O S E A S * E U R O P E

Overseas Educational Advisers (OSEAS) Professional Educators Group NAFSA: Association of International Educators


Minutes of Leadership Meeting May 18, 1997 Vancouver, Canada, BC

Minutes Respectively Submitted by Evelyn Levinson and Martyn J. Miller June 24, 1997


A. Meeting called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Evelyn Levinson (Overseas Coordinator of OSEAS)

B. Introductions of those in attendance

1. OSEAS Coordinators a. Evelyn Levinson b. Martyn J. Miller
2. OSEAS Regional Representatives (who are not also REACs) a. Jo Beth Brudner b. Kitty Kaar c. Olga Kniazeva d. Roberta Paola
3. Regional Educational Advising Coordinators a. Kathleen Alam b. Ro semary Arens c. Jon Lea Fimbres d. Josephine "Jody" Griffin e. Nancy Keketu f. Henry Scott g. Lydia Shevchik h. Marti Thomson
4. Other a. Catherine Alderton (USIA) b. Ildiko Ficzko (OSEAS-Europe) c. Veronica Malani (NAFSA Central) d. Terhi Molsa (OSEAS-Eu rope) e. Zara Oganessian (OSEAS-Europe) f. Marvi Pulver (OSEAS-Europe)

C. Discussion of Communication through Technology

1. Oganessian suggested that overseas subscribers to INTER-L need more than 48 hours to confirm subscription to INTER-L
2. Miller agreed to request that time be extended.
3. Levinson emphasized the need for all to maintain communication, if not through e- mail, then through any other means possible.

D. OSEAS Code of Ethics Discussion with Sarah Herr (NAFSA Central)

1. Miller discussed developments to date concerning current OSEAS Code of Ethics
2. Herr discussed OSEAS Code of Ethics in relation to larger NAFSA Code
3. Consensus reached among all that revision of current OSEAS Code of Ethics was required and that ite ms 11, 12 and 14 or the Code pose immediate concern.
4. Further suggestions on revision of OSEAS Code: a. Thomson suggested that the Code be broadened to include advisers in various settings (Thomson) b. Miller reminded all that the OSEAS Code should adhe res to the NAFSA Code (Miller) c. Consensus was reached that the Code should emphasize the fact that advisers acting as recruiters should be upfront and state that although they represent a limited number of schools, there are over 3,000 institutions in U S.
5. The following were named to a Task Force on OSEAS Code of Ethics: Alderton, Herr, Miller (chair), Molsa, Oganessian, Paola, and Kniazeva
6. It was further agreed that revised OSEAS Code of Ethics would be ready for distribution and comment by end of August 1997.
7. Herr offered the services of Peter Levitov (Chair, NAFSA Committee on Ethics) agreed to review OSEAS' subcommittees' revisions to assure that there was no conflict with the NAFSA Code.
8. Discussion continued on the need to be able to com municate effectively with third-part recruiters who seem not to be currently represented by OSEAS or who do not feel as though they are a part of OSEAS.
9. The following specific issues of concern to OSEAS, insofar as ethics is concerned, were identified: a. Scholarship and sports b. Advising scams c. Distance learning d. Unaccredited local affiliates/colleges which represent accredited US colleges.
10. Levinson asked Herr about OSEAS Ethics Case Studies submitted to Ethics Committee. Herr announced that those studies will appear in the NAFSA Directory and in future "Eye on Ethics" features.
11. Herr mentioned that the NAFSA Code of Ethics will be on the NAFSA Website.

E. COMINFO (Communications and Information) Discussion with Steven Kennedy (NAFSA Central)

1. Kennedy mentioned that Ed Devlin is editing a text entitled _A Guide to Ethical Recruiting_; Kennedy further suggested that OSEAS contact Devlin to open discussion with him.
2. Kennedy indicated that as OSEAS seeks to create further links with NAFSA constituents, OSEAS should look to private companies who are potential NAFSA advertisers but whose target market is students, not advisors or recruiters.
3. Kennedy mentioned that NAFSA periodicals, professional books, and materials for students offer at least three avenues for OSEAS members to become involved in writing for the association.
4. Levinson requested that copies of all OSEAS and REAC newsletters be copied to Kennedy to allow him to cull more information for inclusion in larger NAFSA publications. Kennedy asked that advisers be encouraged to submit articles with photos.
5. Kennedy mentioned that one potential publication (possibly a CD-ROM program), to be written by OSEAS advisors, in conjunction with other NAFSAns , is something that would assist professionals in choosing the right school for the individual student.
6. Levinson indicated that the booklet "The Profession of Overseas Educational Advising" is in need of revision; the following volunteered to served on sub-committee to revise this booklet: Fimbres, Kaar, Levinson, Malani, Shevchik.
7. Levinson also mentioned to Kennedy that once the OSEAS Code of Ethics is revised, a new up-to-date pamphlet will have to be printed.
8. Kennedy told the team that anyone can subscribe to the NAFSA Inter-L without being a member. Levinson emphasized the importance of keeping everyone in the loop by encouraging advisers in all regions to subscribe to the OSEAS topic.
9. Kennedy encouraged OSEAS to continue contributing material to NAFSA and emphasized the need to highlight to the association the important role overseas advisers play in bringing international students to the US.

