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        Muslim Student Issues Conference

May 20 - 22, 2007

Topics include:

Addressing Fears of Harassment  
(which seem to be a by-product of 9/11 and a perceived backlash against Muslims):

  • Via the media i.e. articles; press releases; interviews; TV talk shows (providing facts about Muslim life in the US).
     

  • Using the help of alumni:  e.g. pre-departure program participation; representing universities in Ed. Exhibitions; sponsored scholarships etc.:  charity events (earthquake relief).
     

  • Focusing on/answering and not evading such concerns during outreach.


Guiding Students Toward Realizable Goals

  • Helping them to select programs/colleges suited to their merit; goals and abilities, which hold relevance for them and for their countries/job markets.


Addressing Visa Fears

  • Keeping visa info updated via sustained liaison with consular/visa officers.
     

  • Evolving a do's and don'ts list for visa interviews.
     

  • Arranging for consular officer outreach to educational institutions.
     

  • Facilitating counselors officer presentations in Educational exhibitions.
     

  • Holding a simulated visa interview to prepare applicant's for the real thing.


Preparing Students for a Different Culture

  •  Introducing students not only to a different lifestyle, but also a different way of thought.  "Where what you are matters, not who you are."
     

  • Preparing them for a diversity in thought and origin which is part of the US social
    fabric.
     

  • Helping them to understand the American mind set with regard to observance of laws e.g. immigration registration, traffic violations etc.


Other Topics

  • What US institutions are doing to assist students in their adjustment and assimilation, including a report on the "train the trainers" workshop and other follow-up activities on campus and in our communities (NAFSA Collaborative Training Grant).
     

  • Production of an advising video (using current students from the Middle East) and other materials.
     

Topics for US Based Advisers

  • Saudi educational system and other educational systems.
     

  • Success rates for visa issuance in various countries.
     

  • Re-entry issues and what are valuable experiences in the US (capstone).
     

  • How to enable students to better understand the admissions process and US higher education.
     

  • ESL issues.