. Learning support is working with various offices to provide additional support for international students. This is in addition to their ongoing collaboration with Developmental Math and Developmental English. Student Support Services is in the final year of their grant and recently submitted proposals to renew their funding with the Department of Education. We will hear back late next spring as to the success of their submissions. And finally, Testing Services is collaborating with Disability Student Services to provide higher levels of testing accommodation in upcoming semesters.
Photo: Adelaide Marker, a tutor for Chemistry, Health Science and Nutrition at the Ogden Tutoring Center
Office of Learning Communities
The Office of Learning Communities focuses on creating a cohort-based educational experience to foster a sense of belonging for students across both themed and meta-major First-Year Learning Communities. Relatedly, Wildcat Scholars serves as a specific set of learning communities that supports students in completing English/Composition and Math/QL through acceleration and targeted support. Currently, the office is working with chairs and deans to offer several learning communities focused on enhancing communication skills for students in the sciences. This and other future learning communities are partially being funded with the generous support of donors of Weber State University.
Photo: Wildcat Scholars pose for a group photo while attending the 2024 Unity Conference.
Transitioning to USASIE
Starting January 1, 2025 is the First-Year Experience (FYE) which is designed to assist incoming students in making a successful and responsible transition to the university environment. The FYE Peer Mentors thus serve an important role as they assist students and instructors in the classroom. Last year, more than 1,100 students registered for FYE 1105: Foundations of College Success with nearly 500 being Concurrent Enrollment students across seven local high schools. Currently, FYE is working on expanding CE offerings to several new high schools. We are also focusing on increasing the variety of learning experiences for students to choose from and we welcome new collaborations across campus.