Dina Saad, a Communications Master of Arts student, defended her thesis in the Department of Communications at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF).
by Bayla Gomberg
On Friday, April 14, Dina Saad, a Communications Master of Arts student, defended her thesis in the Department of Communications at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). The thesis titled "International Students’ Perceptions of Support Services at U.S. Universities: An Applied Case Study at CSUF" was chaired by Dr. Jasmine Meertins, with Dr. Cylor Spaulding and Dr. Roselyn Du serving as committee members.
The thesis aimed to explore the perceptions of international students regarding academic and non-academic support services at CSUF, with a particular focus on the International Scholar's Office (ISS) and its impact on acculturation stressors. Using a qualitative approach, the study gathered data through interviews to examine international students' satisfaction with various support services offered by the ISS office.
The attendees included Christine Pircher-Barnes, Director of Strategic International Recruitment and Enrollment Management- Extension and International Programs, Karen McKinley, Senior Director- Extension and International Programs, and Jean Hotta, Associate Director of the ISS office. Additionally, Gulsen Ozdemir, a graduate student from CSUF, and the candidate's family via Messenger, attended the defense.
The findings of the study indicated that international students' satisfaction with ISS services is influenced by factors such as staff interactions, website quality, email communications, social media platforms, and job and internship opportunities. The study revealed that students emphasized the need for more approachable and friendly staff, regular feedback mechanisms, an improved ISS website, comprehensive email communications, designated lounges, enhanced social media outreach, and increased support for job and internship opportunities.
The committee recommended that Saad submit her thesis at the coming ICA conference. The ISS office has also expressed interest in the study, as they're currently evaluating the research findings to determine if they can be integrated into their policy framework. The potential positive impact on future policies is promising. Saad successfully defended her thesis and passed her final class of her master’s degree.
Saad’s research offers valuable insights into the communication preferences and needs of international students and identifies areas where improvements are required to enhance their overall experience at U.S. universities. By addressing these concerns, higher education institutions can better support the diverse and growing international student population, fostering academic success and a more inclusive learning environment.
