The Council meeting on January 27, via BlueJeans, focused on the engagement and support of Penn’s international students and scholars.

Amy Gadsden, Associate Vice Provost for Global Initiatives, presented on the unique challenges faced by international students during the COVID-19 pandemic, including dealing with travel bans, visa processing delays and suspensions, and changes in student exchange visitor program guidance. There was a significant impact on international student enrollment in fall 2020, with 1,076 new international students deferring immigration to spring 2021 or later.

Dr. Gadsden talked about the advocacy being undertaken for international students, as well as the upcoming deployment of World@Penn, a new social media platform.

Michael Horowitz, director of Perry World House, presented on how the department adapted its programs and content during the pandemic and in the process gained a broader reach. He also announced the launch of Global Career Month, which is a series of events focused on potential career tracks for Penn students in the international arena.

Dr. Horowitz discussed Penn Pandemic Diary, an initiative that has given students a platform to tell their stories during the pandemic. Perry World House reached 14% of the class of 2024 with virtual preceptorial sessions and had four virtual summer interns in 2020. Soon, an Undergraduate Essay Prize will be announced.

President Amy Gutmann thanked international students and all those at Penn who support them. The next Council meeting will be on February 17 and will focus on the Campaign for Community and Penn Projects for Progress.