The International Student Office, the Office of International Admissions and the English as a Second Language Program have changed the names to the Office of Global Support and Student Engagement, the Office of Global Admissions and Outreach and the Office of English Language and Global Training, respectively. This change took place on July 1.
According to Maria Flores, secretary of the Office of Global Admissions, this change was made because the word “international” is often thought to be tightly knit with the word “borders.” The name change is meant to make the offices and programs more inclusive.
Flores said that many of the students who are involved have felt more included in the Gannon community since the names were changed.
Students feel as though the change in the names has helped them to see that Gannon is embracing the global community and making them feel more welcome and included on campus.
Through these changes, Gannon hopes to be more inclusive and to allow global students to know that they are also a part of the Gannon family.
Ruby Rodriguez, a former international student at Gannon, believes that the name change does make the department sound more inclusive.
“I think that the name of the department was an important thing to change,” she said. “The word ‘global’ does seem to sound more inclusive, which is important in making us feel like part of the community.”
Although the changes are significant for the community, Flores added that they have not had an effect on the work that the offices do. They still assist students in the same ways that they always have.
The offices provide services to global students in a variety of different ways. These services include community events, connections to employment opportunities and other support that the students may need to be successful.
Along with the changes in names, the locations of the offices have changed as well. This change took place on July 24.
The Office of Global Support and Student Engagement is now located on the second floor of Beyer, Suite 202.
The Office of Global Admissions and Outreach has moved to the second floor of Beyer, Suite 203.
Lastly, the Office of English Language and Global Training has moved to the fourth floor of Beyer, Suite 404.
Gannon hopes that these changes will bring a positive effect to both the campus and its students.
Harlee Boehm
