Group graduation picture

OFFICE OF GLOBAL AFFAIRS (OGA)

‌Hello! Hola! Bonjour! Privet! Hej! Guten tag! Ni hao! Salam! and Jambo!

The Office of Global Affairs (OGA) helps prepare Rockford University students, faculty and community constituents for active participation in a rapidly changing global society by internationalizing our campus and curriculum, facilitating experiential learning opportunities, and developing our international partnerships to achieve Rockford University’s strategic objectives.

A MESSAGE FROM ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY.YOU ARE WELCOME HERE! 

Check Out Our Global Spotlight Students of the Month!

Global Connections Newsletter

Global Connections Newsletter, Academic Year 2023-2024

Community Friends Program 

The Community Friends Program matches families in the Rockford community with international students. These families help international students by giving them the opportunity to have authentic cultural experiences in the area and in their homes. Many students who have participated in this program in past years have shared holidays at their Community Friends’ homes and have attended local area attractions with their families.  Participation in this program is a great way for Rockford community members to learn about cultures and countries from around the world!  The simple application process involves a background check for the hosting household members at no charge to participants.  If you are interested in being a Community Friend to an international student, please complete the Community Friends application.  If you are an international student who would like a Community Friend, you can request to join the program here.

Services provided by OGA:

  • >> Assist both U.S. and international students in realizing their dreams of studying abroad
  • >> Provide services related to U.S. immigration regulations
  • >> Offer international student orientation
  • >> Provide international student academic advising and supportCore Values of the Office of Global Affairs
  • “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” – Mark Twain
  • “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine
  • Enable everyone to have the opportunity to experience traveling abroad.

Meet Our Staff

Maria Diemer
Executive Director of Global Affairs

Julie Griffith
Associate Director of Global Affairs

Maggie Kasicki
Assistant Director of Global Affairs
ESL Professor

Being an international student-athlete gave me the opportunity to create unbreakable relationships, live unforgettable moments, and develop social skills while having a great experience getting my degrees at Rockford University. 

Mateo Fernandez Solari

MBA, Argentina

Going on this trip was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.  I learned that my life’s purpose goes way beyond what I thought before.  I hope to continue on living my life seeking the same joy, peace and fulfillment that I felt throughout this whole adventure.

Julissa Gutierrez

Study and Serve Abroad, Dominican Republic, May 2024

Studying abroad in Spain has enriched my view of our world by being exposed to various cultures. Each day is an opportunity of personal growth in which one can make unforgettable memories and long lasting friendships.

Jecenia Saldana

Psychology, Studied in Spain

Office of Global Affairs (OGA)
Burpee 2nd Floor
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
815-226-4138
Fax: 001-815-226-4141

Maria Diemer, Executive Director
mdiemer@rockford.edu

Julie Griffith, Associate Director
jgriffith@rockford.edu ;

微信/Wechat ID: JulieOGA_Rockford

Maggie Kasicki, Coordinator of Global Affairs/English as a Second Language
mkasicki@rockford.edu

Hours:
Mon-Fri - 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.