OUTSTANDING BELONGING
PROGRAM/INITIATIVE/EVENT

Here is what the nominator said about the International Open House:

“I am proud to nominate the University Health Center’s International Open House event, held in August 2024, for the Outstanding Belonging Program/Initiative/Event Award. This event exemplified UGA Student Affairs’ commitment to fostering inclusivity and belonging, ensuring that international students felt supported, informed, and empowered to navigate their healthcare journey at UGA and in the United States.

The International Open House served as a multi-faceted and engaging platform for welcoming over 160 international students during their orientation. The event was designed to foster a sense of belonging by providing vital resources and fostering a deeper understanding of healthcare at UGA. The event featured over 10 tables of information on specialty care, offering students access to important health-related resources. In addition, students participated in a tour of the 111,000 square foot University Health Center facility, giving them a comprehensive overview of the health services available to them.

One of the event’s key components was a lunch and learn session with UGA medical providers, student insurance representatives, and medical billing staff. This session focused on helping students understand how healthcare works in the United States, covering essential topics such as navigating insurance, understanding medical billing, and how to seek care when needed. The goal was not only to ensure students are health and financially literate, but also to emphasize that UHC is here to support them every step of the way. The staff also conveyed the message that even when UHC isn’t the best fit for a student’s needs, the Health Center is committed to connecting them to additional resources to ensure they receive the care and support they require.

The impact of the event is reflected in the positive feedback received from the students. According to assessment data from International Student Life, 96% of attendees agreed or strongly agreed that the event was a valuable use of their time, and 94% felt better prepared to navigate health services at UGA. Notably, 27% of attendees identified the International Open House as their favorite or most helpful session, making it the most popular event during orientation, with the next closest event receiving only 13%.

The International Open House event made a significant contribution to promoting belonging and inclusivity within the UGA community. By offering a space where international students could feel seen, heard, and informed, the event advanced UGA Student Affairs’ mission to foster a culture of Belonging. This initiative effectively raised campus awareness of the unique needs of international students and provided the necessary resources and education to navigate both healthcare and financial systems in the U.S. It also showcased UHC’s dedication to active community outreach, ensuring international students feel supported not just by the Health Center, but by the entire UGA community.

The success of this event is a testament to the University Health Center’s commitment to an inclusive, welcoming environment where every student—regardless of their background—feels empowered and equipped to thrive at UGA. For these reasons, the International Open House event stands as an exemplary initiative and is deserving of the Outstanding Belonging Program/Initiative/Event Award.”