Designing a

Programming Model
for Cross-Cultural
Engagement

By Vicki Gerentes and Alex LLanso

Loyola University Chicago
Fall 2017
Roadmap

● Current State of Programming

● Purpose
● Evaluation Questions
● Research Question
● Outcomes
● Methodology
● Applications & Implications
● Questions
Current State of Programming

● Currently no programming model

● Still using 2016-2017 Residence Handbook
● No evaluation/assessment
● Current Programming
○ One Formal Monthly Program
○ One informal Monthly Program
○ Monthly Town Hall Meeting
● Examples of Current Programs
○ Pumpkin Carving/Halloween Contest
○ Ugly Sweater Party
○ International Food Night
○ Bachelor Night
Purpose
● Institutional Context
○ Loyola University Chicago
○ Managed through OIP, not Residence Life
○ Current Building Population
● Better align programming with desired goals and outcomes of the International
House
● Goals of the International House
○ Cross Cultural Engagement
○ Community Development
● Desired Outcomes
○ Adapting to Loyola and United States culture
○ Create lifelong relationships and connections
○ Learn to deal with the challenges of living in a community
Evaluation Questions

We have identified key questions that will need to be examined during this assessment.

● What does the current programming model or approach to programming look like
for OIP staff?
● How do OIP staff members engage students or I-House residents in programming?
● Does OIP assess cross-cultural engagement for its programs?
● How does OIP know when programs are successfully executed?
● Are students and residents satisfied with current programs?
● How does OIP collaborate with campus partners for programs?
Research Question

How does the creation of a

programming model impact
students and their opportunities
to experience cross-cultural
engagement?
Research Question Cont.

● Context
○ Lack of current evaluation and programming model
○ No assessment for cross-cultural engagement
● Key Stakeholders
○ Chicago Center
○ OIP Staff
○ I-House Residents
○ Loyola University Students
○ Loyola University Board of Trustees
Learning and Program Outcomes

OIP staff who design programs for I-House residents will…

● ...define program outcomes and goals utilizing the ABCD method of writing learning
outcomes.
● ...evaluate programs on community and cultural engagement with the program rubric.
● ...align programs with the mission statement as outlined in the I-House Handbook.
● ...revise policies and procedures in the I-House Handbook after collecting program
feedback from students.
● ...modify programs and events with program feedback.
Methodology
Phase One: Focus Group

● Bring Current I-House Staff together to work together to identify intended learning
outcomes for International House residents
● Determine “types” of programing that will help achieve these learning outcomes

Phase Two: Program Proposals

● Staff will present program proposals indicating programing model category and intended
learning outcomes
● Following program, staff will do an evaluation of the program

Phase Three: Student Survey

● Implementation of programming evaluation for students attending program to fill out

Applications and Implications

Applications

● Value of aligning the mission statement (university, division, department)

● LUC M.Ed. graduates working at the International House can use evaluation alongside
studies in the graduate program
● Prepare fierce scholarly practitioners, who utilize theory to design intentional programs

Implications

● Process will take time; requires continued challenge and review

● Vulnerability in the process; exposing shortcomings
Thank You!

Questions