Joanna Shaw1, and members of I-LEAD
1La Trobe Melbourne, La Trobe University, Australia
La Trobe University identified a need to improve the student experience as a result of survey results and student feedback. The International Student Services team identified an opportunity to engage more deeply with international students and have their views and voice much more present in our work. This involved moving away from events, to inviting international student input on overall program design and
long term collaboration to achieve more long term goals of social cohesion. A student leadership committee was thus conceptualised as being a mechanism for more effective engagement, a means to having greater impact in student/staff interactions, and a way to have longer term effect on overall design and delivery of programs for international students. The International Student Leadership Committee (#I-Lead for short) was also envisaged as a way to reach staff and decision makers beyond the International Office to influence policy and programs at higher institutional levels in order to embed student-centric practice in La Trobe’s overall approach. This presentation will be led by members of I-LEAD who will describe their work, their achievements, experiences and opportunities for continuous improvement and impact.
Biography:
Joanna is the Manager of International Student Services at La Trobe University. Her career spans international relations, the not for profit sector, State and local Government, and most recently higher education. Jo started her career working for the Dalai Lama in northern India and prior to joining La Trobe was a UN Peacekeeper in East Timor.
She has lived and worked in more than 9 countries in Asia. Jo is currently undertaking a Masters in International Relations whilst working full time, is passionate about social inclusion, volunteering, and providing opportunities for international students to get the most out of their Australian experience. And baking. Joanna is passionate about baking.