Agenda

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

12:30 PM - 12:40 PM
Opening Remarks

  • Katherine Newman, Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs, University of California

12:40 PM - 1:30 PM
Session 1 – Keynote

1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
Session 2 – Lecture: What We Learn from History: The Origins of Study Abroad

America's first international education organizations and study abroad programs emerged a century ago from the crucible of global upheaval. The conviction that drove those pioneers, that justice and peace could be advanced through cross-cultural learning and exchange, resonates with renewed urgency today, as we reimagine our internationalization values and strategies in the face of enduring challenges and new realities.

  • Dan Waite, Associate Vice-Provost and Executive Director of UCEAP, University of California

2:00 PM – 2:15 PM
Break

2:15 PM – 3:30 PM
Session 3 – Panel: From Local to Global: Tackling California's Grand Challenges Through Global Learning

Drawing on the expertise of national and University of California scholars in both theory and practice of global learning, this panel will examine how global learning prepares students to understand complex, interconnected systems and engage with diverse perspectives. It highlights why these skills are essential for addressing the major challenges facing California and the world.

Panel:

  • Peter Graham, Professor of Philosophy, UC Riverside; Senior Associate Dean & Chief Academic Officer, UCEAP
  • Hilary Landorf, Assistant Vice President, Global Learning Initiatives, Florida International University
  • Colette Plum, Assistant Dean - Study Abroad, University of California, Berkeley
  • Dawn Whitehead, Vice President of the Office of Global Citizenship for Campus, Community and Careers, American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U)

Moderator:

  • Michael Lazzara, Associate Vice Provost of Academic Programs and Partnerships, UC Davis

3:30 PM – 3:45 PM
Break 

3:45 PM – 5:00 PM
Session 4 - Panel: Navigating New Normal: Federal Policy and Student Flows. Institutional Strategies for Supporting International Students Amid Uncertainty

As federal immigration policies disrupt the lives of international students, the University of California must look beyond business as usual and reaffirm its role as a globally connected institution. This panel will explore how campuses can attract, support, and advocate for international students in California, helping them thrive academically, socially, and economically in ways that benefit both the university and the state, while navigating a complex and uncertain policy environment.

Panel:

  • Joann Ng Hartmann, Senior Impact Officer, NAFSA: Association of International Educators
  • Samantha Lu, Director of Services for International Students, UC Davis
  • Sam Nahidi, Director of the Dashew Center for International Students & Scholars, UCLA

Moderator:

  • Monica Varsanyi, Vice Provost, Faculty Affairs and Academic Programs, University of California Office of the President

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

8:30 AM – 9:45 AM
Session 5: Panel - Advancing Global Partnerships in Research and Exchange

The University of California is deepening its commitment to international research and scholarly exchange. At a time when isolationist trends are rising, UC is choosing to engage globally and strengthen an innovation ecosystem that crosses borders.

Building on longstanding faculty partnerships, UC is now focused on expanding institutional collaborations that support critical fields such as climate science, pandemic preparedness, and clean energy. This panel brings together UC and international partners to explore practical ways to expand research collaboration, increase student and scholar exchange, and build lasting partnerships that benefit all involved.

Panel:

  • Cindy Fan, Vice Provost for International Studies and Global Engagement, UCLA
  • Rodolfo Torres, Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development, and Distinguished Professor of Mathematics, UC Riverside

Moderators:

____________________________________________________________________________________________

9:45 AM – 10:00 AM
Break ____________________________________________________________________________________________

10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Session 6: Panel – The Transformative Power of Global Learning: Academic Integration, Identity Formation, and Career Skill Development

This panel brings together scholars and student development professionals to explore the impact of global learning and study abroad. It will highlight how immersive experiences connect academic study with real-world challenges, shape students’ identities through cross-cultural engagement, and build the adaptability, cultural awareness, and communication skills that employers value.

Panel:

  • Paul Amar, Director, Orfalea Center for Global and International Studies, UC Santa Barbara
  • Amelia Dietrich, Senior Director of Research and Publications, Forum on Education Abroad
  • Tonija Hope Navas, Assistant Provost for International Programs, Howard University

Moderator:

  • Jennifer Lindholm, Assistant Vice Provost of Undergraduate Education, and Director, Honors Programs, UCLA

____________________________________________________________________________________________

11:15 AM – 11:30 AM
Break
____________________________________________________________________________________________

11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
Session 7: UC Alumni Panel: World-Ready: How Global Learning Experiences Power UC Student Success in a Competitive Workforce

In today’s highly competitive job market, a diploma alone is often not enough. Global learning experiences can set UC graduates apart. This session explores how study abroad, international internships, and cross-cultural research opportunities build the skills and adaptability employers value. Hear from UC alumni as they share how their international experiences shaped their careers and influenced how they think, lead, and solve problems.

Moderator:

12:45 PM – 1:00 PM
Closing Remarks