During this polarized time of shifting borders and mass migration, the university’s task of bridge building is more urgent than ever. In the summer of 2022, a partnership with Vijayanagara Sri University (VSKU) and Kuvempu University was established to help meet the strategic goals of recruiting well-prepared international students and collaborating with overseas universities. This further strengthened global ties and fostered university relationships with foreign universities. The partnership launched with a morning Symposium on Teaching and Learning hosted in Athens, Alabama. This professional development kicked off with a Zoom session where participants shared various popular phrases to greet someone across cultures. The participants were then cross-grouped into breakout rooms to discuss engagement strategies. The following combined professional development initiated in the evening from India and highlighted innovative teaching practices with a technology focus while sharing a repository of favorite recipes across campuses. These sessions continued across very different cultures and several time zones. The next phase of the partnership enrolled 24 students from both VSKU and Kuvempu University in UNV 300: Pathways to Success in Business. UNV 300 was offered in an ActiveFlex format with six different sections, allowing international students to choose their method of attendance while participating in active engagement projects with students in Alabama. Faculty and students navigated across cultural and technological barriers, collaborated between nations and time zones, and were offered support sessions along the way. This session will discuss strategies to engage international students and faculty across time, space, and culture using the ActiveFlex model.

Authors:
Letitia Bergantz, Athens State University, United States
Morgan Stanford, Athens State University, United States
Mark Gale, Athens State University, United States
Marla Williams, Athens State University, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Marla Williams is an Assistant Professor of Elementary Education at Athens State University. Dr. Williams teaches Elementary Science and Classroom Assessments and is currently developing a STEM learning lab for the University.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marla-williams-ed-d-1748ab41/

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