Welcome to Arkansas NAFSA!

Arkansas NAFSAns met on Friday, April 24 at the Lake Point Conference Center at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Arkansas, for the annual state meeting. It was great to see over 50 international educators representing 21 colleges and universities as well as a few special interest groups. 

Legal and legislative updates were presented on a wide variety of topics including Travel and Visa Applications: The Basics and the Latest by Mr. Steve Springer, Attorney with David Ware and Associates and Unauthorized Alien Students: Issues and DREAM Act Legislation by Guillermo Hernandez, Chief Counsel with The Hernandez Law Firm. Representatives from the Arkansas Health Department also presented on the topic of Tuberculosis testing and university responsibilities. Small group sessions provided Intensive English Language and Education Abroad professionals with the opportunity to discuss current trends and issues. Overall, the evaluations submitted by the attendees rated the conference a huge success. Evaluation results are posted on the State Meeting link.

The International Student Leadership Conference will be held November 20-22, 2009, on the campus of the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. The student leadership conference is held every two years at rotating host locations. The conference provides international and American students with an intensive weekend course in leadership skills development. One of the primary goals of the conference is to equip potential student leaders with the skills needed to return to their home campuses and get involved with student organizations as well as other leadership roles. Ultimately, conference participants should be prepared to make a huge impact on their campuses. These future global leaders will carry this experience with them for life! 

Allyson Hughes (UALR) and Takeo Suzuki (UAFS) are co-chairing the committee to plan this year’s conference. They are joined by the following committee members: Veronikha Salazar (UAF), Matthew Sokoloski (UAF), Andrew Faulkner (UCA) and Amy Pennington (ATU). The conference theme is Strategy, Leadership, Service: A Different World. This year, registration is open to students attending colleges and universities outside of Arkansas. Registration costs are $65 for Arkansas students and $85 for out of state students. More details about the conference can be found on the International Student Leadership Conference link. Hope you will consider joining us this year!