School of International Studies Headlines

Eleven OSU faculty approved for membership to SIS

Eleven OSU faculty approved for membership to SIS

STILLWATER, Okla. – Eleven OSU faculty members were recently approved for membership on the Oklahoma State University School of International Studies faculty.

New members to the SIS faculty include Terrence Bidwell, Natural Resource, Ecology and Management; Timothy Bowser, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering; Glen Brown, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering; Jeanne Homer, Architecture; Subhash Kak, Computer Sciences; Khaled Mansy, Architecture; Juan Meng, Strategic Communications; Rolf Prade, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics; Peter Rudloff, Political Science; Mike Schnelle, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture; and Jeanmarie Verchot, Entomology and Plant Pathology.

International Studies and Outreach Associate Vice President, David Henneberry, said the goals of SIS include enhancing the academic and personal experience of students through international programs and activities; and promoting international education, research, trade and outreach development.

“These goals are accomplished through overall participation in study abroad activities, and expansion of international activities and opportunities for faculty, staff, students and the greater community,” he said. “The SIS faculty work to enhance these opportunities by advising students, lending international expertise, serving as guest speakers, leading study abroad programs and acting as a committee member on various international or school committees.”

The School of International Studies (SIS) includes the Study Abroad Office, English Language Institute, International Outreach activities and the multi-disciplinary SIS Graduate Program. The SIS Graduate Program offers three curricular options: the Master of Science in International Studies, the Graduate Certificate in International Studies and the Masters International Program (MIP), which combines the M.S. in International Studies with service in the Peace Corps. The SIS also has an undergraduate minor in International Studies available to all undergraduate students.

Congratulations to the School of International Studies Spring 2012 Graduates!

Birchler receives Outstanding OSU Graduate Coordinator

STILLWATER, Okla. – Donna Birchler, graduate programs advisor, received the Outstanding Graduate Coordinator/ Outstanding Graduate Support Staff Award during Graduate Education week at Oklahoma State University.

Birchler is the graduate programs advisor for the OSU School of International Studies (SIS) and has served in this position for 11 years. Nominations for this award were initiated by currently enrolled graduate students and received a $500 cash award.

“I am honored to receive this kind of recognition, especially because it comes from the students,” Birchler said. “I have a great job because I work with students everyday and they have always been a priority to me. I believe that is what working at OSU means, taking care of the students and making their transitions in the academic field easier. I am truly blessed with my job and thank all those who helped make this award possible.”

Birchler currently advises 66 students and serves on numerous scholarship committees.

The School of International Studies is OSU’s academic framework for integrating the resources of all eight OSU academic units and colleges to expand international opportunities in instruction, research and outreach for individuals and organizations seeking a greater understanding and involvement in world trade and international affairs.

The School is housed in the Wes Watkins Center, which serves as a focal point for international activities at OSU. Operating as part of the Division of International Studies and Outreach the School helps carry out the University's outreach missions of providing educational programs and services beyond traditional campus boundaries.

The School of International Studies offers a Graduate Program, the English Language Institute; Study Abroad/National Student Exchange Office; Peace Corps Recruitment support; Fulbright Resource Center; OSU Chapter of the Phi Beta Delta International Honor Society; OSU Chapter of the Sigma Iota Rho Honor Society and International Outreach Unit.

Oklahoma State University Graduate College Dean Sheryl Tucker presented Donna Birchler, School of International Studies graduate programs advisor, with the Outstanding Graduate Coordinator/Outstanding Graduate Support Staff award.

IS&O is a Certified Healthy Department

International Studies and Outreach was named a 2012 Certified Healthy Department by Oklahoma State University as part of the university’s initiative to promote wellness and health across the campus.

Experts at the Seretean Wellness Center certified each department according to specific guidelines, focusing on physical activity programs in the department, mental health, stress management and nutrition. The program recognizes departments that already have health-related policies as well as those who choose to implement new policies.

"I am pleased to see so many OSU Certified Healthy Departments for 2012," said Ann Hargis, OSU's first lady. "Offices are making an effort to create a healthier environment for faculty, staff and students. I commend them for joining us on the journey, as we strive to be America's healthiest campus."

There are two tiers of qualification, silver and gold. Twenty-four departments qualified for gold status, while three departments qualified for silver status.

SIS student says OSU was a great fit for him

STILLWATER, Okla. – Moritz Rissman, School of International Studies (SIS) graduate student, is from Germany and chose Oklahoma State University for many reasons. He had decided to get an English graduate degree and likes to experience new cultures and improve his language skills. After narrowing down his choices to 11, OSU met his needs.

When first arriving in Stillwater, Rissman felt like Oklahoma was similar to home, but dryer, vaster in space and red instead of green and brown. Most universities that he has visited were generally very limited in space and are therefore often scattered across larger towns.

“I am still very excited to study on a campus where everything is close together and separated by nice green areas,” he said. “Absolutely fascinating is the identification of the students with their Alma Mater. That ocean of orange really is bright and I love to be a part of this family. We could definitely use some of that spirit back home!”

The same is true for the dedication of professors and advisors.

He said he recently Skyped with a good friend from high school and she happened to have e-mailed back and forth with a professor for mathematics at OSU.

“What a small world! She was totally stunned by the professor’s friendliness and cooperation,” Rissman said. “Hence, it is not just me; Oklahomans are just friendlier.”

Rissman is an active student, serving in several officer positions in the SIS, he says serving in this capacity prepares him for his future.

“Being active in extracurricular activities teaches you several important lessons. More importantly, one can’t learn these lessons by reading books or taking classes. The starters are prioritizing and time management. Yet, the interaction with others yields the most benefits,” he said. “Observing and understanding your coworkers and fellow students will allow you to significantly improve group dynamics and achieve optimal results. This came in very handy when I lead a big team of students organizing a weeklong workshop series with Europe’s leading IT firms. Finally, you gain a certain degree of experience and calmness that surely helped me during various occasions.”

He said being active has taught him some skills – but in the end he is active because he enjoys meeting new people and taking things in his own hands and making a contribution.

Rissman’s goals after finishing the SIS master’s program including continuing his education and obtaining a doctoral degree.

“If I ever grow up, I will like to return to the classroom, teach economics, share my experience and encourage young people to seek an understanding of other cultures and the ‘big picture,’” he said.