alt: the word community written in white on a black background
title: Global Community

Meta Description: Learn how the University of Iowa’s Building Our Global Community program fosters intercultural training and strengthens global ties through international initiatives.

Introduction

In an increasingly interconnected world, fostering a Global Community within educational institutions is essential for promoting diversity, understanding, and collaboration. The University of Iowa’s Building Our Global Community program is a pioneering initiative designed to enhance intercultural competencies among faculty and staff, thereby strengthening global ties and creating an inclusive campus environment.

Overview of the Building Our Global Community Program

The Building Our Global Community (BGC) certificate program is dedicated to equipping University of Iowa faculty and staff with the skills and knowledge necessary to support international students and scholars. By offering comprehensive intercultural training, the program aims to cultivate an awareness of cultural diversity and promote effective collaboration within the university’s multicultural setting.

Key Objectives

Cultural Awareness: Recognize personal cultural lenses and understand their impact on interactions.
Support Strategies: Assist international students and scholars in their cultural adjustment process.
Conflict Resolution: Navigate cross-cultural conflicts and understand preferred conflict styles.
Regulatory Knowledge: Comprehend F-1 and J-1 immigration regulations relevant to international community members.

Program Structure and Courses

The BGC program requires participants to complete the Introduction to Building Our Global Community core course along with four elective courses. All courses are offered free of charge and follow a first-come, first-served registration model.

Core Course

BGC: Introduction to Building Our Global Community
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 | 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Virtual (Zoom)
Instructors: Michael Bortscheller, Director, and Brandon Paulson, Associate Director

This introductory session provides an overview of the program and the international student and scholar population at the University of Iowa. Participants engage in interactive activities and hear firsthand experiences from international students, fostering empathy and understanding.

Elective Courses

An Introduction to Federal Regulations Affecting International Students
Wednesday, October 8, 2025 | 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Virtual (Zoom)
Instructors: Pauline Beazer James and Kevin Roiseland
Covers immigration laws, visa processes, and employment guidelines for international students.
Supervising International Students
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 | 9:30-11:00 a.m. | Virtual (Zoom)
Instructors: Shuhui Lin and Brandon Paulson
Focuses on effective supervision strategies and building collaborative relationships with international student employees.
Study Abroad
Monday, October 20, 2025 | 2:00-3:00 p.m. | Virtual (Zoom)
Instructor: Emily Brown
Explores the benefits and challenges of study abroad programs, providing resources for students before and after their international experiences.
Navigating Intercultural Conflicts
Wednesday, November 12 & 19, 2025 | 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Virtual (Zoom)
Instructors: Pauline Beazer James and Shuhui Lin
An interactive class that delves into intercultural conflict styles and practical conflict resolution techniques.
Story Stitch
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 | 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Virtual (Zoom)
Instructors: Pauline Beazer James, Rudia W. Kihura, Ph.D., and Brandon Paulson
Utilizes storytelling to build trust and foster deeper interpersonal connections within the community.

Benefits of the Program

Participants in the BGC program gain:

Enhanced Cultural Competence: Improved ability to interact effectively with diverse populations.
Practical Skills: Strategies for supporting international students and managing cross-cultural dynamics.
Professional Recognition: A certificate upon completion, a placard for office display, and recognition on the International Programs website.
Networking Opportunities: Connections with peers and international community members, fostering a supportive professional network.

Success Stories

“I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to complete the BGC Certificate Program during the 2023-2024 school year. This program is so impactful, and I recommend that every faculty and staff member complete this program. As a staff member who is newer to the University of Iowa and did not attend the university as a student, it was so helpful to be able to learn comprehensive resources and strategies to support international students at our university. I now feel more confident that I can support my students and refer them to appropriate resources.”
— [Program Participant]

How to Register

Registering for the BGC program is straightforward:

Access UI Employee Self Service:
– Click on the “My Career” tab.
Navigate to Training:
– Go to “Learning and Development” and select “My Training”.
Enroll in Courses:
– Click “Enroll in Courses” and search for “BGC” in the “Course Title” section.
Select and Register:
– View course details and enroll in available sessions. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, with waitlists available for full courses.
Virtual Participation:
– All courses are offered virtually via Zoom, ensuring accessibility for all participants.

For assistance with registration, contact UI Learning and Development at dorian-walker@uiowa.edu.

Conclusion

The University of Iowa’s Building Our Global Community program is a vital initiative for fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for international students and scholars. By enhancing cultural competence and providing essential support strategies, the program strengthens global ties and enriches the university community as a whole.

Ready to build a more connected and diverse community?

Join Seattle Foundations today!