August Update 2020
Fall 2020 Welcome from Hilary E. Kahn
Dear OIA Friends,
Welcome to the Fall 2020 semester at IUPUI.
This year has been a whirlwind for us all, and the uncertainty and volatility with which we have been grappling is far from over. The world is struggling against COVID-19 and the United States is dealing with its own turmoil and entrenched history of systemic racism. The Office of International Affairs (OIA) has been reckoning with all of this, from managing the onslaught of federal policies around immigration and the suspension of international travel and overseas programs, to the severe difficulties international students and scholars are facing during this time of crisis, and our own tackling of social injustice in the field of international education. OIA staff, as always, have been solid and impeccably capable as they support international students, advance global learning, serve the campus, and continue to engage the world through these unprecedented times.
While times are challenging, this is not the time for OIA to retreat and wait until the situation improves. Quite the opposite, in fact. This is a moment where OIA is doubling down on its commitment to international education and recommitting to our mission of making the world a better and more diverse and inclusive place.
This year, we will advance internationalization at IUPUI by expanding access to global learning for all students; partnering with IUPUI units and organizations and institutions around the world to strengthen the infrastructure for global engagement; rebuilding and further diversifying IUPUI’s international student enrollment; and making Indiana and the world a better place by aligning our work with the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals. In so doing, we will be better advocates by making sure everyone at IUPUI and beyond understands the necessity of global competencies and experiences, international mobility, and why we need IUPUI to unapologetically embrace its global identity as well as its responsibility to the world.
We have our work cut out for us, but you must know that the Office of International Affairs is dedicated to this more than ever. We will stand tall and work diligently for what we believe is best for IUPUI and the world. We will make sure our international students are wholly supported and are given the best chance to succeed at IUPUI and beyond. We will strengthen the foundation for global teaching and interdisciplinary global research. We will make sure that IUPUI students start studying abroad again, soon. We will continue to stand in solidarity with those everywhere who fight against discrimination and social injustice, because racism is, and always has been, a global issue. We will be here to serve and work with you. We will be brazenly global and we will champion the international identity of IUPUI, even during this trying time.
I thank all of you for the continued support of our work. I also want to particularly show my gratitude to the staff of the Office of International Affairs, who have been remarkable as they have managed the uncertain territory that the COVID-19 pandemic has created for them, for IUPUI, and for the world.
Of course, we are fortunate that technology allows us to continue to collaborate together, share perspectives, and come up with answers to the problems our communities encounter. However, I must also say that I do really look forward to the day where we can share the same space, engage in international travel, and feel confident that we live in a better world.
We will get there, together.
All best,
Hilary E. Kahn
Associate Vice Chancellor for International Affairs, IUPUI
Associate Vice President for International Affairs, Indiana University
