CIC eyes recruitment

Midwestern university academics will meet in Bloomington today and Friday to discuss the new challenges of recruiting international students as a result of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.\nThe Big Ten's academic arm and the University of Chicago, which comprise the Committee on Institutional Cooperation, hope to consider alternative strategies for international recruitment following the terrorist attacks.\n In the next two days, the committee will address factors that could deter international students from attending American universities.\n"We want to examine what effect the new visa requirement will have on the number of students that have been accepted that will actually be able to come," Kenneth Rogers, associate dean of international programs, said. \nThe committee will address three areas of concern, Rogers said, including those concerns that are immediate and ranging to those that could effect long-term recruitment.\nImmediate concerns include the anticipated effects of more restrictive practices, screening of students eligible for visas and changes in international application procedures and requirements, Rogers said.\nBut Rogers also noted that IU has not seen a decrease in the number of applications from international students. In fact, they have actually increased, he said.\n"I'd like to think that our reputation is the biggest factor," Rogers said. \nDuring the weeks following the attacks, the Leo R. Dowling International Center extended its hours for IU's international students to come study or seek counseling.\nSara Gibson, the center's language circle coordinator, said the center provides international students and international organizations a safe haven on campus.\nRogers also noted that the U.S. government must recognize the benefit of having international students study at U.S. colleges.\n"The U.S. has been drawing large numbers of students from other countries to its institutions for years," Rogers said. "$12 billion annually -- it makes international education a leading export service industry"