The University of Colorado Boulder's Teaching International Students (TIS) badge program prepares faculty, graduate students and teaching staff to provide better academic experiences for international students in the United States. Participants will gain an understanding of the unique experiences of international students and their needs, as well as explore how to apply this knowledge to course and assignment design, teaching and mentoring practices, and fostering success inside and outside the classroom. This program addresses intercultural communication, inclusive pedagogy and international education coursework. In addition, program participants will engage with workshops on supporting international students and inclusive pedagogy and a capstone project.

Eligibility

  • CU Boulder Employees
  • CU Boulder Students (graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, professional students)

Delivery Mode

Hybrid of in-person and online delivery.


Credit Status

Noncredit

Academic Level

Other

Time to Completion

Two semesters

Fee

No

Requirements

Foundational work (fall semester):

  • Asynchronous Canvas course, required submission of reflections and participation in discussions. Or
  • CTL Learning community, attending 6 out of 8 sessions and submitting homework assignments.

International-student-focused workshops
Attendance and reflection (3): Participants will attend at least three workshops focused on international students and submit a reflection about it. A template with formatting guidelines and reflection questions will be provided.

Inclusive pedagogy workshops
Attendance and reflection (2): Participants will attend at least two workshops focused on inclusive pedagogy and submit a reflection about it. A template with formatting guidelines and reflection questions will be provided.

Application of pedagogical or mentoring practice
Based on readings, discussions and/or workshops (4): Participants will identify and apply new pedagogical practices to support international students and submit a report describing the practice, how it was used and the achieved results, and adjustments for future uses when applicable.

Individual consultations/Office hours
Participants will have the opportunity to meet individually with program facilitators to discuss any aspect of the program. Individual meetings are optional and highly encouraged.

Capstone project
International Student Support Action Plan: Based on the readings, discussions and workshops, participants will design an action plan that addresses the needs of international students at their classes, department, college or at CU in general.

Criteria

  1. Analyze the experiences of international students at CU Boulder, including how current events are affecting them.

  2. Critique common practices when teaching and/or mentoring international students at CU Boulder.

  3. Design strategies to improve international students' academic experience at CU Boulder.

Skills

  • Communication
  • Mentoring
  • Inclusivity
  • Inclusive pedagogy
  • Internationalization
  • Intercultural competence
  • Universal Design for Learning