“Supporting the international student in the US: Triumphs, challenges, and possible adaptations”

• Presenters: Rehab AlZayer & Wejdan Felmban
• Date: Thurs. April 4, 2013 McKee Hall Room 282

My name is Rehab Alzayer. I am in my third year of PhD program in special education. My journey started in 2007 when I attended UNC and earned my master's degree in Special Education. It involved much more than just traveling halfway across the world from Saudi Arabia. There has been a dream to pursue graduate school in order to be an outstanding special educator that could help individuals with disabilities. With my perseverance and UNC faculty support, I have been working toward several goals that I think lead to a great change in the educational system in Saudi Arabia, in particular to develop the special education services by: 1) contributing to the establishment of special education law and policy, which will ensure personal rights and equality for individuals with disabilities.

My name is Wejdan Felmban and I am from Makkah, Saudi Arabia. I am in my third year of the Educational Psychology Doctoral program at UNC. I came to the United States to study in the ESL program in Fall 2007. My research interests include stereotype endorsement, adolescents’ reasoning and decision-making, and cognitive biases and heuristics.

In order to combat religious extremism and transform, Saudi Arabia has emphasized scientific education and exposure to international countries such as United State of America. However, the international scholarship program can create challenges for some students, particularly women when they try to succeed in a much more integrated society. This session will provide an extensive picture of Saudi culture. It aims to enhance the awareness and understanding of some challenges that could interfere with learning and teaching and how to better address them.

Mexican American college men: perceptions of mental health services

• Presenter: Jesse Valdez MS, Doctoral Student Counseling Psychology
• Date and Time: March 7th McKee Hall 282 11:30 to 12:30

My name is Jesse Valdez, I'm a Hispanic man from a small town in northern New Mexico. I'm currently in my 3rd year of the Counseling Psychology Doctoral program here at UNC. In addition to working with clients from a range of backgrounds I'm also very interested in research. My research interests include ethnic minorities and mental health, as well as men's issues. I will be presenting my most recent study on these topics as a poster at the APA National Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii this August.

Jesse will talk about the cultural importance of understanding Latino/a students in higher education through the concepts of Familismo and Caballerismo. The discussion will explore the implications of cultural beliefs and expectations for a Hispanic Serving Institution. Please join us in learning more about a beautiful and unique culture."

For more information, contact: Dana Walker (970) 351-2720

Recent Highlights

For both on-campus and online course instructor evaluations, the question of faculty respect for diversity was among the top three highest overall course evaluation items

Item #11: The instructor created a classroom environment that was inclusive and respectful of diversity