Enhancing Services for International Students at Berkeley: A Progress Report

Berkeley International Office has made significant strides in improving services for degree-seeking, graduate, undergraduate, and research scholar students. Initiatives include a revamped orientation program, collaboration with student service units, and new offerings like an extended orientation class for credit. The focus on pathways to personal and academic success, professional development, and hiring new advisors underscores the commitment to student support and success.

• International Students
• Berkeley
• Student Services
• Academic Success
• Progress Report

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1. Berkeley International Office August 9th2011

2. All DegreeSeeking 4000 3775 3800 3600 3419 3400 3200 3069 3000 267826882785 2800 2600 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

3. Degree-Seeking, Graduate 1900 188518701878 1880 1860 1843 1840 1820 1804 1800 1775 1780 1760 1740 1720 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

4. Degree-Seeking, Undergraduate 1800 1654 1600 1400 1270 1200 928 1000 675 651666 800 600 400 200 0 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

5. F and J Visas- Summer Session 2000 1810 1800 1600 1351 1308 1400 1059 1200 1008 1000 800 753 600 400 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

6. Research Scholars: J 1, H1B, TN, O-1 3100 2950 2900 2833 2700 2565 2500 2398 2245 2300 2107 2100 1960 1900 1700 2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

7. What have we done so far? Re-designed our orientation program Collaborated with Conference services to offer temporary housing Collaborated with various student service units across the campus: SLC, Transfer Student Center, Career Center, Counseling & Psychological Services, College Advisors, etc. Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

8. What have we done so far? Developed a new extended orientation class for credit Pathways to Personal and Academic Success Emphasis on Professional Development focused on Student Development Hired a new advisor with an MS in Student Affairs (new $$ support) Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

9. What have we done so far? Reaching out to students in the residence halls Working closer with student organizations and ASUC Developed a new strategic plan Advocating for ESL and pre/post arrival academic advising Learning more about the needs of students Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

10. Strategic goals going forward Enhance the international undergraduate experience by supporting students distinct academic, personal, and social needs. Utilize technology to streamline services and processes within a secure and reliable infrastructure. Align programs and services to meet the needs of the growing international student and scholar populations. Achieve and sustain a high performance culture. Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

11. International Student Needs Assessment Survey Results Spring 2011 Electronic mailing to 3,544 international students 793 (22%) were completed and returned Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

12. International Student Needs Assessment Survey Results Spring 2011 Four areas were covered: 1.Demographic Information 2.On-going concerns 3.Experiences with campus programs and services 4.Experiences with Berkeley International Office Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

13. What is your gender? Female 44% Male 56% Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

14. Taiwan 5% Top 5 Countries Canada 5% India 6% Others 51% South Korea 15% China 18% From what country do you come? Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

15. How long have you attended the University of California at Berkeley? 5 + years 8% 3 4 years 25% less than 1 year 41% 1 2 yrs. 26% Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

16. What is your current level of study? Exchange Student 4% Undergrad 36% PhD 43% Masters 17% Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

17. What best describes where you currently live (Undergraduates)? Off- Alternative Group Housing: Co-Ops, Fraternity, Sorority 6% Campus: With a Host or Family Member 1% On-Campus: Undergraduate Upper Division Apartment Housing (Channing- Bodwidtch, Wada) 1% On-Campus: Undergraduate Residence Hall 27% UC Family Housing (University Village, Smythe-Fernwald Complex) 1% Off- Campus: Private Apartment or House 58% International House 6% Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

18. What best describes where you currently live (Graduates)? Jackson Graduate House or Manville Apartments 5% Alternative Group Co-Ops, Fraternity, Sorority 1% Off-Campus: With a Host or Family Member 1% On- Campus: Undergraduate Upper Division Apartment Housing (Channing- Bodwidtch, Wada) 0% UC Family Housing (University Village, Smythe-Fernwald Complex) 17% Off- Campus: Private Apartment or House 69% International House 7% Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

