Contact: Sammy McDavid

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State is observing 2015 International Education Week with a series of campus events next week.

A joint initiative of the U.S. departments of State and Education, the national program was created 16 years ago to encourage local opportunities for celebrating the many benefits of international education and exchange programs.

Organized by the university’s Richard Holmes Cultural Diversity Center and the International Institute, the event is open to all. Highlights of the university’s 2015 schedule of activities include:

Monday [the 16th]

—Beginning at 6:30 p.m., the International Institute will sponsor a social gathering and Dutch-treat dinner for study abroad alumni and current international exchange students at the Dawg House Grill on Main Street. For details, e-mail international@msstate.edu.

Tuesday [the 17th]

—3:15-4:15 p.m., 329 Colvard Student Union. In cooperation with the MSU English Language Institute, a program titled “Conversation Connection” will provide a forum for student, faculty and community members of all nationalities to discuss a range of cultural topics and current events.

Wednesday [the 18th]

—2-3:30 p.m., 1144 Hand Chemical Laboratory Building. A non-immigrant visa holder workshop sponsored by the International Service Office and MSU Police Department. Featuring remarks by an immigration attorney, the session is titled “Knowing Your Rights as a Non-immigrant Visa Holder in the United States.”

—3:30-5 p.m., 330 Colvard Student Union. Along with the Office of Study Abroad, a photography contest reception is recognizing this year’s submission and winners. Light refreshments will be served. The entries also may be viewed at Facebook@MSUStudyAbroad.

Thursday [the 19th]

—2-3 p.m., Griffis Residence Hall in Zacharias Village. A drum circle performance will take place on the fourth floor led by professor Robert Damm, a nationally recognized percussion specialist and director of the music department’s music education partnerships.

—2-4 p.m., 328 Colvard Student Union. An interactive cultural simulation organized by the International Institute as part of the Global Engagement Forum series, this event will help participants gain experience in developing cultural adaptation skills when visiting other countries. It also is designed to help campus and community members better appreciate some of the frustrations felt by international students after arriving in the U.S. Advance registration is required and may be completed by contacting Madison Poole at 662-325-8632 or mpoole.international.msstate.edu.

For more on MSU’s International Education Week observance, contact the Holmes Cultural Diversity Center at 662-325-2033 or hcdc@msstate.edu or visit www.hcdc.msstate.edu, or contact the International Institute at (662)325-8632 or international@msstate.edu or visit www.international.msstate.edu.

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.