How Durham Tech is Meeting the Global Challenge
Presented byGwen Barclay-Toy
María J. Fraser-MolinaMargaret Newhouse
(With the special assistance of Karin Abell)
April 13, 2005Teaching and Learning Center
Durham Technical Community College
Why Global Education?
Strategic location
Economic and workforce development
Competitiveness
International students on campus
Philosophical Reasons
Mission and vision
Vision for a Learning College
The ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing in a manner that is respectful, sensitive to the culture of others, and understood by those receiving the communication.
The ability to recognize cultural differences among peoples, to develop tolerance for differences, and to act appropriately with individuals of varying cultures.
To ensure the survival and well-being of our communities, it is imperative that community colleges develop a globally and multiculturally competent citizenry.
(American Council on International Intercultural Education)
Global Connections- International Student Standing
Committee Through all of its programs and activities,
DTCC promotes education, understanding, and acceptance of the diversity of global cultures. The college endeavors to support its students, faculty, staff, and the community at large in acquiring the skills necessary to succeed in today’s multicultural and interdependent world.
Global Education Program Areas
International Student ServicesFaculty/Staff DevelopmentStudy AbroadInternationalizing Curriculum/CampusEconomic Development
International Students at Durham Tech
Definition of an international student in curriculum
90 countries644 studentsKenya, Nigeria, India are the largest groupsInternational students make up 10% of the AtD cohorts
Most Popular Programs of Study
University TransferADNLPNSpecial Students
(Developmental students classified in prospective program group)
Immigration Status
Permanent residents (the majority)F-1 visa students (next largest group)Asylees and refugeesNaturalized citizensOther types of visas
ESL Students
65 countries1188 studentsMexico most heavily representedFollowed by Honduras, Korea, Japan, and El Salvador
Curriculum Admissions Information
Current policy: We do NOT accept students who are abroadUndocumented students acceptedPay out-of-state tuition feeSome visas do not permit study towards degree. Student must apply for F-1 student visaTakes several months for approval
Legal Requirements for F-1 Students
Enroll full-time (12 or more credits)Summer semester not required (except new students – 9 credits)Make normal progress toward degree objectiveReport any change of program, address, other information
When is “Reduced Course Load” allowed?
Academic reasons (one term only)Advisor’s recommendation requiredLast term before graduation (one term only)Documented medical condition (maximum 12 months)
Employment of F-1 Students
On-campus up to 20 hours per weekOff-campus requires application to USCISUpon graduation eligible for OPT for one year
Problems Encountered by F-1 Students
Class availability to meet full-time requirementWaiting list students must take courses outside programDelayed arrival of funds from abroad
Problems (continued)
Cannot obtain driver’s license without Social Security numberCannot get SS number without job offer(DTCC assigns ID number 270)Spouse’s activity restricted (no credit courses, no SS number)Need to improve English skills
International Students Club
Mission is to be a gathering place for exchange of cultural information Monthly meetings focus on one countryCampus activities (Nigerian Independence Day, International Coffee Connection, Taste of International Food)
International Students Club
International Education Week (fashion show and entertainment)Help host visiting international groupsUpcoming plans for Year of Languages
Adult Basic Skills ESL vs EFL
Fed/State fundedNo cost to studentSurvival EnglishMulti-skill classesWaiting list commonCon Ed offeringsGED and NA in Spanish
Tuition charged5 credits/courseAcademic EnglishSingle skill classesListening/speaking, Reading, Grammar, WritingDevelopmental prefix
NC Community College EFL
Currently offered only at Central Piedmont (Charlotte) and Wake TechDurham Tech offered a few classes but none currently
Obstacles to EFL at DTCC
Difficult to schedule 5 cr class if not 5 days/wk.Lack of available classroomsHow to count these classes: developmental? Foreign language? Continuing Education?
Alternatives to EFL
Workplace-related ESL classes at company sitesIncreased Con Ed offeringsESP English for Specific Purposes classes-Collaboration with Duke School of NursingEFL tutoring in CLCSummer English Language Institute
Additional Challenges
Appropriate advising for walk-in/phone inquiries from non-native speakers looking to improve English language skillsDetermining where to house EFL if DTCC decides to offer it again
Internationalizing Curriculum/Campus
Foreign Language offeringsYear of LanguagesAA concentrations and corollariesPrograms/courses global in natureInfused courses
Guest lecturersInternational VisitorsScience SeminarsViva/Vive the ArtsLatin American Film FestivalField trips abroad
Study Abroad
2003: Ecuador and Peru
2004: Ecuador with Galapagos
2005: Chile
Faculty/Staff Development
Study Abroad coordinatorsConferences abroadScholarships-Summer 2005Lunch and Learn presentationsTLC presentationsWorkshop for CC librarians (UNC-CH/Worldview)
At the System Level
Hispanic/Latino Initiative Advisory Committee (H/LI)
Global Education Consortium
What next?