Welcome to Spring 2020

By Wendy Lee Stewart, Vice President of International Programs and Extended Learning, April 8, 2020

We want to reach out to our valued partners and students as we all continue to face the global challenge presented by Coronavirus pandemic.  We want to give you an update on Spring quarter and what Green River is doing to support our international students. 

Stay at Home, Stay Healthy

We recognize we are all in this together. We need to work together to slow the spread of the virus. Here in Washington State, our governor announced a "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" proclamation, now extended through May 4. Colleges and Universities are considered essential and therefore allowed to continue operating online classes and providing virtual assistance.  Campus Safety and Emergency Preparedness has created a Coronavirus web page to provide information and resources. 

Spring Quarter Begins Monday, April 6

Classes and support services will resume with online delivery while all Green River locations, offices, and buildings will remain closed to the public through May 4, unless otherwise directed. 

What We are Doing to Support our International Students 

Virtual Assistance 

Green River developed an innovative solution to provide one-stop, virtual support for students. Many student services are now being offered through video conferencing, Zoom virtual lobbies.  Two virtual lobbies are dedicated to supporting International Students: 1) Connect to IP Advisors and 2) Connect to IP Housing.  International Students can connect with IP staff virtually Monday thru Friday.

Communication  

We continue to provide updates to international students through the weekly IP Newsletter (posted on Facebook), Important Emails from me (Wendy), and Update Emails from the Director of International Advising, Adam Beals.

This week Adam sent a message aimed at helping students prepare for online learning: What to Expect & Tips for Success.  Adam Beals & Vivette Beuster, Assoc Dean of IEP and Extended Learning will serve as contacts if international students have any questions about online learning. 

New Student Orientation

We reformatted our orientation to comply with the "Stay Home Stay Healthy" directive.  Providing a personal welcome was a high priority, so day one of orientation was face-to-face. 

We focused on welcoming our new students and placement testing.   

In my opening speech, I welcomed new students to the Green River family and let them know they are now Gators (our mascot).  I encouraged our new Gators to be:

1)    Courageous

2)    Curious

3)    Caring – Take care of yourself first, then help others

4)    Connected – with family back home, with new friends, with staff and faculty 

We delivered the rest of the orientation information and activities virtually using video conferencing and CANVAS, our online learning system. 

Engagement

We are developing innovative and creative ways to connect and engage with our international students - virtually.  Here are some examples:

• Social Media Ambassadors
  
  Our Social Media Ambassadors have been busy creating content and videos to keep students informed and entertained.  Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and WeChat
  
  
• International Student Ambassadors
  
  The ISAs have been coming up with creative ideas to help engage students that are living on and off campus. They are working with Campus Corner Apartments and have compiled a list of activities for students.  The Social Media Ambassadors will help promote these events on various social media platforms. Some of the ideas include:
   
  • Virtual tours of museums, zoos
  • Online streaming of symphonies, acapella groups, concerts
  • Online games 
  • Netflix viewing party
  • Weekly craft series
  • Fitness classes online
  • and more

Campus Corner Apartments Virtual Events and Activities

• Check out the list of virtual activities for students looking for something to do without leaving CCA.

Please let me know if you or your parents have any questions about the Coronavirus, Spring Quarter, or what Green River is doing to support international students.  Here is some important contact information: 

• Admissions & Business: International@greenriver.edu
• Housing: Housing@greenriver.edu
• Student Emergency Cell Phone: +1-253-740-8422

Thank you for helping to keep the Green River College community safe and informed. We are committed to continuing to serve and support the success of Green River students from around the world.