The mini-conference format is structured a bit different from our previous annual conferences. Each mini-conference will consist of either full or half day workshops and the Glen Ellyn mini-conference will also include a few shorter, two-hour workshops. There are no concurrent sessions; you register only for the workshops you wish to attend. Workshop descriptions are below.

Onsite registration will be possible at both mini-conferences but online registration is now closed. Slightly higher rates of $35, $55, $85, and $110 will apply.

Please do not hesitate to contact us at info@ieillinois.org with any questions. We look forward to seeing you in March!

SESSION ONE: F-1 Basics

This introductory workshop offers participants the basic theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to advise international students on F-1 visas. Participants will become more familiar with terminology and the student visa process, and learn about the responsibilities of a USCIS-approved school and the Designated School Official (DSO). Other topics explore the definition of F-1 status and maintenance of status, creating a SEVIS record and issuing an I-20, dependent visa matters, updating SEVIS records (registration, change of address, change of level, program extension), school transfer, reinstatement, change of status, and employment and practical training. The format includes lecture, exercises and discussions. Advanced F-1 advising topics are excluded.

Presenters: Maria Mangold, Roosevelt University; John Leedock, Benedictine University; Jennifer Pope, North Park University

Time: 8am - 5pm

SESSION TWO: Testing Your Immigration Knowledge - Will You Receive an A?

The Immigration laws are constantly changing. These changes routinely affect your international students and faculty. This session will test your knowledge of the current immigration laws and discuss key misunderstood immigration policies and procedures. How will you score?

Presenters: Bob White, Masuda Funai Eifert & Mitchell Ltd.; Sandra Spadoni, University of Chicago; Kathy Smid, College of DuPage

Time: 8am - 12pm

SESSION THREE: Study Abroad Advising for Beginners

This workshop can benefit new study abroad professionals as well as those interested in gaining new perspectives on day-to-day tasks of a study abroad office. Topics will include recruiting, advising, troubleshooting, pre-departure and re-entry programs, credit transfer, returnees opportunities and program evaluation. Presenters will attempt to tailor the workshop toward participants’ needs.

Presenters: Kelly Heath, Loyola University Chicago; Kimberly Neill, American InterContinental University

Time: 8am - 12pm

SESSION FOUR: Advanced J-1 Case Studies - A Roundtable Discussion

In this session, the presenters will provide a varied series of different, advanced J-1 student and scholar case studies to serve as discussion points. Participants are encouraged to submit their own cases for further exploration.

Presenters: David Muusz, University of Chicago; Heesun Majcher, Northern Illinois University

Time: 1pm-3pm

SESSION FIVE: The Rights of International Students and International Student Advising

How do we serve our international students best yet keep in mind the ethical and legal lines we must not cross in doing so? How do we protect their rights in regard to our work, the institution, and the day-to-day dilemmas in which we and our students find ourselves? This session will raise questions regarding the connection between the rights of international students and the work done by offices serving international students. It aims to raise awareness of the ethical issues involved and will use the NAFSA's Statement of Ethical Principles in discussion of scenarios.

Presenters: Tamara Felden, University of Chicago

Time: 3pm-5pm

SESSION ONE: F-1 Basics

Basic F-1 advising training for those in the field/serving as DSOs for less than 15 months. Topics covered will include the definition of F-1 status and maintenance of status, creating a SEVIS record and issuing an I-20, dependent visa matters, updating SEVIS records (registration, change of address, change of level, program extension), school transfer, reinstatement, change of status, and employment and practical training. The format includes lecture, exercises and discussions.

Presenters: Rick Lane, University of Illinois at Springfield; Emma Swift, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Time: 8am - 5pm

SESSION TWO: J-1 Regulations & Case Studies

This session will be tailored to the needs of the participants and will include discussions of both J-1 student and scholar regulations and case studies at both beginner and advanced level. Included will be discussions on Academic Training best practices, 212e issues and more.

Presenters: Kara Johnson, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Martin McFarlane, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Time: 8am - 5pm

SESSION THREE: Study Abroad 101

We will cover basic topics in study abroad, which may include office staffing, advising, outreach and communication, pre-departure orientation, re-entry programming, risk management, working with program providers, financial aid and scholarships, working with other offices on campus, resources for professionals, career paths in international education, and other topics identified by participants. Participants should be new professionals in study abroad (two years or less), students interested in pursuing a career in international education, or professionals in other areas of international education who wish to learn more about study abroad.

Presenters: Emily Gorlewski, Western Illinois University; Wendy Williamson, Eastern Illinois University

Time: 8am - 5pm