In alignment with the Forward Together global strategy, University of Nebraska–Lincoln offices that lead the institution’s international efforts — the Office of Global Partnerships and Initiatives, Global Experiences Office, Global Safety and Security, International Student and Scholar Office, and Programs in English as a Second Language — are part of a renamed organizational umbrella, Global Affairs.

Led by senior international officer and associate vice chancellor for global affairs, Josh Davis, the renaming is intended to better reflect the mission and expertise of the Global Affairs units.

“Since UNL’s international operations were last overhauled almost a decade ago, both the institution’s vision for global engagement and the nature of international education have changed substantially,” Davis said. “Establishing Global Affairs as the hub of campus global activity helps better align the missions of these offices with the vision outlined in the Forward Together strategy.”

Two of the offices within Global Affairs also underwent rebranding, effective Jan. 1:

• The Global Experiences Office, formerly known as Education Abroad, fosters students’ global awareness and personal, academic and professional growth by offering various study, internship, research and service-learning opportunities on campus and outside the U.S. This name change is a recognition of today’s realities and Nebraska’s commitment to experiential learning that includes a reimagining of what constitutes a “global experience” in addition to traditional study abroad.

• Global Partnerships and Initiatives, formerly known as Global Strategies, coordinates and supports global activities, international and transnational research, visiting delegations, teaching and outreach throughout campus and abroad. The name change reflects a broader scope in supporting institutional partnerships and campus partners in global engagement efforts.

Other units within Global Affairs are:

• Global Safety and Security provides risk management, support and expertise to faculty, staff and students who travel abroad.

• The International Student and Scholar Office provides immigration support and educational programs for international students and scholars to foster a sense of community and belonging and encourage inclusive integration into the Nebraska and local community.

• Programs in English as a Second Language empowers non-native speakers of English through a rigorous and innovative curriculum for language proficiency and fosters an inclusive learning environment by assisting students in adjusting to U.S. campus and classroom cultures.

“As we emerge from the pandemic and reconnect with the world in new and innovative ways, this shift in how we frame our global experiences and support gives clarity of purpose to how we serve our campus and the international community,” said Katherine Ankerson, executive vice chancellor.

Global Affairs has also restructured several key positions to better support campus partners.

A director of international recruitment strategy that jointly reports to the Office of Admissions and Global Affairs will focus on strengthening international student recruitment by creating new pathways to Nebraska while leveraging current international partnerships. An associate director in the International Student and Scholar Office focuses on international student engagement, advocacy, and programming. And education abroad coordinators were embedded in multiple colleges to better serve students and strengthen relationships between the Global Experiences Office and the colleges.

By the end of 2022, all Global Affairs units are scheduled to co-locate in the new global education center located in Pound Hall, which will represent the physical hub of Nebraska’s global activities.