International Affairs and Graduate Recruitment

Dr. Ling Zhang, Executive Director
Ronan Hall 330; 989-774-1619; 989-774-4308;

https://www.cmich.edu/international-admissions

https://www.cmich.edu/offices-departments/international-student-scholar

The Office of International Affairs and Graduate Recruitment provides centralized support for all of CMU’s international and domestic graduate initiatives. The office provides campus-wide leadership in coordinating, planning, and developing programs and initiatives for students, faculty and staff on campus that are academically, culturally, and socially beneficial to all. The office strives to provide international students with life-changing opportunities to expand their view of the world and prepare them for meaningful careers in the global workforce whether at home or abroad.

The office is comprised of three main work groups: International Admissions and Graduate Recruitment,International Student and Scholar Services, and the International Student Welcome Center. In addition, the office provides broad oversight of university internationalization in general: strategic planning; review and evaluation of international agreements and partnerships; international and domestic faculty support; globally-focused programming for the campus and community; etc.

International Admissions and Graduate Recruitment:

recruits prospective international and graduate students and promotes CMU’s academic programs globally through outreach, partnerships, and strategic recruitment initiatives;

guides prospective international students through the admissions process, including application requirements, document submission, and program selection;
develops and implements international and domestic graduate recruitment strategies through targeted outreach in key regions, including participation in international education conferences, recruitment fairs, and in-country site visits withinstitutional partners and prospective students.

International Student and Scholar Services:

provides comprehensive initial orientation and ongoing support services to international students, scholars, and faculty for a smooth transition and a successful academic experience at CMU;
serves as social and academic advocates on behalf of the international student and scholar population;
assists international students, scholars and faculty in understanding immigration regulations and maintaining valid legal status in the United States;
is responsible for ensuring university compliance with Department of Homeland Security and Department of State regulations for international students and scholars.

International Student Welcome Center:

serves as the primary point of contact for newly admitted international students as they transition to Central Michigan University and life in the United States;
provides pre-arrival guidance and information to help students prepare for travel, arrival, and the start of their academic program at CMU;
connects students with campus and community resources to support their academic success, well-being, and integration into the CMU community;
hosts events, programming, and informal gathering spaces that encourage cultural exchange, community building, and engagement among students.

In support of campus internationalization, the office:

reviews, evaluates, and assists in the creation of international agreements and partnerships;
maintains data on CMU’s international students and scholars;
disseminates information about global opportunities for faculty and staff;
collaborates with campus and community partners to offer programming to support cross-cultural understanding.