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2016.Casula.Resume
- 1. 1261 Pohl Road, Apt. 203 Mankato, MN 56001 Phone (907) 720-3534 E-mail donna.casula@mnsu.edu Donna M. Casula Objective To obtain a leadership position in an institution of higher education where I can continue to create and implement innovative international and intercultural experiences for students. Summary of qualifications Offering approximately eighteen years of experience in international settings with approximately sixteen years in various aspects of international education. Proven track-record of positive results in international student and study abroad marketing and recruitment. Through marketing and streamlining enrollment processes increased international student population by 44% in four years and study abroad participation by 50+% over a two year period at University of Alaska Anchorage. Increased ESL enrollment at the same institution by 200+% over four years. Led efforts to increase international population at Minnesota State University, Mankato by approximately 30% in 3 years. Skilled in international student advising and USCIS compliance, experienced in resolving complex visa/immigration issues Experienced in collaborating with academic and service departments to create innovative opportunities for international and domestic students. Worked with departments at UAA including Nursing, Anthropology, and Geography to develop faculty-led, short-term study abroad opportunities, coordinated regularly with departments including ESL and Advising and Testing to enhance offerings for international students. Worked with Engineering and Project Management departments to establish conditional admission protocols for international students at University of Alaska Anchorage. Skilled in visual communication developed both institution and Facebook web sites at UAA for International Student Services and Study Abroad offices as well as brochures, admission packets, tour videos, pre-arrival videos, photo tours, and presentations. Created and maintain ISSS Facebook page at MSU Mankato which currently has over 16,000 followers Skilled in budget management including experience with developing and implementing recruitment, retention, orientation, and faculty-led study abroad budgets and vendor agreements as well as conference budgets and negotiations. Diverse retention programming experience, from small discussion groups to large- scale festivals with 3000+ attendees designed to integrate international and domestic students on campus and in the community A wealth of innovative, collaborative supervisory experience with diverse groups of employees including professionals, student workers, and volunteers. Experience in developing, negotiating, and implementing agreements with service providers abroad as well as foreign institutions of higher education. Experience working with sponsoring agencies including SACM, World Learning, & Irex Dynamic presenting and communication style. Oriented toward assessment and data-driven measurable outcomes. Adjunct teaching experience in International Student First Year Experience course, Political Science, and components of Microsoft Office. Extensive training/presenting experience within institutions and at professional conferences.
- 2. Education JuneJune, 2011 Capella University Minneapolis, MN Master of Science in Education, Specialization in Leadership for Higher Education AuguAugust, 1998 University of Delaware Newark, DE Bachelor of Arts, Major: International Relations, Minor: Spanish Awarded Harriet Higgins academic scholarship Head Delegate of Model OAS, 1996-1997 and 1997-1998 academic years Professional experience June 2012 - Present Minnesota State University, Mankato Mankato, MN Assistant Director, International Student & Scholar Services/Adjunct Faculty Primary responsibility for recruitment and retention of international students Supervise graduate assistant and student workers, provide leadership as member of the management team Manage orientation and recruitment/retention budgets Advise F-1 and J-1 students on matters of USCIS compliance (serve as DSO), SEVIS reporting, ESL needs, cultural adjustment, and personal issues Organize and execute innovative three-day new international student orientation in collaboration with several campus offices and local service providers, collaborate with multiple departments and individuals to create interactive ways to deliver orientation information Obtain additional orientation funding with a conference-oriented approach in the community (i.e. obtaining sponsorships for meals, etcetera) Developed and maintain relationships with off-campus landlords to facilitate the housing needs of international students Advocate within the community (health and dental-care providers, mental-health care providers, social workers, specialized product suppliers, etcetera) to ensure the needs of international students are met Process CPT/OPT and other benefits as needed Engage in compliance reporting in SEVIS Assist students to resolve complex visa/immigration issues Collaborated to develop and implement strategic plan for international student recruitment resulting in substantial increases in the population Created and maintain office Facebook page and continue to update institution International Student and Scholar Services web site Developed, wrote, and directed tour video featuring current international students Develop recruitment materials including brochures, Facebook ads, promotional videos, and promotional giveaways Designed and wrote content of pre-arrival package provided to F-1 and J-1 students Worked with sponsoring agencies including IREX and World Learning Developed Welcome Package for new international students on arrival to provide for first night/shower needs Advocate to obtain campus services and influence policies and procedures to meet the needs of international students Teach first-year orientation course for international students
- 3. Advise a very large and influential International Student Association Collaborate to coordinate large scale events with educational components drawing community and campus audiences of 300 3000 attendees, as well as small weekly events with 15-30 attendees Develop relationships in the community for cultural exchange purposes including local school district and rehabilitation facilities Manage Cultural Contribution scholarship program Created and conduct workshops for students on topics of interest (i.e. Finding a Job on Campus, OPT) Collaborate with other departments including the Multicultural Center, the Womens Center, and the College of Business to create integrative experiences for international and domestic students Develop use of technology to streamline processes and collect relevant data Assist new employees with acclimation to university structure and systems Serve as a resource to the campus community on individual and collective international student issues Travelled to 6 countries in Southeast Asia with a higher-education Midwest promotion recruitment tour Serve on the Presidents Commission on Diversity representing MUSAAF Chaired sub-committee of Presidents Commission on Diversity to develop and implement a