Thematic Forums

Advancing Internationalization In Higher Education During Times Of Political Interference

In recent years, higher education institutions have faced many challenges as they work to navigate political pressures and legislative mandates. The growing lack of confidence in higher education paired with polarizing ideologies has left educators with confusing and often contradictory directives.

According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, since 2023, 85 state legislative bills have been introduced that would limit or prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Fourteen states have bills with final legislative approval, and 13 have already implemented laws. Increased tensions surrounding the U.S. border and immigration are causing additional concerns for Dreamers and undocumented students. At some institutions, student mobility has been slow to return to pre-pandemic numbers. As a result, the work of the SIO has been significantly impacted.

Outcomes

This Thematic Forum intends to engage international education leadership in meaningful conversations about how to move their institution’s mission forward and meet objectives in the face of external pressures, political influence, and increasing uncertainty. It will foster dialogue intended to assist administrators with reframing challenges into opportunities.

Participants will:

Identify current policies impacting the global landscape of U.S. higher education.
Examine ways to advance strategic priorities while complying with federal regulations, state laws, and university policies
Engage in meaningful conversations that examine how to advance strategic priorities.

The key objectives of international education must remain steadfast, but how we achieve those may need to adapt. The forum will reaffirm the priorities of senior international leadership and offer suggestions for achieving goals while complying with governmental regulations and university policy.

According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, since 2023, 85 state legislative bills have been introduced that would limit or prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Fourteen states have bills with final legislative approval, and 13 have already implemented laws. Increased tensions surrounding the U.S. border and immigration are causing additional concerns for Dreamers and undocumented students. At some institutions, student mobility has been slow to return to pre-pandemic numbers. As a result, the work of the SIO has been significantly impacted.

Outcomes

This Thematic Forum intends to engage international education leadership in meaningful conversations about how to move their institution’s mission forward and meet objectives in the face of external pressures, political influence, and increasing uncertainty. It will foster dialogue intended to assist administrators with reframing challenges into opportunities.

Participants will:

Identify current policies impacting the global landscape of U.S. higher education.
Examine ways to advance strategic priorities while complying with federal regulations, state laws, and university policies
Engage in meaningful conversations that examine how to advance strategic priorities.

The key objectives of international education must remain steadfast, but how we achieve those may need to adapt. The forum will reaffirm the priorities of senior international leadership and offer suggestions for achieving goals while complying with governmental regulations and university policy.