Happy 2021! Hopes for a Brighter Future Ahead
By Wendy Stewart, Vice President of International Programs, January 28, 2021
Greetings Green River Students and Partners!
Happy New Year! Here are a few highlights to kick-off the new year.
Biden Administration Renews Support for International Education
The inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris represents renewed, strong support for international education and exchange. On day one, President Biden issued an executive order reversing the travel ban for visitors from predominately Muslim countries. This signals an important step in letting international visitors and students from around the world know – You are Welcome Here!
Vice President Kamala Harris is herself the daughter of international students. Her mother from India and her father from Jamaica came to the U.S. and studied at UC Berkeley. We are also delighted to have an educator and champion of community colleges in the White House. First Lady Dr. Jill Biden holds a doctorate in educational leadership and has been a community college writing instructor for more than 25 years.
Youth Poet Inspires the World
National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman captured a historic moment and inspired the world with her reading of her poem "The Hill We Climb" at the US Presidential Inauguration. Her words speak to the strength in diversity, the need for harmony, the possibility for peace, and the hope for humanity.
In-Person Instruction?
This is the number one question we get from students, parents, and partners. Right now, during winter quarter Green River is operating remotely with classes and student services. We expect to continue in similar operating mode spring quarter. Our re-opening plans will follow the Washington state Governor’s health and safety guidelines related to COVID containment. The good news is that the Biden Administration has set a national goal of 100 million COVID vaccinations in the first 100 days in office. With a nationwide emphasis on vaccine distribution, we are cautiously optimistic and hope to be able to phase in some limited, in-person instruction and service by fall quarter. We will keep you posted!
Don’t Delay
Students can start their studies online now and join us on campus later. Apply now for spring quarter.
New Innovative Support for Students
Our dedicated International Programs team strives to meet students where they are, wherever they are in the world, to support their success. During COVID, we developed new innovative ways to support students. For example, we offer FREE embedded study skills support in English 97, 99, and 101. Also, our new digital admission process eliminates the need to mail documents and increases speed of response for students.
Bright Future
We are looking forward to a bright future for international education in 2021 and beyond! Thank you so much for your continued partnership and dedication to global education.
With gratitude and optimism,
Wendy
