University of Alberta International reorganization

The University of Alberta International portfolio has been redesigned in alignment with the university's new operating model and structure, including the shift towards Centres of Expertise which support activities across the university. Focusing on three Centres of Expertise in Global Engagement, International Student and Visitor Services, and Global Learning, this streamlining of services will enable UAI to continue to lead and facilitate strategic international policies and engagement, as well as support colleges' and faculties' international priorities.

Summary of Key Changes:

• Realign UAI directorates to drive accountability and results for global engagement, global learning and international student and visitor services
• Bolster international engagement strategy and implementation through the introduction of International Service Partners
• Centralize education abroad services to drive consistency, accountability and safety for students abroad, as well as improve the efficient administration and delivery of education abroad programs and partnerships
• Include education abroad and global education in the new Global Learning Centre of Expertise, recognizing that global learning happens both on campus and abroad
• Create new services for visitors and centralize settlement services within one Centre of Expertise
• Relocate international undergraduate student recruitment to the Registrar's Office Recruitment Center of Expertise
• Relocate corporate services (e.g. communications, finance, HR) to appropriate central units

Vision for UAI Moving Forward

Ensuring that international perspectives infuse the university's key initiatives—and that international activity is informed by college and faculty priorities—remains the core work of UAI. UAI will continue to lead the U of A International Strategy and support our aspirations to stand among the top globally ranked universities. To that end, within the new structure outlined here, we will seek to:

• Position UAI as a source of expertise, strategy and support: UAI will continue and deepen its focus on international strategy and policy that furthers U of A's international profile and global engagement, helps to prepare for increased international enrolment, and delivers excellent student experience.
• Introduce International Service Partners: New service partners will play an important role in faculty-specific international activities at the college level and with stand alone faculties. Service partners will collaborate closely with UAI teams, in particular with regional managers, to develop multi-disciplinary initiatives and implementation plans.
• Ensure a positive education abroad experience: Centralizing the university's education abroad work where possible will help to increase consistency in program delivery and accountability in safety processes for students participating in study abroad programs and partnerships.
• Provide excellent international student and visitor services: In alignment with the university's vision for student services, UAI will act as a Centre of Expertise for the international student experience. Leveraging this expertise in student services, UAI will provide immigration advising for students and also provide settlement support for international academic visitors and postdoctoral fellows.

Next Steps

While this update outlines the high-level structure and direction for UAI, the organizational detail of the three Centres of Expertise will be solidified in the coming months. We will share more information on this front as soon as it is available.

In the meantime, we are undertaking job design for new roles—such as service partners—and preparing for the International Recruitment unit to relocate to the Office of the Registrar in August of 2022. The target for service partners to be in place is January 2023.

In the coming months, UAI will also be working with stakeholders across the university as we implement UAI's new Centres of Expertise in Global Engagement, Global Learning, and International Student and Visitor Services, and as we transition services and support accordingly. We look forward to working collaboratively with colleges, faculties and units to support the U of A and its many global connections, both at home and abroad, within this new structure.

Cen Huang
Vice-Provost & Associate Vice-President (International)