Outstanding Collaborative Unit

With seamless collaboration, three separate university organizations have put Wright State University in the international arena like never before.

The Leaning English for Academic and Professional Purposes (LEAP) Intensive English Program, University Center for International Education (UCIE), and Wright State International Gateway (WSIG) provide an extraordinary range of resources that help both international students succeed at Wright State and native students experience the world. Together, they have improved international education and programming tenfold.

Representatives from LEAP, UCIE and WSIG

“What is most impressive about these three units is that they are not located within the same organizational structure or hierarchy, yet the work together cohesively to provide the most positive impact on international students,” said Kristin Sobolik, dean of the College of Liberal Arts.

The LEAP Intensive English Program offers highly effective language instruction for students conditionally admitted to or intending to matriculate at Wright State. The quality of LEAP’s instruction has been recognized by the university by its acceptance of passage of LEAP Level 4 as the equivalent of the language proficiency test scores required by both undergraduate and graduate admissions for international applicants.

UCIE provides a landing place and outreach to international students admitted into the university as well as visiting faculty. The unit is responsible for international student and scholar services and support, organizes the annual International Friendship Affair, and is responsible for Wright State study abroad and exchange programs, international visitors, and research scholars.

WSIG was formed recently to streamline the admissions processes for international applications, effectively recruit international students, and facilitate international student access. The gateway also coordinates Wright State’s various international initiatives. Most notably, WSIG has enhanced communication and cooperation among all stakeholders—especially students.

The most visible benefit of the collaboration among these units is the increase in the number of qualified and English language-proficient international students enrolling at Wright State, and an increased dialogue among academic units enrolling and serving these students.