About the membership meetings
Membership meetings offer professional development and peer support to One To World’s members in the greater New York/New Jersey metropolitan area. These meetings constitute the single most valuable forum in the NY metropolitan area for international educators to exchange ideas, share best practices, and network with colleagues.
All membership meetings take place on the second Tuesday of each month on Zoom Time: 9a.m. – 11a.m. (ET). The first hour consists of a discussion of immigration-related issues with Immigration and Regulations Roundtable experts, Goldstein and Cheung LLP, Helen Leonard, New York University, and Regina Degnan, Columbia University. The second hour is devoted to diverse topics of importance to international educators and to promote best practices in the field.
September 9, 2025
Trump & Higher Ed: Understanding the Latest
Welcome back! Join us at our first membership meeting of the academic year for a timely conversation with Senior Writer, Rick Seltzer from The Chronicle of Higher Education on the implications of the Trump administration’s policies for higher education. This high-level discussion will provide important context and insights for advisors navigating a rapidly changing landscape. Attendees will have the opportunity to pre-submit questions as well as ask questions during the session.
Chairs: Rick Seltzer, Senior Writer, The Chronicle of Higher Education
October 22, 2025 (In-Person)
One To World Annual Meeting - NYU Wasserman Center
NAFSA Bi-Regional Debrief
This meeting brings together our membership, supporters, Board of Directors and staff to share out organization updates from the previous year and announce board election results.
If you are not able to attend this year’s bi-regional conference, join our meeting and hear some of what you missed! We’ll hear some of the highlights from our colleagues who took part in sessions either as presenters or attendees.
November 11, 2025
Advocacy in International Higher Education
Join us for our November Membership Meeting, where we’ll focus on advocacy in international education, from campus initiatives to statewide action. We’ll be sharing insights on developing practical, sustainable advocacy strategies to better support international students and scholars in today’s challenging policy environment.
We’ll also discuss opportunities for advocacy throughout the academic year, including NAFSA’s Advocacy Day in March, monthly advocacy calls on Zoom, and possible visits to Albany and Trenton to share the upcoming report “Filling the Talent Gap,” highlighting the economic and cultural contributions of international students in NY and NJ. Join us for a lively morning of discussion on this important topic!
December 9, 2025
Immigration & Regulation Updates + Open Discussion
To close out the year, our December meeting will spend its entirety on Immigration & Regulation updates/questions. Given the volume of questions, policy shifts, and emerging concerns raised by members in recent months, this extended format will give us the time needed for deeper discussion, clearer guidance, and space for your institution-specific questions.
This is an excellent opportunity to wrap up 2025 with a comprehensive review of the latest updates and ensure everyone feels informed and supported heading into the new year. We encourage advisors to come prepared with any outstanding questions or topics you’d like addressed.
Speakers: Helen Leonard, New York University; Regina Degnan, Columbia University; Michael Goldstein, Goldstein & Cheung
January 13, 2026
2025 Open Doors Report International Exchange in the New York City Metro Area
Don’t miss this special analysis of international student and scholar trends in the New York Metropolitan Area from Open Doors 2025, reflecting academic year 2024/25. Julie Baer, Research and Learning lead at IIE, will discuss the unique characteristics of international students in our area. Learn how our population differs in interesting ways from the national norms and how the region’s international student populations has changed since COVID-19.
February 10, 2026
Advising in Times of Uncertainty: What Advisors Can Do
In a moment when policies are evolving and information is often unclear, you all as international student advisors are navigating complex questions and heightened student anxiety. This peer-led membership meeting will create space to share practical advising strategies, discuss responsible communication approaches, and reflect on what is within your control as advisors. Through guided breakout discussions, participants will exchange tools, language, and best practices for supporting international students during uncertain times. Come ready to participate and connect!
March 10, 2026
Sprintax: Nonresident Tax Refresher
At this meeting, we will hear from Neil Duffy from Sprintax, who will share a brief tax workshop in preparation for the April 15 tax season.
April 14, 2026
Practical AI for International Student Advising Teams
Join us virtually next week where we’ll focus on how AI is shaping the future of international student advising. As inquiry volumes grow and cases become more complex, advising teams are being asked to do more with limited time and resources. In this session, we’ll explore practical ways AI can support your work, from handling routine questions and enabling multilingual communication to helping you stay responsive while maintaining a student-centered approach. With the support of Element451, we’ll hear real-world examples of how institutions are thoughtfully integrating AI into their advising workflows.
We’ll wrap up with a discussion on data privacy and compliance, offering clear, actionable guidance to help you move forward with confidence. Join us for an engaging conversation on how AI can enhance, not replace, the human touch in international student support.
May 12, 2026 *HYBRID AT MERCY UNIVERSITY*
SEVP: Project Campus Sentinel
At this meeting, we’ll highlight Project Campus Sentinel, a joint initiative between SEVP Field Representatives and Homeland Security Investigations that strengthens communication with DSOs. This resource supports schools in identifying potential fraud and addressing national security concerns, while providing clear guidance on reporting protocols. Join us to learn how this initiative can support your work and enhance campus compliance efforts.
Chairs: Alexandra Carlson
SEVP Field Representative, New York, NY; Krista Gard, SEVP Field Representative, New York, NY; Josh Abbensetts, HSI Special Agent, Project Campus Sentinel
June 9, 2026
NAFSA Annual Conference Debrief
If you are not able to attend this year’s conference, join our final One To World meeting of the academic year and hear some of what you missed! We’ll hear some of the highlights from our colleagues who took part in sessions either as presenters or attendees.
Chairs: TBC