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THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
RESIDENT DIRECTOR REFERENCE COVER SHEET
Name of Applicant Country applicant is applying for
PLEASE NOTE THAT CSU IP WILL NOT ACCEPT ELECTRONIC COPIES OF REFERENCE LETTERS. ORIGINAL
SIGNATURES ARE REQUIRED ON ALL DOCUMENTS.
Please specify why this individual is qualified for the position of resident director, in the process noting any particular strengths
or weaknesses relevant to the position. Comment on each of the following requirements to the best of your knowledge.
1. INVOLVEMENT WITH AND COMMITMENT TO INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION. Resident Directors must have a commitment to
international education and believe in its value to students in broadening their experience by exposing them to other cultures and educational
opportunities. Please evaluate the applicant’s involvement in the CSU International Programs, if you can.
2. COMMITMENT TO STUDENTS. Resident Directors are a principal source of support and guidance for students who are undergoing the
stress of adapting to an unfamiliar academic and cultural environment. The Resident Director also has specific assigned duties relating to
the academic supervision, personal well-being, and safety of students in his or her charge. Carrying out these duties requires a genuine
interest in the development of students, an awareness and sensitivity to diversity issues, e.g., gender, race, and ethnicity, sexual preference,
etc., an approachable demeanor, and the ability to communicate effectively with students in sometimes challenging circumstances. The
Resident Director must be responsive to student needs while applying the rules and policies of the CSU International Programs.
3. CROSS-CULTURAL SENSITIVITY. To be effective Resident Directors must be sensitive to cultural differences.
4. CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING. Academic administration deals with complicated and ambiguous situations and issues. This aspect of the
Resident Director's work as an academic administrator is increased in an international and intercultural environment. Effective Resident
Directors possess the requisite good judgment, creativity, poise, and tact to deal with ambiguous and unique situations as they occur and to
inform and consult with the CSU International Programs in a timely manner. They also possess the ability to maintain their composure
and exercise leadership.
5. FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY. International Programs Resident Directors act as fiscal agents of the State of California. They are charged
with the responsibility to make effective and appropriate use of limited budgetary resources. They are expected to follow the requirements
of state law and regulation and to implement CSU policy and procedure in the disbursement and accounting of funds entrusted to their
care. This includes timely reporting and maintenance of detailed financial records as specified by the CSU International Programs.
6. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION. Resident Directors must maintain an effective line of communication with the CSU International Programs
in order to transfer vital information in a timely manner. The Resident Director must keep the CSU International Programs up to date on
the problems and needs of the students, developments within the host university, and current events. A thoughtful, cooperative, and
professional approach to written and verbal communication is required.
7. ADHERENCE TO INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS GUIDELINES. Every CSU program in a foreign country reflects a long developmental
history. Guidelines have been established for ensuring both the academic integrity of the student's program and the high quality of the
educational experience. Adherence to these International Programs guidelines is a responsibility which the Resident Director has to both
the students and each of the campuses in the system. Resident Directors are expected to function as partners in a team effort which
combines the Chancellor's Office staff, CSU campus administrators and faculty, International Programs overseas staff, and the officials of the
foreign host institutions with which the International Programs is affiliated.
Mailing address: Assistant Vice Chancellor, CSU International Programs
The California State University
401 Golden Shore
Long Beach, California 90802-4210
DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 1
TO BE COMPLETED BY REFERENCE:
Relationship to applicant
The period of time during which you had an
opportunity to observe this applicant.