19. What are your future plans? Remain in the USA indefinitely 7% Remain in California indefinitely 5% Apply for advanced degree in the USA 16% Work in the USA beyond practical or academic training 22% Return to my home country after completing studies 25% Work temporarily in the USA for practical or academic training 25% Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

20. Primary reason to study at UC Berkeley for Undergraduates? friend or family member attends or has attended UCB 3% Academic quality of UCB 87% geographic location of UCB 3% to learn more about US culture and people 4% research opportunities 3% Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

21. Primary reason to study at the UC Berkeley for Graduates? friend or family member attends or has attended UCB 2% UCB was the first school that sent me an I-20/DS-2019 1% geographic location of UCB 5% Academic quality of UCB 73% availability of competitive funding package 3% to learn more about US culture and people 0% research opportunities 16% Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

22. UCB Colleges for Undergraduates Natural Resources 2% Public Health 0% College of Letters and Science 68% Business 6% Chemistry 6% Engineering 14% Environmental Design 4% Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

23. UCB Colleges for Graduates Education 3% Information 1% Public Policy 2% Natural Resources 6% Optometry 1% Public Health 3% Letters and Science 26% Business 8% Law 9% Chemistry 4% Environmental Design 6% Engineering 31% Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

24. Top Personal Concerns for Undergraduates I am concerned about having adequate financial support. I am concerned about securing a job in the US after graduation. I am concerned about finding satisfactory housing. I am concerned about managing my personal finances. I am concerned about securing a job in my home country after graduation. I am concerned about finding on-campus employment opportunities. 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% agree somewhat agree Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

25. Top Personal Concerns for Graduates I am concerned about having adequate financial support. I am concerned about having adequate financial support from my department. I am concerned about securing a job in the US after graduation. I am concerned about finding satisfactory housing. I am concerned about understanding U.S. medical insurance and services. I am concerned about understanding my U.S. tax obligation. I am concerned about managing my personal finances. 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% agree somewhat agree Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

26. Top Social and Cultural Concerns for Undergraduates I am concerned about finding a good balance between school work and free I am concerned about communicating so that I am understood. I am concerned about making friends with Americans. I am concerned about learning how to understand and respond to American I am concerned about understanding spoken American English. 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% agree somewhat agree Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

27. Top Social and Cultural Concerns for Graduates I am concerned about finding a good balance between school work and free time. I am concerned about communicating so that I am understood. I am concerned about understanding spoken American English. I am concerned about making friends with Americans. I am concerned about learning how to understand and respond to American I am concerned about understanding American values (independence, privacy, 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% agree somewhat agree Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

28. Top Academic Concerns Undergraduates I find it challenging to keep up with my reading assignments. I find it challenging to participate in academic discussions. I find it challenging to keep up with my writing assignments. I find it challenging to engage in group work with my classmates. I find it challenging to relate to American students in my classes. I find it challenging to participate in study groups. 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% agree somewhat agree Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

29. Undergraduates Concerns Interacting with Faculty, Instructors, and Staff I find it challenging to relate to my professors. I find it challenging to deal with faculty who are insensitive to my needs as an international student. I find it challenging to seek help from my professors. I find it challenging to access one-on-one academic advising services that meet my needs in my Department. I find it challenging to access one-on-one academic advising services that meet my needs in my College. I find it challenging to deal with staff who are insensitive to my needs as an international student. I find it challenging to relate to my graduate student instructors (GSI). I find it challenging to seek help from my graduate student instructors (GSI). 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% agree somewhat agree somewhat disagree disagree Not applicable Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

30. Safety Concerns Graduate Students I feel safe leaving my belongings unattended on campus I use safety resource services such as BearWalk and NightRides I feel safe walking on campus at night I know how to contact emergency services for help I walk alone at night in Berkeley I feel safe in my neighborhood I feel safe in my home 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%100% Agree Somewhat Agree Somewhat Disagree Disagree Not Applicable Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

