In an ever-evolving landscape where opportunities and challenges intersect for international students, this International Student Services conference aims to serve as a beacon for those dedicated to supporting the career aspirations of international students. This mini-conference is brought to you by the NCDA ISSC.
All sessions of this mini-conference are open to all members of NCDA! Registrations will open on June 15!
Attendees can earn up to 5 Continuing Education (CE) credits by attending all conference sessions. Not an NCDA member? Join today and attend the conference for FREE.
This year’s ISSC virtual conference centers on empowering career development practitioners to lead with advocacy, creativity, and strategic insight as they support the career journeys of international students in U.S. higher education. The theme highlights the critical role career development practitioners can play in championing equitable hiring practices, articulating the global value of U.S. degrees, and supporting international students through shifting policy landscapes.
At this event, participants will explore strategies to help international students cultivate adaptability, multi‑pathway career readiness, networking skill development, entrepreneurial thinking, and confidence. The conference also emphasizes the importance of building strong institutional relationships. With many institutions operating with limited resources, community‑building, and cross‑campus partnerships will be spotlighted as drivers of student‑centered support. Together, these conversations aim to equip career development practitioners with the leadership mindset and practical strategies needed to help international students thrive in a rapidly changing global career landscape.
The ISSC seeking proposals for sessions that showcase innovative strategies and tools and collaborative approaches that maximize impact. Please view our topical suggestions below sourced from important areas of interest identified by our community then submit your proposal.
Submit your proposals here: https://bit.ly/ISSC-VMC26
Topical suggestions:
Centering this theme, we invite all career development professionals to share their expertise, research, and best practice examples while fully engaging in the mini-conference.
We welcome presentation proposals from NCDA members. Additionally, career services practitioners who are not NCDA members but work closely with international students are also encouraged to submit a proposal. Submissions from non-NCDA members will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The deadline for proposals is May 1, 2026. Selected presenters will be invited to present on May 28, 2026 and must accept by June 4, 2026.
If you have questions, please reach out to Abby Senuty and Dr. Pankaj Desai, ISSC Virtual Mini-Conference Co-Chairs, at abby.senuty@skagit.edu and dr.desai.pankaj@gmail.com.