News
College of Computing international students find community at GVSU
September 09, 2024
Dean Marouane Kessentini knows what it’s like to be an international student. On December 24th, 2007, he arrived in Montréal, Québec, Canada, to begin his graduate studies at the University of Montréal. It was a snowstorm, and for Kessentini, it was not only his first time seeing snow but also the start of a challenging journey far from home. Isolated and unfamiliar with the food and culture, he felt the loneliness many international students face. But everything changed when he met a fellow graduate student from Tunisia, who became a mentor and friend, helping him navigate this new experience.
Kessentini’s passion for ensuring all students feel welcomed within the College of Computing, particularly international students, stems from this personal experience. That passion was at the heart of the College of Computing’s first International Student Reception, held on Thursday, September 5th. Open to all undergraduate and graduate international students in the college, including those in the Professional Science Master’s (PSM) program, the event saw about sixty students in attendance, along with several GVSU and College of Computing faculty and staff members.
One of the key speakers at the reception was Dr. Felix Ngassa, assistant vice president for academic Affairs and a professor of chemistry. Ngassa, like Kessentini, shared his own story as an international graduate student. In 1997, he traveled from Cameroon, West Africa, to Grand Forks, North Dakota, to pursue his studies at the University of North Dakota. “You are not alone, and you belong here at GVSU,” Ngassa urged the students. He stated despite the challenges, they were qualified to be here and had earned their place.
“Go to office hours. Talk to Admissions. You are qualified and deserve to be here,” Ngassa encouraged. “It’s up to you to prove that you deserve to be here.”
Kessentini also took the opportunity to share his story and highlight some of the new initiatives designed to support international students. He introduced Professor Holli Reyes as the new international student engagement coordinator and announced the creation of a PSM ambassador program, where second-year graduate students mentor first-year students—much like the mentor Kessentini had when he arrived in Montréal.
The reception provided a platform for other faculty members to share their advice and stories as well. Dr. Samah Mansour, director of the cybersecurity graduate program, encouraged students to aim high stating, “Never say never. You can achieve whatever you set your mind to.”
At the end of the event, Kessentini opened the floor to hear directly from the students. Many students voiced concerns about job opportunities, career preparation, and building connections with local employers. In response, Kessentini reassured them by naming Rodd Lowell as the Director of Internships and Career Development and announcing the college’s plans to hire an Internship Coordinator to address these needs. Additionally, he announced that students will have the opportunity to meet with employers through a casual bi-monthly lunch. The first luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, October 2nd with Auto-Owners Insurance.
The College of Computing plans to host an international student reception regularly at the beginning of each semester to foster a sense of community and belonging for all international students within the college.
Article written by Shelby Harrison.