International Students and Scholars Receive Recognition
UNI recently awarded various students and staff certificates of recognition for their dedication, as recognized in a campus-wide connection survey. The connection survey is a campus-wide, new student transition tool that asks new students to respond to a survey in the first 4-6 weeks of the semester. This semester we had two students, Francis Betum and Fatma Ryad, among many others who were recognized for their dedication, support, and guidance.
Francis Betum is a second-year master's degree student studying technology management here at UNI, arriving first on December 29th, 2023 he describes it as “both exciting and difficult. I was able to rapidly acclimate to the supportive culture at UNI, which included both friendly instructors and fellow students who were always eager to help.”
Francis, during his first semester, was awarded a graduate assistantship position. Francis describes this as an experience that “enabled me to contribute to the academic community of the university and acquire useful experience.” He currently has a graduate scholarship which he says inspires him greatly to do exceptionally in his coursework and make the most out of what UNI has to offer.
He is involved in both academics and extracurricular activities. Beyond academics, he has participated in cultural events that celebrate the diversity of international students and make the university feel more like home. Francis says “I am grateful for the resources and support I received, which have laid a strong foundation for my ongoing academic journey and future career” We here at the International Engagement Office are exceptionally proud of all that he has accomplished thus far.
Graduate student Fatma Ahmed Hussein Ryad, joined UNI in January 2023 as the Languages and Literatures Department’s first TESOL/Applied Linguistics fellow, overcoming both personal and health challenges. Inspired by the warmth and support she received from UNI faculty and staff, she promised to create a welcoming environment in her teaching role. Fatma recalls “the support I received from some of my professors and UNI staff” which helped her to overcome these difficulties. Fatma was offered the opportunity to teach the Language Today course as part of her teaching assistantship at UNI. Teaching this course inspires her, she says “I promised myself to do my best to make my students feel seen, safe, and welcomed the same way my professors did with me.”
In her final semester, Fatma hopes “to teach the same class for the second time and I plan on keeping it as long as I am a teacher.” Along with this, she commented on the pride she has felt as “being recognized by one of my students as their advocate and the person who helped them succeed the most at UNI brings so much light to my world.” Fatma hopes to continue to make students feel valued and safe, embodying the spirit of mentorship that helps others succeed. Fatma's journey exemplifies UNI’s community of support and connection.