August 23, 2021
Oakland University’s International Students and Scholars Office will host an annual International Welcome Reception from 3-5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 3 outside in the tent located along the back side of Kresge Library between Elliott Tower and the Engineering Center.
The campus-wide event will provide an early opportunity for newly-arrived international students, scholars and faculty to integrate with the university community.
“We are thrilled to see our newly arrived, current students, scholars and faculty finally face-to-face,” said Petra Knoche, international adviser with the International Students and Scholars Office and the Office of Global Engagement. “It has been a tough year for so many. So many students were not able to come last year or travel back to their home country because of COVID-19 and other travel restrictions.
“Being an international student once myself, I can empathize how difficult it must have been for them, their family members and their loved ones,” Knoche added. “The whole Global Engagement Office is looking forward to seeing our international guests and get back to ‘normal.’ I am so proud of our students and scholars, and how well they have managed the pandemic over the past 18 months.”
The event is a collaboration between the International Students and Scholars Office, the Office of Global Engagement, the Office of the Provost, the Office of the President, and the Office for Student Involvement.
Dr. Britt Rios-Ellis, executive vice president of academic affairs and provost at Oakland University, will be providing remarks during the event. Music will be provided by Mark Stone, associate professor of world music and percussion.
“This event shows how much we value our international students, scholars, faculty and staff and how important they are to the OU community and its growth,” Knoche said.
While event is free to the OU community, anyone interested in attending is asked to RSVP by visiting www.oakland.edu/provost/rsvp. Face masks will be required inside of the tent.