On the Same Team: Study Abroad, Student-Athlete Support Services, Department of Athletics and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion Grace Johnson, Director of Study Abroad David Graham, PhD, Assistant Provost and Director for Student-Athlete Success Robert Bennett III, PhD, Special Assistant to the Associate Provost James Moore III, PhD, Associate Provost for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion

An Overview Office of International Affairs On the Same Team Overview Discuss issues surrounding student athletes and access to education abroad opportunities Share campus strategies to initiate and sustain access through university-wide collaboration -Study Abroad Office -Student Athlete Support Services Office -Department of Athletics -Office of Diversity and Inclusion

An Overview Office of International Affairs On the Same Team Role of athletics in higher education “Character, motivation, endurance…” Enhance the educational experience Campus spirit Draw attention to the university −Financial incentives

An Overview Office of International Affairs On the Same Team Purpose of study abroad in higher education Expand worldview Language development Self-identity; personal growth Employment opportunities Improved academic outcomes Problem solving Relationship building

An Overview Office of International Affairs On the Same Team Why improve student-athlete access to study abroad? They are students too! “I am more than just a uniform and helmet…” Applicant for 2014 Buckeyes Abroad Scholarship Student-athletes bring unique perspectives and skill sets to study abroad Provides opportunity to participate in and contribute to university initiatives beyond the playing field Development of global competencies -Ability to work effectively in international settings -Awareness of and adaptability to diverse cultures, perspectives and approaches -Familiarity with major currents of global change and the issues they raise -Effective communication skills that can cross cultural and linguistic boundaries -Comprehension of the international dimensions of your field of study

An Overview Office of International Affairs On the Same Team Obstacles Lack of appropriate study abroad opportunities Lack of awareness/interest in student-athlete community Administrative/compliance −Buy-in from coaches −Time commitment  Keeping fitness level  Facilities −Finances −Campus environment  Limitations

An Overview Office of International Affairs On the Same Team The Ohio State model Dedicated funding and concentrated, on- going interdepartmental collaboration and communication Focused promotion and recruitment Integrated application process and selection Student-Athlete ‘point’ person in the Study Abroad Office and ODI Take advantage of current opportunities: May Session Clear and consistent communication of Athletics expectations for Student-Athletes Flexibility

An Overview Office of International Affairs On the Same Team Buckeyes go international “As a business major I am interested to see how Brazil’s business customs are different from our own. As our world becomes more globalized, it is valuable to learn that not all cultures practice business in the same manner.” Jeff Michael, men’s ice hockey “I’ve never been anywhere in the Middle East and though it would be a great chance to experience cultures that I’ve never been exposed to.” Sophia Pifer, field hockey “I think this experience will help me be able to work with different types of people of different types of backgrounds. It will also show future employers that I am able to work in diverse and busy situations.” Ashley Adams, women’s basketball

An Overview Office of International Affairs On the Same Team Buckeyes go international Blogs Overview of trips The meaning for student athletes

An Overview Office of International Affairs On the Same Team Student-athlete study abroad ambassadors Promote the need to study abroad Explain the value of study abroad Discuss scholarship opportunities

An Overview Office of International Affairs On the Same Team So what now? Future of the relationship between Study Abroad, SASSO, and ODI Efforts to accommodate more student athletes What happens if the dedicated scholarship funding for Student-Athletes no longer exists? Need to have dedicated page for student-athletes on the study abroad website

An Overview Office of International Affairs On the Same Team Discussion What barriers exist at your school? What can you do to overcome these barriers? Are there ways to provide education abroad opportunities for student athletes despite the obstacles? Would the Ohio State model work at your home institution?

An Overview Office of International Affairs Questions? Visit oia.osu.edu