The Office for International Student & Scholar Services is hosting a free weekly webinar series during October aimed at expanding students’ understanding of the U.S. political system.

Attendees will expand their understanding of the following:

• The basics of the U.S. political system
• International student rights and responsibilities when engaging in political activism
• U.S. media and consumerism
• International student advocacy

“This is an important election. Many of our students have reached out hoping to get involved in the political process, but they also feel scared about potential impacts to their immigration status,” said ISSS Director Chelsea Wells.

Wells noted that while most universities are offering election-related programming, there remains a need to highlight the unique interests and concerns of international students as they relate to U.S. politics. While these students cannot register to vote, there remains much they can do to advocate for their positions and interests. “We’d like to provide them with tools so they can engage safely,” said Wells.

This series is hosted in collaboration with faculty and staff from the Department of Political Science, the S.J. Quinney College of Law, he Office of the Dean of Students and other campus and community partners.

All events are hosted on Zoom. The webinar sessions will be recorded for those unable to attend live. The series is free and open to the public.

Learn more here.

Basic overview of the U.S. political system and U.S. elections

Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020

4-5 p.m. MT (time zone converter) 

Registration will be done through Zoom. Click here to register.

Panelists will provide an overview of the unique system of government in the United States, the philosophy behind the system and the basics of how U.S. elections work.

International student rights and responsibilities in political demonstrations

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020

4-5 p.m. MT (time zone converter) 

Registration will be done through Zoom. Click here to register.

This webinar will focus on the rights and responsibilities of international students, including how to safely engage in political demonstrations and protests, as well as other types of political activism. Our panel will discuss a myriad of topics, including: how international students can be involved in the U.S. political process, student rights when interacting with U.S. law enforcement and ICE, and reminders about what international students can and cannot do during the U.S. Election.

Understanding U.S. media and consumerism 

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020

4-5 p.m. MT (time zone converter)

Registration will be done through Zoom. Click here to reigster.

Designed for international students who may not be as familiar with rhetoric used in U.S. media, particularly during U.S. Presidential Election season, our panelists will discuss how to interpret U.S. media, how to determine if information is accurate or inaccurate, how to best research the issues reported, as well as how cultural background may impact the interpretation of information. We will also discuss techniques and tactics regarding how to respectfully engage with peers and other individuals on sensitive political topics.

International student advocacy

Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020

4-5 p.m. MT (time zone converter)

Registration will be done through Zoom. Click here to register.

Our panelists will discuss how international students can participate and advocate for changes at both the local and federal level in the United States. We will provide advocacy group resources, review how international students can get involved in campus groups and local organizations, how international students can become involved with local immigrant communities to advocate for change, and also discuss campus and local resources for students who may be experiencing issues coping and dealing with stress during and after the U.S. Election.