31. Undergraduate Campus-wide services Quality of Service Office of the Registrar Career Center University Housing (Residential Tang Center (University Health ASUC CalSO/New Student Services Student Learning Center (SLC) Payroll/Glacier Counseling & Psychological Services Office of Financial Aid (Sproul Hall) Transfer Center 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% excellent good fair poor Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

32. Undergraduate Campus-wide services Staff understands my needs as an international student Office of the Registrar University Housing (Residential Services) Tang Center (University Health Services) Career Center ASUC Student Learning Center (SLC) CalSO/New Student Services Payroll/Glacier Counseling & Psychological Services Office of Financial Aid (Sproul Hall) Transfer Center 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% frequently sometimes rarely never Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

33. Graduate Campus-wide services Quality of Service Office of the Registrar Tang Center (University Health Services) Payroll/Glacier Graduate Division Graduate Academic Services GSI Teaching & Resource Center Career Center University Housing (Residential Services) ASUC Counseling & Psychological Services 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% excellent good fair poor Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

34. Graduate Campus-wide services Staff understands my needs as an international student Office of the Registrar Tang Center (University Health Services) Payroll/Glacier Graduate Division GSI Teaching & Resource Center Graduate Academic Services Career Center University Housing (Residential Services) ASUC Counseling & Psychological Services 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% frequently sometimes rarely never Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

35. Extra-curricular Activity Undergraduates Registered Student Organizations Volunteer activities Nationality based student organizations Football, basketball or other athletic events Academic department programs Zellerbach Performing Arts Center International House Events 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% frequently sometimes rarely never Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

36. Reasons For Visiting BIO- All International Students Academic matters 12% Payroll 3% Immigration and visa questions 22% Employment Matters 11% Tax matters 9% Financial Aid 8% Letters, documents and signatures 25% BIO program and workshop information 7% Personal/ Family matters 3% Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

37. Preferred Method of Contact 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Email In-person Phone On-Line Chat Skype video call Facebook Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

38. Perception of BIO and BIO Staff BIO staff is interested in my needs as an international student. I view BIO as an advocate for international students. I find BIO s location to be accessible. 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Agree Somewhat Agree Somewhat Disagree Disagree Do not know Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

39. How satisfied are you with the BIO reception staff? Staff at the front desk are respectful. Staff at the front desk are friendly. Staff at the front desk are knowledgeable. Staff at the front desk are helpful. 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Agree Somewhat Agree Somewhat Disagree Disagree Do not know Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

40. How satisfied are you with the BIO advising staff? I view BIO advisors as advocates for international students. Advising staff is sensitive to my needs as an international student. I find BIO advising staff to be accessible to me. Time provided to discuss my concerns is adequate Advisors are knowledgeable. Advisors are courteous. Advisors provide useful information. Advisors are helpful. Advisors understand my concerns. 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Agree Somewhat Agree Somewhat Disagree Disagree Do not know Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

41. Comments or Suggestions for additional Programs and Services General satisfaction Operating hours and access to advising staff Financial aid / Scholarships / Internships General advising services Academic advising Program delivery Communications SHIP insurance Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

42. Implications for Service Provision Re-visit office hours Re-visit drop-in practice Re-visit various communication tools More best practices around complex advising practices Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

43. Implications for Service Provision More resources around financial aid/job seeking strategies More resources around finding housing More resources around safety targeted to all students Workshops around time management & academic success Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

44. Implications for Service Provision Advocacy around ESL needs and academic advising Tweak the timing of workshops Greater collaboration with service units such as Career Center, CalSo, etc Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)

45. Implications for Service Provision More information about how to use SHIP. More social programs to overcome isolation particularly for those who live off-campus. Seek ways to tweak our identity/brand with students so that they see us not just as a visa office or a office that they had to visit but one that will help them navigate through difficult challenges. Source: University of California / Berkeley International Office (BIO)