Embracing the World at Pitt


Program: Global Competence Certificate Program
Presenter: Kati Csoman, Director, Nationality Rooms & Intercultural Exchange Programs

Ian McLaughlin, Global Operations Support Manager
University Center for International Studies
Workshop Type: Virtual
Date: 5/9/2024
Time: 1:00PM - 3:00PM
Who Should Attend: All Faculty and Staff

Why is Pitt committed to Embracing the World? What are the roles of the University Center for International Studies, Office of International Services, Global Operations and Study Abroad? How can we learn about the different cultures represented on campus and the resources available to help you and your unit advance the goal of taking Pitt to the world and bringing the world to Pitt? This interactive session will address these and other questions about welcoming and supporting international populations on campus and abroad.





Intercultural Competency


Program: Global Competence Certificate Program
Presenter: Delo Blough, Director

Kati Von Lehman, Assistant Director of Outreach and Assessment Administration

Richard Sherman, Assistant Director of the Student Team Administration

Jean Wenner, Immigration Specialist

Office of International Services

Workshop Type: Virtual
Date: 6/11/2024
Time: 10:00AM - 12:00PM
Who Should Attend: All Faculty and Staff

Working and providing services in a diverse environment requires a knowledge and understanding of cultural differences, values, and behaviors. This fun, yet informative, session will help participants gain understanding to enhance the quality of their interactions with international and diverse students, faculty, and staff at the University and elsewhere.





Life of an International Visitor


Program: Global Competence Certificate Program
Presenter: Caitlin Dawson, Immigration Specialist Student Team

Lou Deemer, Immigration Specialist Student Team - Office of International Services
Workshop Type: Virtual
Date: 5/14/2024
Time: 10:00AM - 12:00PM
Who Should Attend: All Faculty and Staff

This session will detail the unique process that both international students and scholars need to experience before, during, and after they come to Pitt. Presenters will share information about visa applications, cultural adjustment for our international visitors, and employment options.





Strategies and Resources for International Travel


Program: Global Competence Certificate Program
Presenter: Hillary Koller, Director, Global Experiences Office
Leo Di Cesare, Director of Global Risk, Health, Safety, Security
Ian McLaughlin, Global Operations Support Manager
University Center for International Studies
Workshop Type: Virtual
Date: 5/15/2024
Time: 10:00AM - 12:00PM
Who Should Attend: All Faculty and Staff

More and more faculty and staff are engaging in international work-related travel. The University has many resources to help prepare and plan for this travel, as well as support services to ensure all goes well during time abroad. This session covers pre-travel preparation (including medical, legal, documentation, and technology), strategies for remaining healthy and safe while abroad, and who to contact within the University for advice and assistance should something go wrong. Whether you are arranging travel on someone else’s behalf, leaving the US for the first time, or a seasoned frequent flyer, this session will offer valuable advice towards using University and other free resources for safer, healthier, and more successful time abroad.





(New!) Understanding the Visa Menu


Program: Global Competence Certificate Program
Presenter: Delo Blough, Director
Sarah Geisler, Assistant Director of the Employment Team, Office of International Services
University Center for International Studies
Workshop Type: Virtual
Date: 6/13/2024
Time: 10:00AM - 12:00PM
Who Should Attend: All Faculty and Staff

Pitt’s Office of International Services is responsible for processing visa paperwork for Pitt affiliates, and it is important for individual University units to have knowledge of visa types and their use as well. This session explores the various visa sponsorships commonly seen in a university setting. We will look at the type of visa, the restrictions and benefits of each visa, and alternatives to each visa type. This is an important session for anyone who works with international students, researchers, and employees.