How do you empower students—regardless of their identity group—to participate in international education?

Via, in partnership with Texas A&M University’s Education Abroad Office, submitted a session proposal on that very question. Via is among the more than 1,200 applications in the running to present at the South By Southwest Education (SXSW EDU) Conference 2023 in Austin, Texas. The diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)-focused session will reflect on how TAMU’s Education Abroad Office was excluding students through its previous software. Participants will learn how to evaluate their own software system, attract diverse travelers (from first-generation to LGBTQ+ students), create a DEI-centered change management plan, and leverage tech for systemic change.

Speakers:

Amaris Vazquez Vargas, Program Coordinator, Faculty-led Programs, Texas A&M University
Carrie Cohan, Senior Account Executive, Via TRM
Martin Rosales, Program Manager, Texas A&M University – Global Engagement

Learning Objectives:

• Examine current goals and initiatives through the lens of DEI
• Assess institutional culture and its effect on DEI initiatives both within and without their office(s)/institution
• Integrate principles of change management into a DEI-focused change management plan for further development and implementation at their institution

How to Cast your Vote

From now until August 21st, the greater online community is invited to vote and share their input on Via’s “Using Tech To Power Global Experiences For All” session. The community’s input will make up a portion of the overall score, which will be evaluated by the SXSW EDU Advisory Board and SXSW EDU staff.

You have the opportunity to “Vote Up” on Via’s session proposal to help us secure our spot at SWSX EDU 2023. Anyone with internet access can cast a single vote for as many proposals as they would like upon creating a PanelPicker account. Cast your vote for Via here!