convocation diversity requirement Serve in Sub-meet of Assessment and Evaluation Serve on the Global Education Advisory Council (GEAC) 01222007 - 2012 University of Alaska Anchorage Anchorage, AK International Student Advisor Conducted day-to-day operations of one person International Student Services office as solo full-time dedicated professional, supervised student workers Facilitated admission of F-1 students, produced I-20s, DS-2019s, related correspondence, developed recruitment materials including web sites, brochures, presentations, and promotional videos Advised F-1 and J-1 students on matters of USCIS compliance (served as PDSO and ARO), SEVIS reporting, ESL needs, cultural adjustment, and personal issues Collaborated with ESL department to develop sufficient offerings and requirements Developed and conducted workshops and orientations for international students on topics of interest (on-campus work, CPT & OPT, Taxes) Developed and delivered presentations and workshops on study abroad opportunities, diversity, and strategies for working and communicating with international students and distinct cultural groups to faculty, staff, student leaders, general student, and prospective student audiences Designed and maintained UAA ISS web site & Facebook (International Student Services, University of Alaska Anchorage) site Conducted international student recruitment activities, including developing relationships with EducationUSA Advising Centers, increased F and J student population by 44+ % in four years with very limited resources Established institutional connection with the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM) to bring the first Saudi Arabian citizens ever to travel to Alaska for a purpose other than tourism, oriented the campus to the needs of Saudi students, maintained relationship with SACM Reported required student information in SEVIS, with use of fsaATLAS software and Banner database system Worked with Refugee Services in the community to establish a refugee ESL scholarship
- 4. Collaborated with varied stakeholders to create and stage international events for the campus community, served as APT Council Representative to the Diversity Action Council, served on College Preparatory & Developmental Advisory Board, Ad-hoc Committee for Academic Integrity Collaborated on development, logistical, marketing, and other services with faculty for short-term, faculty-led study abroad programs (five new programs in a three year span to Mexico, Scandinavia, the Balkans, China) Developed and implemented budgets and vendor agreements Collaborated with academic and administrative departments to negotiate exchange agreements with overseas institutions Developed and executed assessment of international student services Served as Advisor to the Saudi Culture Club and the International Student Association Supervised two student employees Febr 2004-2007 Delaware Technical and Community College Newark, DE Foreign Student and Admissions Coordinator/Adjunct Faculty Supervised Stanton campus Admissions Department with three full-time employees and several student workers and peer volunteers Assisted international students with residency and admissions issues, orientation to the US educational system and to the College Facilitated Admissions and Stanton/Wilmington Foreign Student Services meetings Helped to develop and deliver Culture Shock presentation, strategies for faculty and staff in working and communicating with foreign students Represented the Stanton Campus on the college-wide (multiple campus) Banner Admissions Committee, the Foreign Student Services Committee, and the Stanton/Wilmington Diversity Committee as Vice-Chair Reviewed F-1 (student visa) applications to determine acceptance to the college, produced foreign student correspondence and draft I-20s using SEVIS; evaluated all non-citizen student applications for compliance with immigration and residency documentation Served as Advisor to the Diversity Club and Vice-Chair of the Stanton/Wilmington Diversity Committee representing Stanton, organized and executed majority of campus diversity activities for students in collaboration with academic and administrative departments Helped to develop and execute study-abroad experience to M辿rida, M辿xico in December, 2006; conducted relationship-building and recruitment activities while overseas Taught Political Science and Beginning and Advanced Power Point as an adjunct instructor 19991999-2004 DuPont/Tad Staffing Wilmington, DE Administrative Assistant/Presentation Designer/Event Planner Designed Power Point slide-show presentations and other visual communication tools for seminars, marketing activities, and informative talks delivered worldwide (primary design specialist for company COO), converted traditional slides to power point format for training purposes Planned and executed corporate events including conferences, trade shows, seminars, and social events including venue selection, contract negotiation, and financial analysis Provided administrative support to director-level executives
- 5. 19991999-2000 Premier and Commodore Cruise Lines Hollywood, FL Assistant Cruise Director Supervised and trained entertainment/cruise staff crew of 15-20 employees Designed and produced Daily Program using Microsoft Publisher Hosted/designed/organized activities/events including theme parties, seminars, dance classes, and other activities for passenger entertainment Collaborated with other onboard departments and home office to ensure smooth day to day operations Served as Life Boat Commander and Crew Welfare Chairperson Taught ballroom dancing classes for passengers and staff 19941994-1999 International Cultural Holidays New Castle, DE Local Coordinator Marketed for, recruited, and screened host families and internship placements for European students Screened dossiers for acceptance of European students to exchange program Facilitated family and student orientations, planned and executed activities and field trips for visiting European students Oversaw students stay and resolved problems, reported to the Regional Director in Virginia Additional professional activities and awards Awarded Outstanding Service Award to NAFSA Region 1 for 2011. Nominated for Excellence in Service Award at UAA in 2008. Served as Alaska State Representative to NAFSA Region I 2008 2011 Served as Conference Chair for NAFSA Region 1 2009 2012. Presented at 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 regional and bi-regional NAFSA conferences including Playing in our Sandbox, Strategies for Staff and Faculty, (with UAA faculty), Planning and Executing Short-Term, Faculty- Led Study Abroad (with UAA faculty and study abroad provider), and Becoming a Diversity Advocate in Your Institution. Participated in NAFSA Advocacy Day in March, 2010. Collaborated with a Graduate Assistant to develop and present a home- grown workshop Strategic Programming in International Education at NAFSA Region 1 conference in 2012. Presented Strategic Programming in International Education workshop for Minnesota International Educators Professional Development Day 2014. Languages Proficient in spoken and written Spanish. References furnished upon request.