The changing international education sector and new BC Code of Practice has resulted in new challenges and opportunities for Senior International Officers (SIOs). On some campuses the role of the SIO may be expanding or shifting as the importance of providing excellent international student supports across all areas of the institution become central to compliance and success in the international education sector. At Vancouver Island University comprehensive institutional change is underway in international education to better position the University to respond to the changing environment. Ensuring compliance with the IE Code of Practice required a deep examination and review of current international student support practices. That examination and review is complete and our practices have been adjusted, and new practices developed. This session will outline the steps VIU is taking to respond to the changing international education sector, ensure compliance with the IE Code of Practice, and the connections between the IE Code of Practice and VIU priorities and strategic direction.
- Participants will be able to recognize and describe the major challenges faced by Senior International Officers (SIOs) in a rapidly changing international education landscape, such as geopolitical instability, financial constraints, and competition
- Attendees will explore effective strategies to implement and influence change in operations, policy, and practice in a post-secondary institution
- Participants will reflect on the importance of internationalization strategies and how these strategies impact the overall mission of the institution and its global standing