VUGlobalCitizens
Congratulations to our 2022 VUGlobalCitizens Graduates
Video Recording of VUGC Graduate Recognition Ceremony Keynote Speaker, Chidiogo Nwakoby (via Zoom)
What is VUGlobalCitizens
Who are VUGlobalCitizens
The U.S. serves as an ideal study abroad and oversea research option for many international students and scholars because of it’s flexible education system, renowned reputation, diverse culture and abundant opportunities. The presence of international students and scholars fosters a diverse campus environment, and enriched learning experience with cultural perspectives, and creates significant positive economic impact on the United States.
As our society is adversely facing COVID-19, heightened visibility of racism and xenophobia, it is vital to reinforce our people-to-people relationships around the globe and to strengthen the infrastructure and pathways to reengage with the world. This identity initiative is named “VUGlobalCitizens” to value and respect the existence of all Vanderbilt community members: students, faculty, staff, and post-docs, that identify as “International” or “Global”:
- Non-US citizens
- Foreign nationals
- Immigrants
- Nonimmigrants
Goals for VUGlobalCitizens
- To connect international people at Vanderbilt in efforts to build community amongst this population.
- To educate members of the Vanderbilt community on the history and culture of various international communities spanning the globe.
- To advocate for issues relating to the international experience on campus.
Profile of VUGlobalCitizens
On Campus Resources
- International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) provides assistance to international students and scholars who are in the U.S. in F or J visa status. This assistance includes advising on their F or J non-immigrant status, cross-cultural adjustment, and other support for the students and scholars during their time at Vanderbilt.
- English Language Center provides a wide range of activities for individuals whose first language is not English, including undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, staff, or scholars. The ELC offers various programs such as academic writing, academic speaking, pronunciation, 1-to-1 consultations, workshops and seminars. Check their website to review the options and decide what best fits your learning needs.
- Writing Studio offers free and confidential writing assistance to undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty at Vanderbilt University.
- Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships provides financial assistance to students. Specific financial aid information for undergraduate international students, click HERE.
- Student Employment provides clear guidance for international students who are looking for on campus job opportunities or for university employees who are considering hiring international students. If you are an international student looking for job opportunities on campus, click HERE.
- The Career Center supports international students in exploring internships, providing career coaching, connecting students with alumni, and offering advising on nationally and internationally competitive fellowships. The Center has two career coaches, Alexis Coulter and Christopher Stockdale, who specialize in coaching and supporting all VU international students. For more information about the career process for international students, click HERE.
- The International Tax Office (ITO) provides International Tax Information. If you are international students, scholars, researchers, and guests who is receiving payment from Vanderbilt University, Click HERE.
- Student Center for Social Justice and Identity (SCSJI) advocates for Diverse populations of students by intentionally advising and holistically supporting the needs and issues surrounding and affecting them. Check out the International Student Month and find international student organizations advised by SCSJI.
- Student Care Network is a holistic network of services and resources pertaining to health and wellness available to all Vanderbilt University students who have paid the Student Health Fee, including all undergraduate, graduate and professional students.
- My Student Support Program (My SSP) is a free, 24/7 confidential support program available to all International Students. My SSP counselors are available who speak Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, French, and English. For other language preferences, students may request an appointment with a counselor who speaks their preferred language depending on availability.
- Identity-based Drop-in consultation is available for international students every Wednesday and Thursday 12:00pm-1:00pm. A Drop-in Consultation provides easy access to informal, confidential, and free consultations with clinicians (counselors) from the University Counseling Center (UCC).
- The Hub is one centralized portal for undergraduate students. Residential colleges offer International Student Orientation (ISO) , which is required for all international first-year undergraduates. International transfer students and domestic students currently living abroad are also welcome to attend, but it is not required. Incoming first-year international undergraduate students can connect with International Orientation Leaders (iLEAD) for better support and guidance.
Resources by Colleges:
- College of Arts and Science
- Get to know the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at College of A&S, click HERE. Contact Vicki Greene, the Director of Equity, Diversity, and Engagement, for more information.
- International students of Graduate Program in Economic Development (GPED) program can contact Brooke Talley for more information.
- Divinity School
- Visit International and Undocumented Students at VDS to get more info!
- Student Life hosts weekly events for all students, faculty and staff at VDS. Contact AMY STEELE, the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and Community Life, for detailed information.
- School of Engineering
- Contact Julianne Vernon, Interim Associate Dean for Academic Success, for more information.
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for International Students, click HERE.
- Graduate School
- Check out Diversity Initiatives and International Students to know what Graduate School can do for international students. Students can contact Don Brunson, the Assistant Dean of the Office of Diversity, for detailed information.