F. OSEAS and NAFSA's Professional Development Program (PDP) Discussion with Jeanne-Marie Duval (NAFSA Central) and Heidi Gregori-Gahan (NAFSA Vice President for Professional Development)

1. Levinson indicated that OSEAS would offer its first twelve-hour Foundations Workshop at 1998 NAFSA Conference (Washington, DC)
2. Curriculum would be written by Levinson, Molsa, Marie O'Hara, and Thomson, in conjunction with Duval, Debbie Hefferon (NAFSA Central) and Malani
3. Potential audience for the first workshop would be those new to the field of OSEAS or considering involvement in OSEAS
4. Workshop would follow the model of those developed for all other professional sections
5. Duval indicated that the Professional Practice (content) workshop would be developed in time to be offered at 1999 NAFSA conference (Denver), but added that much discussion needs to take place before then.
6. It was agreed that dialogue needs to be established between OSEAS and PD Council (chaired by Gregori-Gahan)
7. Duval mentioned that in conjunction with the 50th Golden Anniversary, Peterson's and Hinchcliff have already made a significant contribution as "golden benefactors."
8. Levinson added that Petersons has earmarked a part of its $75,000 contribution toward allowing "young promising professionals" to attend and participate in the OSEAS PDP in Washington and a part towards the costs of developing the curriculum.
9. Levinson expressed enthusiasm at the fact that there appears to have been a lot of interest in OSEAS by supporters
10. Duval mentioned that certificates will be awarded for participation in Foundation workshops.
11. Duval explained that the Certificate of Professional Achievement is being reconsidered. A proposal for a different type of program has been made. There would be two types of certificates available, representing 32-40 hours of participation in workshop s beyond the Foundation. One would represent additional work in basic competencies; the other would be aimed at those with managerial responsibilities
12. Duval described the highest level of professional development currently being discussed, an "executive seminar" aimed at senior level individuals.
13. Consensus was reached that NAFSA wants to be sure not to duplicate training that is currently being offered through efforts of REACs

G. OSEAS and NAFSA Membership Discussion

1. Various questions were raised for Miller (member of NAFSA Membership committee): a. Are OSEAS memberships "individual" or "institutional"; that is, who is the member, the individual or the office? b. Is the use of an APO as official address the primary criterion for special OSEAS member rate? c. Which offices are permitted to receive the OSEAS member rate, those sponsored by USIA or only those sponsored by USIA and with an APO?
2. It was suggested that NAFSA Membership department make available to overseas members more payment options for membership dues, including, but not limited to, a. Overseas credit cards b. International money orders c. International inter-bank wire transf ers d. American Express credit cards, particularly since this is the one credit card used in official U. S. Government business
3. Miller explained that new membership form lists OSEAS membership under "Associate Member" category, but that it also indicates clearly that those in this category receive regular member benefits
4. Suggestions were made that items such as the following be included in new membership information: a. Membership card b. OSEAS Code of Ethics c. List of OSEAS Leadership
5. It was suggested that a Prospective Membership kit be developed for the potential overseas/OSEAS member and that this new kit be sent to REACs, OSEAS regional representatives, and chairs of overseas regional conferences
6. It was suggested that short messages recruiting members be sent out through INTER-L and other electronic means.

H. Discussion on 1998 NAFSA Conference in Washington, DC, with Mary Anne Grant (Chair of 1998 Conference Planning Committee) and Barbara Olson (Chair, 1997 Conference)

1. Grant explained that the theme of the 50th Anniversary conference was "Building Global Leadership"; its subthemes included on Advocacy and Managing Change.
2. Grant explained that OSEAS, as a PEG, is guaranteed a minimum of two slots in sessions and suggested that others would be possible through coordination and submission of proposals together with other sections.
3. Grant explained that of the 180-200 sessions proposed for the conference, 40% are not devoted to particular sections and that 60% are divided among the sections (each of which would have between 15 and 20 sessions) and PEGs.
4. Grant reminded everyone that the session proposal deadline is August 1, 1997.
5. After Grant's departure, the team discussed the idea of OSEAS remaining a PEG or becoming a section. Questions were raised: a. What is the number of members needed to become a section? b. Would this require indicating OSEAS as a primary or secondary in terest on membership information? c. Consensus was reached that further investigation on this issue was necessary before any action could be considered.

I. Discussion on Advocacy with Daniel Liebman (NAFSA Central) and Alderton

1. Liebman indicated that an on-line OSEAS working group will continue to push advocacy as USIA becomes subsumed by Department of State
2. Liebman also confirmed that the USIA's OIG had rescinded its motion to privatize advising by the year 2000.
3. Levinson mentioned that Gahan, current chair of the OSEAS task force, was resigning due to her new appointment as NAFSA's VP for Professional Development. Names were solicited from the leadership for possible replacements as chair. It was suggested tha t either the chair or vice chair should be located in the DC area to keep up with various meetings and events.
4. It was decided to update and correct the list of readers of the current OSEAS on line task force discussion list to include more names of stateside advocates for overseas advising such as NAFSAns who have participated in the OSEAS Partnership programs.
5. To strengthen the case for overseas advising, the following suggestions were made: a. All DC international educational advocacy meetings should invite the OSEAS team chair or vice chair. b. Regional advising conferences should invite Fulbright executiv e directors, CAO's and PAO's.
6. Alderton mentioned that in new administrative structure, the new Director of the Office of Academic Programs will be Keith Geiger, a political appointee, and that Director Duffey's new title will become Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy
7. Kaar asked that the OSEAS coordinators share with the team their letter to NAFSA requesting OSEAS participation at annual fall leadership meetings to reinforce the importance of the OSEAS presence at FLMs.
8. Levinson explained discussed the possibility of submitting to Ellen Babby (NAFSA Central) a proposal creating a development category called the "Friends of OSEAS" a. Keketu moved that the group support this proposal b. Proposal passed unanimously

J. Discussion on Nominations and Elections

1. Levinson mentioned that one of OSEAS goals for 1997-98 will be to get the names of qualified OSEAS advisers on the NAFSA ballots.
2. Levinson encouraged the team and OSEAS to contribute actively to discussions and presentations in order to increase OSEAS visibility and become better known to stateside members of the association.

K. Meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m. by Levinson

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