Where We Are Now and What Lies Ahead

UCIEP PD Webinar: Where We Are Now and What Lies Ahead
Article written by Mark Algren (former UCIEP member director, Universities of Kansas and Missouri)

Via the Professional Development Committee, the UCIEP Board invited panelists Cheryl Delk-Le Good (former UCIEP member director, Georgia State University, and currently Executive Director of EnglishUSA) and Joann Ng Hartmann (Senior Impact Officer, NAFSA: Association of International Educators) and Mark Algren (retired director of UCIEP English programs at the Universities of Kansas and Missouri) to discuss the current state of affairs and to gaze into the crystal ball of the near future for English language programs.  On behalf of Joann and Cheryl, thank you for inviting us, and thank you to all who attended.  Materials from the webinar (PowerPoint deck and four pages of clickable resources) will be distributed to the memberships of UCIEP and EnglishUSA.

The presentation pulled together data from a variety of resources, all publicly available and included on the resources document.  With the data as a starting point, the panelists elaborated on what the data may be showing us.  Insights into the regulatory and legislative activities currently underway were highlighted, notably the pending changes to Duration of Status and Optional Practical Training. NAFSA and EnglishUSA both submitted comments during the public comment period regarding the proposed change to Duration of Status; a decision on Duration of Status is forthcoming, possibly as early as December 2025.  Optional Practical Training is on the Spring 2026 regulatory agenda; it may come up then, or somewhat later, or much later.  Given the uncertainty in so many aspects of international higher education impacting tertiary institutions (colleges and universities, and English language programs of all types), there is cause for concern, warranting close attention and engagement with one’s colleagues, especially via associations.  The latter is a key point of the panelists: in times of stress, organizations and individuals tend to shut down when they most need to remain communicative.  Associations speak as the collective voices of their professions. Your participation is keenly valued, and you are encouraged to engage in conversations for both your own well-being and the well-being of the profession.

Now and Future Webinar Slides (UCIEP Member Only Access)
Now and Future Webinar Resources List (UCIEP Member Only Access)

Addendum: On Friday of International Education week (11/20/2025), SEVIS released its November report.  Below is a comparison November/October/September. September is the record high for TOTAL F&M visas in the USA