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.

 

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.

 

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.

Julisa Gutierrez

Study and Serve Abroad, Dominican Republic, May 2024

When I first started at Rockford University, I never imagined I had the potential to be a confident presenter. But through my major in International Studies, my double minors, my work at the Office of Global Affairs, and my role as president of the Multicultural Club, I discovered who I truly am. The Office of Global Affairs has been like a second family to me—three amazing “moms” who always had my back. Because of their support, I chose Rockford University as my second home to continue my master’s education in Project Management. They also helped me find my second career path. These experiences have shaped me in ways I will always cherish, and I’m forever grateful for this incredible, supportive community.

Suvd-Erdene Byamba

MBA, Mongolia

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, Assistant Director/English as a Second Language
mkasicki@rockford.edu

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