FSDP: Global Competence Certificate Program

At the University of Pittsburgh, we are all members of a global community and our role is to integrate local and transnational perspectives that advance new knowledge and ground-breaking innovation while fostering cultural awareness, worldwide partnerships, and life-changing research. The Global Competence Certificate Program offers faculty and staff the opportunity to build awareness and understanding of diverse cultures while learning about University policies and resources that support our strategic goal of embracing the world. Interactive sessions will help participants define global competence, identify their own cultural values, analyze how those values impact our working and learning environments, self-assess global competence skills, and discover areas of growth. Participants will engage with colleagues and experts in simulations, activities, and dialogue to share best practices, identify on-campus resources and opportunities, and learn how to further their unit’s global engagement efforts.

This program requires completion of two required sessions, four elective sessions, and participation in a Capstone Conversation facilitated by a member of the Global Engagement team at the University Center for International Studies. Workshops are offered on a rotating basis each fall and spring through the Faculty & Staff Development Program (FSDP). Participants can choose any session listed in Electives Track 1 or 2 or complete all four elective sessions within Electives Track 1 (Cross-Cultural Module) or Electives Track 2 (Operating in an International Context) to have that specialty noted on their certificate of completion. Participants should report completion of all required courses using the Global Competence Completion Form and submit related questions to globalcompetence@pitt.edu.

The Global Competence Certificate Program consists of the following workshops:

Two required sessions:

  • Embracing the World at Pitt
  • Intercultural Competency

Choose four elective sessions (participants can choose from Tracks 1 and 2):

Electives Track 1: Cross-Cultural Module  

  • Understanding East Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan)
  • Understanding South Asia (India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh)
  • Understanding the Persian World
  • Understanding Southern Africa
  • Understanding Eastern Europe, Russia & Eurasia
  • Understanding Western Europe
  • Understanding Central America
  • Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity & the IDI Assessment Tool
  • Cross-Cultural Simulation
  • Life of an International Visitor

Electives Track 2: Operating in an International Context

  • Creating a Successful Global Experiences Program  
  • Global Operations: Planning Considerations for International Engagement
  • Strategies and Resources for International Travel
  • Hosting Academic Visitors and International Delegations
  • International Partnership Agreements
  • Working with International Students
  • Working with International Scholars & Employees

Embracing the World at Pitt

Presenters: Kati Csoman, Director, Nationality Rooms & Intercultural Exchange Programs
   University Center for International Studies

Date: Friday, November 3, 2023 
Time: 10 a.m.-noon
Location: Virtual

Who Should Attend: All faculty and staff

Why is Pitt committed to Embracing the World? What are the roles of the University Center for International Studies, Office of International Services, Global Operations, and Study Abroad? How can we learn about the different cultures represented on campus and the resources available to help you and your unit advance the goal of taking Pitt to the world and bringing the world to Pitt? This interactive session will address these and other questions about welcoming and supporting international populations on campus and abroad.

Register for this session

(New!) Creating a Successful Global Experiences Program 

Presenters: Hillary Koller, Director Global Experiences Office   
   University Center for International Studies

Date: Friday, November 10, 2023
Time: 10 a.m.-noon
Location: Virtual

Who Should Attend: All faculty and staff

In this course, participants will learn the elements of creating a successful Pitt Global Experience program, as well as the policies in place at the University to standardize each organization’s program.

Register for this session

Cross Cultural Communication 

Presenters: Delo Blough, Director
   Kati Von Lehman, Assistant Director of Outreach and Assessment  
   Office of International Services

Date: Monday, December 4, 2023
Time: 10 a.m.-noon
Location: Virtual

Who Should Attend: All faculty and staff

Communicating thoughtfully and successfully with colleagues from cultures other than our own can begin with learning about varying communication styles and expectations. This session will provide an understanding of ways that communication varies across cultures, help participants to recognize those differences, and provide strategies to bridge communication styles. This session will count towards the Electives Track 1: Cross-Cultural Module of the Global Competence Certificate Program. 

Register for this session

Intercultural Competency

Presenters: Richard Sherman, Assistant Director of the Student Team
   Caitlin Dawson, Immigration Specialist
   Lou Deemer, Immigration Specialist
   Jean Wenner, Immigration Specialist
   Office of International Services

Date 1: Monday, October 23, 2023 from 10 a.m.-noon 
Location: 342 Craig Hall, in-person
Date 2: Monday, November 13, 2023 from 10 a.m.-noon
Location: Virtual

Who Should Attend: All faculty and staff

Working and providing services in a diverse environment requires a knowledge and understanding of cultural differences, values, and behaviors. This fun, yet informative, session will help participants gain understanding to enhance the quality of their interactions with international and diverse students, faculty, and staff at the University and elsewhere.

Register for this session

Understanding China

Presenter: James Cook, Associate Director 
 Asian Studies Center 
 University Center for International Studies

Date: Tuesday, November 7, 2023 
Time: 2-4 p.m.
Location: 342 Craig Hall, in-person

Who Should Attend: All faculty and staff

Learn about the history, politics, language and culture of China. Discover how China’s engagement at Pitt and in Pittsburgh has shaped our commitment to embracing the world. Experts from the University Center for International Studies (UCIS) will share best practices for supporting students, scholars, community members and visitors from this part of the world. 

Register for this session