ISANA has announced an upcoming professional development session titled “Foundations of Student Advising,” aimed at strengthening the skills and knowledge of International Student Advisors (ISAs).
The session will explore the key foundations of the ISA role, focusing on the effective management of international student advising. It will also address how advisors can meet the complex requirements set by institutions, government regulations, and visa conditions, highlighting why these elements are critical for compliance and for the success of institutions, advisors, and the students they support.
In addition, the session will delve into risk management in international student advising. Participants will learn why managing risk is essential for best practice, how to apply risk management strategies, and what this means for the broader educational environment.
ISANA encourages all professionals in the field to attend, emphasising the vital role that skilled advising plays in safeguarding the experience and well-being of international students.
Presenter: Desma Smith
Desma is the Associate Director, International Student Advisory and Support at Swinburne University.
With over 22 years in International Education working at Canadian High Commission; DIAC student policy; global mobility; student support; Desma has facilitated workshops and written submissions for ISANA; Government roundtables; consultative stages of policy development; created policies in HEd; had various consultant roles and tutored critical incident management.
Desma has been Subject Matter Expert on award winning teams managing risk and safe communities and a member of Swinburne’s Incident Management Team. In 2021, a Swinburne led consortium won a Best Practice award in the IEAA Excellence Awards for their Food Delivery Driver Training program.
Desma offsets work tensions as an obsessed dragon boat racer and successfully competed internationally in the Australian Auroras DBS (dragon boat squad) over 6 years.
Date & Time
- Thursday, 1 May 2025
- 2pm – 3pm (AEST)
Cost
- ISANA Members: No cost
- ISANA Non-Member – Organisational Additional Staff: $20
- Non-Members: $50
For more information and to register, please see here.
