About

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) serves Emory’s global community which includes international students, scholars, and hosting departments through immigration advisement, intercultural competency and leadership training, and educational and social events.

ISSS aspires to be a comprehensive resource for Emory University’s diverse international community through advocacy, collaboration, education, and immigration expertise.

To learn more about ISSS' past and current advocacy efforts, visit our Advocacy website.

ISSS is a unit of the Office of Global Strategy and Initiatives (GSI). Read more about our values including diversity, equity, inclusion and access in our Statement of Values.

Our Vision

ISSS aspires to be a comprehensive resource for Emory University’s global community through advocacy, education, engagement, and immigration expertise.

Our Mission

  • To support the One Emory commitment to attract world-class students and scholars and cultivate a compelling global community
  • To promote Emory University’s internationalization efforts as a unit of the Office of Global Strategy & Initiatives
  • To facilitate opportunities for intercultural learning and social engagement
  • To provide immigration advice and services to international students, scholars, and campus partners, while ensuring the integrity of Emory University’s immigration programs

Our Core Values

Excellent service

  • Provide holistic services in a welcoming environment
  • Be proactive and responsive
  • Evaluate and improve policies, procedures, and programs
    • Applicable Strategic Pillars: Faculty Excellence and Academic Community of Choice 

Intercultural Effectiveness

  • Celebrate diversity and contribute to a culture of inclusion and belonging
  • Embrace cultural differences and cultivate intercultural skills to develop a global mindset
    • Applicable Strategic Pillars: Faculty Excellence, Academic Community of Choice, Innovation through Scholarship and Creative Expression, and Atlanta as a Gateway to the World

Specialized knowledge and integrity

  • Offer quality immigration advice and programmatic support
  • Monitor and analyze relevant rules and regulations
  • Ensure institutional compliance with immigration regulations
    • Applicable Strategic Pillars: Academic Community of Choice and Atlanta as a Gateway to the World

Innovation

  • Create opportunities that meet the evolving needs of Emory’s global community
  • Leverage technology to improve user experience and productivity
  • Incorporate data in decision-making processes
    • Applicable Strategic Pillars: Faculty Excellence, Academic Community of Choice, and Atlanta as a Gateway to the World

Advocacy

  • Exhibit leadership and empathy in influencing public policy and practice
  • Advocate for unique interests of international students and scholars
    • Applicable Strategic Pillars: Academic Community of Choice and Atlanta as a Gateway to the World