About ISSS

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is dedicated to serving the University of Minnesota’s international community. ISSS supports the University’s internationalization efforts by helping departments bring new foreign nationals into the community; by providing intercultural training for students, staff, and faculty; and by offering events that build links between the U.S. and international communities on campus.

ISSS advisors/counselors are professionally trained to provide information about non-immigrant visa issues for students and scholars holding F, J, H, and O visas. Our advisors/counselors are also trained to provide counseling to international students and scholars about academic, personal, and family matters, as well as issues of cross-cultural adjustment and professional integration upon returning home. In addition, ISSS offers training and programs that enhance the awareness and understanding of cross-cultural and international issues across campus and consults with University faculty and staff on issues related to international students and scholars in their departments.

ISSS is located on the Twin Cities campus, but many of its responsibilities—especially those concerning international faculty and staff—also serve the Crookston, Duluth, Morris, and Rochester campuses. ISSS is part of the Global Programs and Strategy Alliance, which reports to the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost.

Learn more about ISSS by reading our Annual Report.

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Our Mission

International Student and Scholar Services cultivates an inclusive community by providing expertise and leadership with compassion to further prepare the University’s international students and scholars to meet complex challenges in a diverse, interconnected, multiracial, multicultural world. We provide advising, counseling, programs, and advocacy for international students and scholars to strengthen connections and understanding that advance campus internationalization and enrich the academic experience of all.

ISSS is responsible to:

  • Ensure University of Minnesota compliance with US immigration regulations governing visa sponsorship
  • Attract and retain a diverse and academically qualified student body
  • Design and deliver intercultural training, programs, mentorship, and leadership development
  • Build research-based transition experiences for cultural, social, and equitable integration
  • Contribute to the institutional research and teaching mission by providing immigration expertise and guidance to system-wide departments
  • Collaborate to enhance existing academic, counseling, and career support according to the unique needs of our clientele

Our Vision

An inclusive and engaged international learning community

Our Values

Expertise:
Be knowledgeable about policies, regulations, and trends in international education. Develop and implement best practices from theory, research, and experience. Be leaders in the field.

Intercultural Effectiveness:
Embrace cultural differences and have the intercultural skills, to work effectively with people from around the world. Use a holistic approach that respects multiple identities based on race, class, sexual orientation, gender, beliefs, ability, and ethnicity.

Supportive:
Provide services, advocacy, and support based on individuals’ unique needs and goals.

Collaborative:
Build strong partnerships to effectively share knowledge and perspectives, and maximize resources.

Adaptability:
Adjust creatively to opportunities and changing needs.

Last updated: October 8, 2021