- Law School
- Office of Student Affairs provides cultural adjustment support, advising, and general programming to international students at VLS. Contact Michelle Kovash, the Associate Director of Student Affairs, for more information.
- School of Medicine
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in School of Medicine Basic Sciences, click HERE. Contact Felysha Jenkins, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program Manager, for more information.
- Celebrate Immigrants highlights a unique immigrant experience. This campaign encourages our community to celebrate the monumental contributions that immigrants have made and continue to make within the School of Medicine Basic Sciences community.
- The Office of Biomedical Research Education and Training (BRET) provides support and resources for Vanderbilt biomedical graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty who train graduate students and postdocs.
- School of Nursing
- Diversity at Vanderbilt School of Nursing provides comprehensive diversity support for all students, faculty, and staff. Contact ROLANDA JOHNSON, the Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, for more information.
- Owen Graduate School of Management
- Get to know the international resources at Owen. Contact Jeri West, the Assistant Director of Student Affairs, for more information.
- Peabody College
- Peabody International Affairs offers direct support for international students and scholars. Contact Xiu Cravens, the Associate Dean for International Students and Affairs, for more information.
- Peabody Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) provides educational programming and resources related to EDI, expands opportunities for underserved populations, and celebrates the diverse voices and experiences in the Peabody community.
- The Office of Student Engagement and Well-Being promotes engagement and holistic well-being for all Peabody students through intentional community building and meaningful co-curricular programming.
- Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is a Fulbright exchange program funded by the U.S. Department of State. Each year, the Humphrey Fellowship program at Vanderbilt University will host Fellows around the world to provide meaningful opportunities for professional development and leadership development, as well as mutual exchange through immersion in a localized, culturally rich environment.
General Resources
- English Language Center provides a wide range of activities for individuals whose first language is not English, including undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, staff, or scholars. Effective Teaching Strategies for International Faculty
helps faculty members/postdocs who use English as an additional language hone their instructional skills for the US university classroom context. - Center for Teaching offers programs and services to promote university teaching that leads to meaningful student learning by helping members of the Vanderbilt community become more effective teachers. Click HERE for the International Instructor Guide.
- Student Employment provides clear guidance for international students who are looking for on campus job opportunities or for university employees who are considering hiring international students. Steps to hire an international student worker, click HERE.
- Employee Affinity Groups (EAG) are employee-led and facilitated groups formed around interests, backgrounds, identities, and common bonds. It opens to all Vanderbilt Employees, including faculty, staff and postdocs. To connect with International EAG, contact Yu (Wendy) Wu, the program coordinator in the Office of Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
Immigration related information:
- The Office of Employee Immigration Services (OIS) provides hiring information for foreign nationals include faculty, research, and staff. The information applies to the H-1B, TN, O-1, and E-3 employment-based temporary worker visa categories as well as the permanent resident “green card” process. This office handles only University immigration matters.
- The International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) provides information for foreign nationals include students and scholars. The information applies to the F and J visa categories. This office handles only University immigration matters.
- VUMC Global Support will handle VUMC immigration matters.
Human Resource related information:
- The International Tax Office (ITO) provides International Tax Information.
- All employees at Vanderbilt University are required to complete Federal Form I-9 on or before their first day of employment, regardless of nationalities. Click HERE for specific information.
- HR Consultants help staff, faculty and managers with key human resource needs. They are available to provide coaching through all aspects of employment, guide employees and managers to resolve employment concerns, clarify policy and answer employment questions, develop strategic initiatives for recognition and retention, assist in conflict management and mediating/facilitating conversations, and offer career development services. Find your HR consultants, Click HERE.
For Postdoctoral Scholars
- The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) is the central resource for postdoctoral services and serves as a liaison among postdocs and central University administrative offices. OPA supports Vanderbilt-affiliated postdocs as well as faculty and staff administrators who work with the postdoctoral population.
- The Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Association (VPA) is the postdocs-lead association to serve as a platform to bring together and support the Vanderbilt postdoctoral community. All Vanderbilt-affiliated postdoctoral fellows and trainees (VU and VUMC) are welcome to participate in the VPA.
News and Events
Global Vanderbilt: Celebrating international faculty
Vanderbilt bolsters support services for international students
Off Campus Resources
- American Conversation Partners (ACP)
ACP is an enjoyable and free opportunity for international students, researchers, visiting scholars, and family members to improve English conversation skills in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Participants meet with native English-speaking American volunteers who provide an opportunity to improve conversational skills and understanding of American culture. Please register by texting or emailing Richard and Mary Barnes at moosebarns@gmail.com or 615-864-6891.