International Advising Office hosts international faculty meet-and-greet social

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Global’s International Faculty Advising (IFA) team hosted its inaugural International Faculty Meet & Greet Social on Nov. 17, bringing together international faculty from across the University Park campus for connection and community building.

The event opened with welcome remarks from Jody Pritt, assistant vice provost for International Student and Scholar Advising, who emphasized the University’s commitment to supporting its international faculty members. Abby Brunner, interim assistant director for International Faculty Advising, thanked attendees for their contributions to the University and its students. Bruner noted that the event was an opportunity to express appreciation for their hard work and dedication. Attendees enjoyed informal networking over light refreshments, along with a fun door-prize giveaway to close the program.

International faculty advising

Penn State brings in faculty from every part of the world — there are roughly 275-300 international faculty members currently at the University. Each member of the IFA team has a portfolio assigned by campus, college or institute, providing a chance for relationships to develop with department contacts and the faculty themselves.

“We get to work with faculty for a number of years, so we develop relationships with them as well,” Brunner said. “It’s really special to share not only professional milestones, but personal ones as well.”

The International Faculty Advising team is a team of eight: Jessica Johnston, the assistant director, leads the office; Glendaly Holland serves as the administrative assistant; and finally, six international faculty advisers provide direct support for faculty.

“It’s work I always wanted to do,” said Sandi Duverneuil, one of the advisers. Duverneuil had previously worked in publishing before obtaining a master’s degree in social policy and international education, inspired in large part by her own experience as an international student studying in Quebec. Others, like Brunner and Frances Neff, came from the legal profession, hoping to use their expertise to navigate complex immigration issues.

The team primarily assists incoming and current international faculty in obtaining and extending their work authorization, applying for long-term residency, and informing them of changing immigration policy. They also work with University stakeholders in various departments to provide guidance and support with any immigration-related questions. Keeping up-to-date knowledge of the field is crucial to keep up with frequently changing regulations.

It’s not uncommon to support faculty while they may be applying for tenure, getting married, or even having children, Brunner said. The office even began a project that provides Penn State Global onesies to newborns of new parents.

“I think we’ve given away 11 onesies this year,” said Brunner.

Those it serves have said that the impact of the IFA office is greatly felt. Events like the meet-and-greet held in November allow international faculty from every area of campus to network and connect with each other. The office plans to continue offering opportunities that foster connection and support among international faculty and scholars, including another possible meet and greet in February.

“Being able to host events that foster community engagement with our international faculty is amazing,” Brunner said. “We’re really looking forward to continuing this kind of programming in the future.”

For more information on the International Faculty Advising office and to keep up to date on future events, visit its website.