West Virginia University Division of Student Affairs units received more than $12,000 from the Higher Education Policy Commission’s Diversity for Equity program to support students.

The Office of International Students and Scholars received two grants and The Rack: WVU’s campus food bank is the recipient of the third.

Assistant director for OISS Grace Atebe received $3,100 to fund international student acculturation workshops. The workshops help international students and scholars better understand and fit into the American culture. The workshops cover topics such as classroom culture and expectations, social and cultural values, Appalachian culture and diversity in America. This is the third year that the OISS received HEPC funding for this program.

“We want to help our international student population better adapt to WVU and the Morgantown community,” Atebe said. “The workshops promote a better understanding and respect among individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds while appreciating the local Appalachian culture.”

For the second year, associate director of OISS Immigration Services Doina Jikich received $3,591 to fund four programs that also ease the adjustment of international students and scholars to the campus community. The programs include the Scholars Welcome Reception, the Scholars Recognition Fair, OISS Immigration Seminar and the Friends of International Students and Scholars program.

“One major challenge for universities is the adjustment and relationship building among the diverse international student and scholar population,” Jikich said. “Unless international students and scholars feel like they belong, their educational and professional experience will not be successful and as fulfilling as it could be.”

Currently, WVU is host to more than 1,700 international students from more than 100 countries and 270 international scholars representing more than 40 countries.

In addition, Jacqueline Dooley, program coordinator for Student Organization Services, received $5,475 for The Rack. The funds will be used to purchase food and personal care items for WVU students and their dependents facing food insecurity.

“WVU has a diverse student population, and The Rack is a solution to assist our students living below the poverty level, as well as students that might experience an unforeseen event while enrolled at WVU,” Dooley said. “We will use the use the HEPC funds to continue addressing the food insecurity felt among the WVU campus community so students can better focus on their education.”

This is the second year Dooley has received a grant from the HEPC. She used the previous grant to purchase three freezers, two refrigerators, six sorting tables, two dollies, four additional racks and other operating supplies for the food bank.

The HEPC’s Diversity for Equity program is based on the notion of diversity for equity in educational outcomes. The HEPC believes West Virginia needs to detect and foster the achievements of its diverse student population in order to meet its workforce and economic needs.

-WVU-

ta/10/15/13

CONTACT: Erica Bentley, Student Affairs
304.293.8944, Erica.Bentley@mail.wvu.edu

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