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NAFSA Region IV Round-Up
SUMMER 2019
Annual Conference Highlights: Washington, D.C.
The Annual NAFSA Conference was held in Washington, D.C. from May 27 - May 31 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The Region IV Team shared a glimpse of what to expect at the Regional Conference in Fargo, ND - including a real show (skit). Check out some of the annual conference highlights below:
Save the Date: Region IV Conference - Fargo, North Dakota, October 21 - 24
Region IV Conference, Featuring...
Region IV is gearing up for the event of the year - the Region IV Conference, this year held in the bustling and up-and-coming city of Fargo, North Dakota. With expanded pre-conference workshop offerings and amazing, local special events - you won't want to miss it!
Attend a pre-conference workshop while you are there, with many options to choose from: F-1 Student Advising for Beginners, F-1 Student Advising: Intermediate, J-1 Advising: Intermediate, Intercultural Communication in Practice, Recruiting International Students, and Student Health & Safety Abroad
Located at the Holiday Inn Fargo Hotel & Convention Center, hotel registration will begin August 6.
We look forward to seeing you all in Fargo, ND from October 21 - 24!
Session Proposals - Extended Deadline
Region IV is still seeking session proposals for the Region IV conference. The submission deadline has been extended to July 8. Don't miss your chance to showcase all the amazing work you and your team are doing.
Travel Grants
Region IV has several grants available for regional members and non-members to offset the cost of the regional conference attendance. Applicants do not need to be a NAFSA member to apply. Grants are available in the following categories:
- Students
- Newcomers
- Seasoned professionals, and
- Professionals from tribal colleges, HBCUs, HSIs, and/or community colleges. Preference will be given to those from institutions who have never attended a Region IV conference previously.
Region IV will accept applications from July 1 - August 14.
Region IV Award Nominations
Do you know a seasoned professional who is deserving of recognition? Or an up-and-coming professional who has spearheaded amazing projects, collaborated strongly, and developed key relationships? Do you have a fantastic student or colleague who has been instrumental to the building of partnerships and other initiatives? Nominate them for a Region IV Award!
Nominate your colleague for any one (or more) of the following awards:
- Distinguished Service Award
- Friend of the Region Award
- Internationalization Achievement Award
- Most Innovative International Initiative Award
- Outstanding New Professional Award
- Outstanding Student Award
Nominations will be accepted until October 7, 2019.
Exhibitor Sponsorship Opportunities
Once again, Region IV is offering exciting sponsorship opportunities for the regional conference. Your company or institution can sponsor coffee breaks, the awards luncheon, state meetings, and various special events including Curling and Cocktails, a tour of an authentic Viking Ship, and a 1920s themed opening reception. Find more information on the Region IV Conference Website or contact Libby Claerbout at libby.claerbout@minotstateu.edu with any questions.
Message from Our NAFSA Region IV Chair-Elect:
As a newcomer to the field of International Education, NAFSA Region IV welcomes you! We would encourage those who have never been to a NAFSA conference to consider attending the regional conference in Fargo. Not only is it an affordable alternative to the National Conference, it will also allow you to establish strong networks within the region. Moreover, as you attend the regional conference, please make sure that you attend the newcomer session which will provide you with an introduction to our professional organization and insight into how you can get involved and make an impact in both the region and the nation. There are plenty of opportunities for you to get involved as well as many professional development sessions. Come join us!
(If you are a seasoned veteran in the field, please encourage your new staff to attend)!
- Greg Wymer, NAFSA Region IV Chair-Elect
Join the Region IV Team
Are you looking for an opportunity to expand your network, to give back to the field/NAFSA, or to enhance your skills? A position on the Region IV team is a great opportunity to do just that.
Region IV is seeking qualified candidates for the following positions: Communications Coordinator, Treasurer, Secretary, Community and Two-Year Colleges Representative, Public Policy Representative, North Dakota State University, and South Dakota State Representative.
Positions begin January 1 and are 2 or 3 year commitments, depending on the position. Find out about each position by reading the position descriptions.
Apply before October 1, 2019 for consideration.
Iowa Updates:
Iowa international educators convened in Des Moines for a day of learning, networking, and professional growth at the annual International Educators Conference Thursday, April 25 at Des Moines University.
Save the date for next year's big event: April 16, 2020 at Wesleyan University. Visit the Iowa NAFSA webpage for more information on conference registration, exhibitor and sponsorship information, as well as session proposal submissions as it becomes available.
Missouri Updates:
The Missouri International Educators Meeting (MIEM) took place in beautiful Cape Girardeau, June 17 – 18, hosted by Southeast Missouri State University.
MIEM 2019 included two NAFSA CEP pre-conference workshops, a networking reception, and a full day of content rich sessions and updates. Over 40 attendees from around the state participated, providing an engaging platform for Missouri international educators.
Thank you to the outstanding international team at Southeast Missouri State University for hosting the 2019 MIEM.
Check out the Missouri NAFSA webpage for upcoming events and meetings in the Missouri network.
Team Spotlight:
Meet Steve Rude of Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). Steve joined the Region IV team as Community College Representative in January 2016.
How did you get interested in international education?
A good friend of mine heard about an opening at DMACC and encouraged me to apply. So thankful for his referral as DMACC has been a great fit for me.
What are your goals for this position?
Advocate for the unique interest and needs of international students as well as for those in ISSS at the community and two-year college level; meet the ISSS rep at each community and two-year college in Region IV; build a strong network among ISSS within community and two-year community colleges; contribute to Region IV wherever needed.
What is something on your bucket list?
I would love to visit a friend of mine in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
But wait, there’s more.
Don't want to wait until the NAFSA Region IV Round-Up newsletter? Check out and subscribe to the Region's Network NAFSA page. Receive instant, daily, or weekly notifications to keep you abreast of all things Region IV!
