Minutes recorded by:
Corrie Schweigler, Educational Adviser, University of Munich, Munich, Germany, uw32101@sunmail.lrz-muenchen.de
Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to the members of the 1995 Athens Conference Planning Committee.
The question was then raised for discussion: Quo Vadis OSEAS?
- As a Section of NAFSA (might get more support - 400 NAFSA members would have OSEAS primary affiliation).
- As a regional organization of NAFSA
- As an EAIE partner (a step in this direction could be taken in Hungary), in conjunction with the EAIE Conference.
- Or registration as an international organization in one country, involving:
a) Membership fees
b) Bank loans
c) NGO status
d) Cooperation with university-based functions.
Whichever route is taken, there is a need for continuity.
The restructuring of NAFSA and its effect on OSEAS was also addressed:
The following areas of inquiry were suggested:
- US-based needs
- Advocacy and professional development
- OSEAS-members' needs
Perhaps the Section format within NAFSA should be reconsidered. Regional model may best reflect OSEAS' needs.
OSEAS members could petition NAFSA for Section status to gain more support from NAFSA.
NAFSA, however, may not accept either Regional or Section status at a time when it is trying to reduce the number of regions and to eliminate sections, as is preferred by the NAFSA Board.
However, nothing yet has been decided.
NAFSA became aware of OSEAS concerns in New Orleans and is now asking for concepts for the integration of OSEAS into NAFSA.
NAFSA is too US-centered, be it in the leadership or the membership.
It may be in the interest of OSEAS not have an affiliation with either NAFSA or EAIE.
NAFSA needs OSEAS, does not want it to break away.
Conversely, an OSEAS organization would promote integration both with NAFSA and with European organizations.
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