International student retention: Understanding and supporting their diverse needs

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT RETENTION: UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORTING THEIR DIVERSE NEEDS

The University of Waterloo is committed to establishing the institution’s international focus and to increase international undergraduate student enrollment.  Nevertheless, there exist disparate educational outcomes for this student population, many of whom are English language learners (ELLs), compared to their domestic counterparts.  Without adequate academic and social supports in place, international students face serious challenges, which may include lower GPAs and higher attrition rates (Lee, 2010); yet, universities "need the participation of these students, who are among our brightest and our best" (Roessingh & Douglas, 2012, p.80).  Universities are integral to the acculturation and integration process and have the institutional responsibility to create positive campus environments to promote student fulfillment and retention (Smith & Khawaja, 2011). 

This session aims to “challenge assumptions about international students and English language learners” (Innovative Educators, 2016), identify their (often diverse) needs by examining the factors that affect their learning and cultural adjustment, and draw upon a uWaterloo pathways program model to identify useful academic and transitional support services for this unique and diverse student population.

Participants will learn about the commonalities and differences among the terms “international student”, “English language learner” and “English as a second language (ESL) student” and contribute to a mutual understanding of who these student groups are on campus.  Participants will examine what they perceive to be the challenges faced by these students and will expand their understanding through a discussion of the linguistic, academic, social and cultural dynamics influencing student success.  Initial audience discussion surrounding methods for addressing these challenges will be supplemented by a presentation of the strategies adopted within the Bridge to Academic Success in English (BASE) program whose purpose is to address international/ELL inequities by taking into consideration the full student experience, thus promoting ELL achievement in mainstream studies and enhanced international student retention. 

Portions of the session will incorporate audience interaction in the form of partnered discussion with idea sharing enhanced through the online tool – Socrative.  

It is our objective that by the end of the session, participants will have developed a greater understanding of and empathy toward the challenges affecting international students and, ultimately, feel empowered to support, in an individual or organizational capacity, the diverse needs of our campus’ international students. 

Presenters:

Ishari Waduwara-Jayabahu, Coordinator Bridge to Academic Success in English (BASE)
Office of Registrar, University of Waterloo

Keely Cook, Assistant Director, Bridge to Academic Success in English (BASE)
Renison University College

Ryan Connell, Coordinator, International Student Experience (BASE)
Student Success Office

Sessions:

April 6, 2016
3:00 - 4:15 p.m.
QNC 1502