Yeeha! The Cultural Mosaic of San Antonio

NAFSA will hold its 54th annual conference in San Antonio from May 26 to 31, 2002. The conference, whose theme is “Enhancing Leadership and Learning in a Cultural Mosaic,” will take place at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center with the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter serving as the headquarters hotel. Additional information and forms for registration and housing can be found on the NAFSA Web site [www.nafsa.org].

Accommodation
A few SIG members will be staying at the Painted Lady Inn (tel: 210-220-1092), www.thepaintedladyinn.com, a B&B located within walking distance of the Convention Center. Also check out the NAFSA Web site.

SIG Business Meeting
Please plan to attend our annual business meeting on Wednesday, May 29th at 1:45 p.m. Location has not yet been assigned, but it will be listed in the final conference program.

SIG Social Event
Join us on Wednesday, May 29th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Painted Lady Inn, 620 Broadway St. (tel: 210-220-1092). Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be provided by the SIG. Come and mingle.

Conference Program
Scheduled workshops and sessions cover an incredible variety of topics and issues. Please make note of the following two programs. Your SIG colleagues seek your input and support with these events:

Are Human Rights Endangered by Globalization?
Wednesday, May 29, 9:19 - 10:15 a.m.

Abstract: Our panel will discuss the changing human rights environment in the age of globalization and its impact on international education. The rights of children, prisoners, gay and lesbians, women, for example, differ vastly and confusingly from one culture to another. Are we paying a human rights price for globalization?

LGBT Issues in Many Cultures: Insights for International Student Advisors
Thursday, May 30, 3:00 - 4:15 p.m.

Abstract: This interactive session will focus on cultural norms affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered students in their home countries and what impact these norms might have on students' expectations, behaviors and cultural adjustment while studying in the United States. Participants will leave with a better understanding of how they can successfully advise LGBT international students on their own campus.

Additional conference workshops and sessions with a diversity focus include:

Workshop #28: Redefining Whole World Stereotypes: Gender, Globalization & Popular Culture (focusing primarily women's issues abroad in non-traditional locations)    Monday, May 27, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Discrimination and Harassment: How these Impact International Students    Wednesday, May 29, 9:15 a.m.

Celebrating Women    Wednesday, May 29, 3:45 p.m.

The Changing Faces: Diversity in Study Abroad    Thursday, May 30, 4:30 p.m.

Multicultural Faces of the US: Who are We?    Thursday, May 30, 4:30 p.m.

SIG Information Table: Volunteers Needed
NAFSA will again be arranging for a SIG information table. With thanks to the high level of participation from our SIG last year, the info tables were a key to success in Philadelphia. As the table will be located in a highly visible area near registration, this is an excellent way to provide information on our SIG to the larger NAFSA community, while also connecting with our membership throughout the conference. Your help will again be appreciated to staff the table and show our rainbow visibility throughout the conference. E-mail jtrimpe@iesabroad.org to volunteer for one or several 1-hour shifts.

Call for Nominations

Lesbigay SIG officers include: two Co-Chairs (overlapping terms), Listserve Manager, Membership Coordinator, Newsletter Editor, Treasurer, and Web Site Manager.

Officers serve for two-year terms. An individual may hold up to two positions simultaneously. Officers must maintain membership in the Lesbigay SIG. The officers are elected at the annual business meeting of the SIG held at the annual NAFSA conference. Nominations should be sent to Julie Trimpe [jtrimpe@iesabroad.org] no later than May 17, 2002.

San Antonio on the Web Check out information about San Antonio at the sites below:

Out In San Antonio