International student advisory group
Established in 2021, the CEHD International Student Advisory Group aims to support international students within the college’s mission of contributing to a just and sustainable future for all. The group collaborates on various projects to cultivate a culture of care and create a sense of belonging for all international students.
Committee members
Bhaskar Upadhyay
Professor, Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development
bhaskar@umn.edu | 612-625-3286
Ellen Sunshine
Associate Director of Student Recruitment,
Admissions, and Engagement
sunsh001@umn.edu | 612-626-463
Nicola Alexander
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education,
Diversity, and International Initiatives
Professor, Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development
nalexand@umn.edu | 612-624-1507
Sumitra Madhuri Ramachandran
Graduate program coordinator, Family Social Science
ramac024@umn.edu
Liz Hwang
Graduate student, Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development
hwan0243@umn.edu
Zan Gao
Professor, Kinesiology
Director of Graduate Studies
gaoz@umn.edu | 612-626-4639
Marina Aleixo
Director, International Initiatives
aleix001@umn.edu | 612-624-9671
Nicole Shopbell
Director of Undergraduate Education
wileb011@umn.edu | 612-626-0398
Satomi Mitani
Graduate student, Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development
mitan005@umn.edu
2021-2022 activities
As a first step to understand student needs, the advisory group conducted a comprehensive survey and focus groups. Administered separately to undergraduate and graduate students in the fall of 2021, the survey was an opportunity to hear student voices regarding their experiences in the college. After initial survey analysis, committee members facilitated 6 focus groups, 2 for undergraduate students and 4 for graduate students in spring 2022.
Survey results were reported to CEHD senior leadership and were the foundation for developing a strategic plan to better support international students.
Strategic plan
Based on the 2021-2022 International Student survey and focus groups, a strategic plan was created to support international students’ needs. Actionable items for academic year 2022-2023 are focused on three areas:
- CEHD International Student Grants
- Faculty Training
- Resource Development
Student group
CEHD International Student Community
CEHD International Student Community (CISC) represents international students pursuing education at the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). In 2022, CISC was founded by members who believe that a community of international students within CEHD is essential to enhancing mutual learning, increasing their presence, and advocating for their needs. Join the community by signing up and following Instagram, and Facebook.
