2011 Report to Members
This past year we have all experienced new realities and opportunities in our shared goal to advance international higher education. Severe storms and economic crises have ushered in a period of personal and professional challenge. We are thus very pleased, but not at all surprised, to witness the resolve and dedication with which NAFSA members have responded to the current climate. NAFSA remains committed to fostering comprehensive internationalization and nurturing the many leaders needed to carry out that mission. We will continue to hone our strategies, explore new opportunities, and press ahead with our vital work. And, with your help, we will continue to do it well.
Our annual conference this year in Vancouver was an outstanding success: we welcomed 8,400 attendees from around the world, showcased our largest-ever
Expo Hall, and offered world-class professional development through an array of sessions, workshops, and unique learning opportunities. We have dramatically expanded our efforts to strengthen comprehensive internationalization, launching a signature report by NAFSA Senior Scholar for Internationalization John K. Hudzik, and developing a new series of articles on internationalization called Trends & Insights.
We continue to expand our resources and services to assist institutions seeking to strategically manage international enrollment; we have created new resources to support internationalization of the curriculum and engagement of faculty in the internationalization process. After considerable user input, we launched our new Adviser’s Manual 2.0, which has substantially improved that essential tool for international student and scholar professionals. Education Abroad Visa Help, another new online tool, facilitates communication and data collection among education abroad advisers, member experts, and consular staff. And the number of NAFSA’s e-learning
offerings and webinars continues to grow.
Born of necessity and commitment, our advocacy efforts are expanding. The 112th Congress has challenged activists across an array of issues, but
NAFSA is making great strides with the Obama administration on several key initiatives. The new Grassroots Leadership Program is off to a terrific start,
with one participant having already taken part in a significant meeting at the White House. Connecting Our World continues to grow, with well over 5,000
members advocating on behalf of international education—but we need 5,000 more! Our new student campaign via Facebook is building a generation of advocates and leaders who will transport our passion into the future.
International education is a rich and diverse field with a long history of successfully responding to challenge. Students across the globe continue to demand more and more opportunities to engage with people in countries outside of their own. Political and business leaders increasingly recognize that without international exposure, students will not be properly equipped to participate in the global economy or contribute to a more peaceful world. In spite of the adversity we face, NAFSA, its leaders, and its members stand ready to ensure that our profession succeeds in this unpredictable climate.
from Meredith M. McQuaid, JD, 2011 President, & Marlene Johnson, CEO
