Atlantic Regional Meeting

Dr. Sonja Knutson, Director Internationalization Office, Memorial University of Newfoundland will start the Atlantic Regional Meeting with a few welcome remarks.

The presentation will explore how post-secondary institutions are working towards improved student support models for Black students. Each institutional representative will discuss student demographics, existing resources, as well as new or existing initiatives for support post-pandemic. What is unique about this presentation is that the presenters are all Black female advisors who have all studied and worked in Canada. They will provide their own professional and personal perspectives on the supports needed for these students, as well as answer questions any attendees may have about Black student supports at their own campuses.

Presenters:

• Danai Bélanger, Director of Student Experience, Mount Allison University
• Georginne Worley, Wellness Navigator at The Fisheries and Marine Institute, Memorial University of Newfoundland

As part of the consultations for the next iteration of the International Education Strategy, Global Affairs Canada (GAC) will be hosting a targeted consultations session to solicit feedback from interested stakeholders. GAC officials will host the session and it will be structured as an open roundtable discussion. The basis for discussion will be the thirteen papers (pillars, thematics and sectoral) which GAC released in early March as part of the official launch of the consultations. The papers can be found here.

Moderators:

• Larissa Bezo, President and CEO, Canadian Bureau for International Education
• Sonja Knutson, Director, International Office, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Presenters:

• Jean-Philippe Tachdjian, Executive Director – International Education Division, Global Affairs Canada
• Sree Sanyal, Deputy Director – Strategy, Research and Events, Global Affairs Canada

The primary focus of many international offices is to advise international students on what they need to be an international student in Canada. But many institutions face pressures from external institutions and students themselves to provide information on permanent resident options. This session will explore strategies institutions have developed for how we navigate the temporary resident vs. permanent resident conversation with our students.

Presenters:

• Ashley Pinsent-Tobin, Manager, International Learning (Inbound), NSCC International
• Natasha Clark International Student Advisor, RCIC Internationalization Office, Memorial University of Newfoundland

The search for housing in Canada can present a variety of challenges for newcomers, including high rental costs, a lack of availability, and discrimination. Among the challenges newcomers face is the unfamiliarity with the Canadian housing market and the different regulations and rules that apply. Moreover, newcomers may not be aware of their rights and responsibilities as tenants, resulting in misunderstandings or conflicts. According to a new report by the Canadian Centre for Housing Rights (CCHR), newcomers face heightened discrimination when seeking rental housing. These challenges can have a significant impact on newcomers’ life in Canada, affecting their well-being, social integration, and economic opportunities. The panel would explore these challenges in-depth and discuss strategies for overcoming them.

Panelists:

• Dr. Yolande Pottie-Sherman, Associate Professor Department of Geography, Memorial University of Newfoundland
• Garreth McGrath (He/Him), Legal Support Navigator, Public Legal Information Association of NL (PLIAN)
• Bahar Haghighat, International Student Advisor (Arrivals & Off Campus Housing), Memorial University of Newfoundland

This session will provide an overview of international opportunities grounded in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) work. Globally, higher education has a major role in expanding opportunities for countries to educate the youth that will become the leaders of the future. The SDGs provide a framework for international projects and a point of entry for meaningful student and faculty mobility. Each of the panelists will provide an overview of an initiative that is informed by the SDG framework.

Moderator:

• Justin Dearing (He/Him), Sustainability & Climate Action Officer, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Panelists:

• Jean-Philippe Tachdjian, Executive Director – International Education Division, Global Affairs Canada
• Dr Haykel Ben Mahfoudh – Director of the Tunisian University Mission in North America (MUTAN)
• Charvi, Student, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Please join your fellow international student advisers to discuss how to best support students with complex issues. Attendees will be placed into small groups and asked to brainstorm solutions to common barriers that exist in our schools that prevent cross-departmental collaboration. At the end of the presentation, we hope all attendees will have some tangible actions to bring back to their campuses.

Presenters:

• Lubna Rahman, International Student Advisor, St. Francis Xavier University
• Heather Tobin, Acting Team Lead, Student Support Unit, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Join us in the beautiful Global Learning Commons and enjoy networking, live jazz music, snacks and a complimentary beverage. This is an opportunity to thank our sponsors, unwind and connect with colleagues from across Atlantic Canada before you head out for an evening of dining and/or entertainment. This event is included in your registration.