Sponsored Students Welcomed to Campus

Sponsored students from around the world were welcomed to campus by Chancellor Joe Steinmetz in a recent Zoom call.
U of A Chancellor Joe Steinmetz welcomed international sponsored students to campus recently at a virtual reception on Zoom. More than 200 sponsored students are enrolled as part of the 1,211 international students attending the U of A, either in our community or from their home country via "remote delivery."
Gloria Flores Passmore, director of sponsored student programs, said, "Through collaborative efforts, we have built relationships with sponsoring organizations all over the world that have helped us enroll students that contribute to the diversity of representation of more than 100 countries on our campus." The partnership with interdisciplinary programs such as Cell and Molecular Biology, Environmental Dynamics, and Materials Science and Engineering have proven effective in drawing students. Passmore said years of recruiting and building relationships by traveling to embassies and government ministries have resulted in a rich worldwide student and alumni base.
Sixty of the sponsored students are studying at the university on Fulbright Scholarships, noted by Steinmetz as one of the most prestigious international exchange programs for students and scholars.
Steinmetz told the new and returning students that their presence reflects the university's vision of enhancing diversity in the campus community. Steinmetz also informed the students that the university is a recent signatory of Presidents Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, an advocacy group of higher education leaders who support Dreamers and international scholars.
Following the Chancellor's remarks, he led the group in calling the Hogs - the first time for a handful of these students. Later the students broke out into small groups led by cross-cultural mentors and the staff of Sponsored Students and Special Programs in order to have a personal introduction to one another. About 25 remained to close the meeting by playing "Kahoot" - an online (international flag and Arkansas facts) trivia game.
"It's wonderful to have unique cultures and personal perspectives as part of our campus life," said Curt Rom, associate dean of International Education. "The link these students have formed between their homeland and the United States emphasizes the importance of unity among countries worldwide."
Contacts
Amy Unruh, director of communications
Graduate School and International Education
479-575-5809,
unruh@uark.edu
Headlines
U of A Shines at National Conference Focusing on Student Success
The U of A will bring home a national award again this year from the University Professional and Continuing Education Association, and eight U of A staff members will showcase their expertise in presentations.
Movement Dance Company to Perform Fall Showcase Dec. 2-3
The Movement student showcase will be performed in the Nadine Baum Studios, 505 W. Spring St., Fayetteville, on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2-3, with shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. each day. Get tickets now.
Three U of A Graduate Students Win at 3MT Competition
Mostafa Mahmoudi, a doctoral student in chemistry, placed first; Christina Barnes, a doctoral student psychology, placed second; and Kindler Norman, a doctoral student in physics, won the People Choice Award.
Aloia Named 2023 Gerald R. Miller Book Award Winner
Lindsey Aloia, associate dean for international education and associate professor of communication, has been awarded the 2023 Gerald R. Miller Book Award from The National Communication Association.
Staff Senate Accepting Spring 2024 Scholarship Applications Through Dec. 1
Applications for spring 2024 scholarships may be submitted via the application link on the Staff Senate Scholarships website. The deadline for submission is 5 p.m. this Friday.