Center for Global Engagement Training Series

From Diane Zeenny Ghorayeb, OISS, Center for Global Engagement

Dear campus partners:

We are excited to announce the launch of a comprehensive training series on navigating immigration processes tailored specifically to our administrative staff colleagues. In our commitment to support departments and research centers in international hiring, this series aims to empower you with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of immigration processes.

Overview: The training series will cover topics related to immigration, ensuring that you are well-equipped to support our international faculty, staff, and scholars. The sessions will be designed to provide practical insights, address common challenges, and foster a deeper understanding of immigration in higher education.

Who: The intended audience is both seasoned and new staff in academic departments or centers, who are involved in hiring, onboarding, and terminating international employees in paid and unpaid positions, or anyone in an academic department or center who would like to learn about and understand our field. Shared Services staff  are invited to attend sessions where they are included but are welcome to attend any session as well!

 Key Focus Areas:

1. Visa Categories and Processes:

• An in-depth exploration of the H-1B and J-1 visa categories and the associated processes.

2. Immigration Compliance:

• Understanding the legal aspects of immigration to ensure UMBC's compliance with government regulations.

3. Navigating Changes:

• Learning when to communicate changes to our office.

Benefits: Upon completion of the training series, participants can expect to:

• Navigate immigration processes confidently and efficiently at the department level.

• Gain best practices skills so the process remains efficient for all entities involved.

• Contribute to creating a supportive environment for our international community.

Format: The series will be delivered simultaneously in-person and through Webex. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in discussions, ask questions, and receive guidance from our office. I'll be serving some nice coffee for those who join me in person!

Please email Diane Zeenny Ghorayeb (dianezg@umbc.edu) to register and I will add the events to your calendars. Simply RSVP YES directly in the Google calendar invite when you are ready. Please update your RSVP to NO if your plans change. Don't hesitate to let me know if I should add anyone from your department or center to the calendar invites.

Schedule: The training series started on February 13, with sessions taking place monthly, from 3 pm to 4 pm, in Admin 218 and virtually, unless noted. 

Please note that you do not have to attend all the sessions. Also, although there is a main topic "du jour", questions are open for J-1 and H-1B at every event! 

The dates and topics for 2024 are:

Tuesday, February 13, J-1 and H-1B overview. Shared Services, campus partners staff are invited to attend.

Tuesday, March 12, H-1B in depth for staff in departments and centers.

Tuesday, April 16, J-1 and H-1B overview for all. Shared Services, campus partners are invited to attend.

Tuesday, June 11 OR Tuesday, June 25, from 10am-3pm, full day with lunch.

Tuesday, July 9, J-1 and H-1B overview for all. Shared Services, campus partners are invited to attend.

Tuesday, August 6, J-1 in depth for staff in departments and centers.

Tuesday, September 10, H-1B in depth for staff in departments and centers.

Tuesday, October 22, J-1 and H-1B overview for all. Shared Services, campus partners are invited to attend.

Tuesday, November 19, J-1 and H-1B.

Tuesday, December 10, J-1 and H-1B.

Actions needed from you: RSVP directly in the Google Calendar invitation. Update your RSVP if your plans change. Let me know if I should add new personnel that have joined your team recently.

We encourage all staff involved in immigration-related processes to participate actively in this series. Your engagement is pivotal in ensuring a seamless and supportive environment for our international faculty, researchers, and staff.

We look forward to your active participation in this valuable training initiative.

I hope to see you very soon!

Diane Zeenny Ghorayeb