International students riding on a school bus.

Photo provided by the Office of Intercultural Student Success

The Office of Intercultural Student Success (ISS) at the University of Wisconsin-Superior commits itself to broadening students’ worldviews and offers resources to foster their academic, personal, and professional development. The ISS supports international students, underrepresented minority students and fosters respect for all people and cultures. Instead of dividing international students and underrepresented minority students into two offices, the Equity Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) department created the ISS as a diverse yet inclusive student resource.

“Even though we have a certain name [to our office], anyone is welcome in any of our spaces. We’re here to support any students. Our doors are open,” said Yue Moua, the Minoritized and International Student Retention Coordinator. Hailing from St. Paul, Minnesota, Moua joined the UWS community in March 2021 to help students of diverse backgrounds adjust to life at college. Throughout the semester, the ISS hosts events, speakers, retreats, workshops, conferences, and field trips that all students are invited to attend. Students can also join the World Student Association (WSA), which promotes global diversity and inclusion on campus. Their signature events include the international cooking demonstration and cultural night.

The ISS offers mentoring programs including RISE Community Circles (a cohort program) and the Global Buds program. The Global Buds program pairs international students with domestic students or Superior community members to promote cross-cultural understanding through social and cultural activities. “I was doing my orientation three months ago, and in January, I’m going to be a leader for other international students. I like helping people from other countries because I know how they’re feeling,” said Sofia Candela, a freshmen student and ISS student worker from Italy.

Throughout finals week, the ISS will host a variety of stress-relieving programs. The ISS will host events for students looking to take a break from studying, including gingerbread houses, dogs, hot cocoa, waffles, root beer floats, and study tips. To honor the accomplishments of individuals associated with one of the EDI offices, the ISS will host a Fall Graduation Ceremony on Friday, December 17th, at 4:30 p.m. This event will be held in Old Main 232 and via Zoom.

For more information about the ISS, please contact iss@uwsuper.edu.