UdeM International: helping students and staff get around, here and abroad

Immigration expertise brought together

The first step was to gather all immigration-related expertise into UdeM International:  whether they worked in student services of human resources, everyone involved in handling such questions and procedures now has a common unit to report to.

“We often come up against legal and compliance issues,” said Amiraux. “So it was critical for us to unite all of our experts on these matters into a single unit and make sure we give the community gets the best advice, in any number of situations."

These can include bringing in a visiting professor, for instance, of getting a foreign student into Canada "regardless of their status, whether they're a full-time student, an exchange student, an intern or medical fellow," said Amiraux.

Immigration expertise brought together

The first step was to gather all immigration-related expertise into UdeM International:  whether they worked in student services of human resources, everyone involved in handling such questions and procedures now has a common unit to report to.

“We often come up against legal and compliance issues,” said Amiraux. “So it was critical for us to unite all of our experts on these matters into a single unit and make sure we give the community gets the best advice, in any number of situations."

These can include bringing in a visiting professor, for instance, of getting a foreign student into Canada "regardless of their status, whether they're a full-time student, an exchange student, an intern or medical fellow," said Amiraux.

Swift reaction often required

The COVID-19 pandemic and other crises that have erupted in different countries in the last few years have shown that international developments often require a swift reaction.

“Consequently, we had to create a unit that would provide the UdeM community with exemplary service,” said Amiraux. "To do so, the unit has to stay up-to-date on international news, remain in constant contact with our international partners, be responsive and agile, and ensure our actions are consistent and integrated.”

That doesn’t mean that UdeM International can do everything. “But it will be the starting point for any questions related to international issues and, if necessary, it will direct people to the right department to handle their request,” added Amiraux.

UdeM believes that better supporting the mobility of its students, instructors and administrative staff will help raise its profile in Canada and abroad," she said.. 

“And of course, we do everything with an eye to sustainability. Our focus is on sustainable mobility: it’s possible for us to be an institution that's both responsible and international.”

Swift reaction often required

The COVID-19 pandemic and other crises that have erupted in different countries in the last few years have shown that international developments often require a swift reaction.

“Consequently, we had to create a unit that would provide the UdeM community with exemplary service,” said Amiraux. "To do so, the unit has to stay up-to-date on international news, remain in constant contact with our international partners, be responsive and agile, and ensure our actions are consistent and integrated.”

That doesn’t mean that UdeM International can do everything. “But it will be the starting point for any questions related to international issues and, if necessary, it will direct people to the right department to handle their request,” added Amiraux.

UdeM believes that better supporting the mobility of its students, instructors and administrative staff will help raise its profile in Canada and abroad," she said.. 

“And of course, we do everything with an eye to sustainability. Our focus is on sustainable mobility: it’s possible for us to be an institution that's both responsible and international.”

A group effort all around

Creating UdeM International was a group effort, she added.

"It took an enormous amount of work by a variety of teams over two years, first to analyze internal processes related to international concerns, and then to plan how to bring the different areas of expertise together."

She cited several administrators for their hard work:  her assistant Catherine Villemer, Pascale Carrier in human resources, project manager Louise-Hélène Richard; and Martine Lavoie, assistant to the vice-rector of student and academic affairs.

The university's various websites have yet to be updated to reflect the creation of UdeM International; members of the community are being asked in the meantime to continue to contact the appropriate staff members via the usual channels. 

Community services, including all orientation, integration and inclusion activities, will continue to be offered by the Human Resources Division, Student Life Services, and Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

A group effort all around

Creating UdeM International was a group effort, she added.

"It took an enormous amount of work by a variety of teams over two years, first to analyze internal processes related to international concerns, and then to plan how to bring the different areas of expertise together."

She cited several administrators for their hard work:  her assistant Catherine Villemer, Pascale Carrier in human resources, project manager Louise-Hélène Richard; and Martine Lavoie, assistant to the vice-rector of student and academic affairs.

The university's various websites have yet to be updated to reflect the creation of UdeM International; members of the community are being asked in the meantime to continue to contact the appropriate staff members via the usual channels. 

Community services, including all orientation, integration and inclusion activities, will continue to be offered by the Human Resources Division, Student Life Services, and Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.