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 Middle East
- Understanding Africa
- Understanding Eastern Europe, Russia & Eurasia
- Understanding Western Europe
- Understanding Latin America & the Caribbean
- 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
- Global Operations: Planning Considerations for International Engagement
- Strategies and Resources for International Travel
- Creating a Successful Study Abroad Program
- Hosting Academic Visitors and International Delegations
- International Partnership Agreements
- Working with International Students
- Working with International Scholars & Employees
Embracing the World at Pitt
Presenters: Belkys Torres, Associate Vice Provost for Inclusive Excellence in Education
Teaching Associate Professor in Latinx Literature & Gender Studies
Ian McLaughlin, Global Operations Support Manager
University Center for International Studies
Date: Friday, May 5, 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.
Intercultural Competency
Presenters: Delo Blough, Director
Caitlin Dawson, Immigration Specialist
Lou Deemer, Immigration Specialist
Jean Wenner, Immigration Specialist
Office of International Services
Date 1: Friday, April 28, 2023 from 10 a.m.-Noon
Location: Virtual
Date 2: Thursday, June 8, 2023 from 10 a.m.-Noon
Location: 342 Craig Hall, in-person
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.
International Partnership Agreements
Presenter: Garrett Margliotti, Director of Global Partnerships and Partner Engagement
Laura Daversa, Assistant Director for Global Partnerships and Events
University Center for International Studies
Date: Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Time: 10 a.m.-Noon
Location: Virtual
Who Should Attend: All faculty and staff
What are the differences between transactional and transformational partnerships? How can your unit build mutually beneficial and long-lasting relationships with partners abroad? This session will delve into these topics and showcase the new online platform to streamline and digitize the ability of faculty and staff to request agreements, review them with their partners, and track the signatory workflow through final approval.
(New!) Life of an International Visitor
Presenters: Kati Von Lehman, Assistant Director of Outreach and Assessment
Richard Sherman, Assistant Director, Student Team
Office of International Services
Date: Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Location: 342 Craig Hall, in-person
Who Should Attend: All faculty and staff
This session will detail the unique process that both international students and scholars need to experience before, during, and after they come to Pitt. Presenters will share information about visa applications, cultural adjustment for our international visitors, and employment options. This session will count towards the Electives Track 1: Cross-Cultural Module of the Global Competence Certificate Program.
(New!) Understanding the Persian World
Presenter: Dr Omar Sadr, Senior Research Scholar
Center for Governance and Markets, University of Pittsburgh
Date: Monday, May 15, 2023
Time: 9 a.m.-Noon
Location: Virtual
Who Should Attend: All faculty and staff
In this session, participants will learn about the Persianate world, including Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Iran, with a concentration on Afghanistan. Apart from the shared history and culture, this presentation highlights current political dynamics of the region including the Taliban’s rule in Afghanistan, the struggle for women’s rights in Afghanistan and Iran, and how the United States’ presence in Afghanistan has shaped the region. The presenter will also share Information about perspectives and understanding of our Pitt community members from this part of the world.