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Matt: My primary role is serving as the designated school official and advisor for international students seeking enrollment in a degree program. We work with the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs and the academic programs to help new students get visas, enter the U.S., and maintain their visa status in adherence to federal guidelines. After graduation, we provide guidance to help them maintain their visa status for up to three years if they work in the U.S. in a job related to their degree.
Travis: Early in my career while working in Residence Life at UC Irvine, I attended a talk by Bill Nye the Science Guy. He spoke to undergraduate STEM students about their responsibility to use the knowledge and skills they gained through their education to help solve some of the world's biggest challenges. While I realized that my art history degree might not lead me to change the world in quite the same way, I came away with a different realization: my passion was supporting the students who would. What inspires me most is seeing the impact our students have through their academic work, global health research, and efforts to improve patient care and health systems around the world.
Matt: The primary inspiration for my work comes from my own experiences studying abroad for a year in France and working abroad for four years in South Korea. I know firsthand the challenges and excitement that come from picking up your life and moving to another country. Drawing on my experiences often helps me to empathize with our students, which informs how I approach my job.
What challenges are you currently facing?
Travis: There are a lot of factors and challenges that can affect students traveling internationally right now. Ongoing geopolitical conflicts and global health concerns are turning locations that were previously more stable and accessible for our students into higher-risk destinations. With so much uncertainty and instability worldwide, we’re constantly monitoring changing conditions and working closely with students to help them navigate travel safely and confidently.
Matt: There is a great deal of uncertainty right now. In my role, students often come for an answer and many questions are difficult to answer because policies and circumstances continue to change. What used to be predictable and stable is now more fluid. For example, many international scholars want to travel home in the summer and visit family. While we continue to support them, there are many unknowns around travel and re-entry requirements, so we encourage students to stay informed and plan carefully.
What’s bringing you joy these days?
Travis: I have an almost 7-year-old and a 4 ½-year-old that while they also bring exhaustion, they are bringing me joy these days. My husband and I are navigating school and Little League. My husband is “DJ Backstop” for the walk-up songs and I’ve been first base coach.
Matt: Joy is coming from disconnecting. I ride my bike a lot with a group in the mountains. It’s beautiful, but what I appreciate the most is not having a phone or the Internet.
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