Weathering the Storm: Leading an ISSS Office Through Change

Thursday, May 28, 2026

12:30 PM - 1:20 PM EDT

Location: OCCC, W109A

This session explores strategies for leading international student and scholar services offices during periods of rapid change in federal immigration policy. Presenters examine recent case studies and demonstrate how to build campus partnerships, support staff during uncertainty, and strengthen office procedures following regulatory crises.

Learning Objectives:

Develop crisis management strategies to respond effectively to sudden changes in federal immigration policies affecting international students and scholars.
Build collaborative partnerships with key campus stakeholders to create comprehensive support networks during regulatory uncertainties.
Design resilient office policies and procedures that can withstand and adapt to future immigration regulatory disruptions.

Chair and Presenter(s)

Margaret Y. Luevano, MA, MFA (she/her/hers)

Director of International Student and Scholar Services
The University of Texas at Austin

Slides

Presenter(s)

Samantha R. Clement, MS (she/her/hers)

Director, International Student & Scholar Services
Texas A&M University
Charter Morris, M.A. (he/him/his)

Director
The University of Alabama

Slides
HS

Harlan L. Smith, MEd, MA, LPC

Director, Division of International Student and Scholar Support
University of South Carolina