Enrollment Strategies: Reframing the Relevance of Russian Studies

Session Submission Type: Roundtable

Brief Description

As the challenge of enrollment levels continues, this roundtable aims to solidify the "relevance" of Russian studies. While apparent in the context of foreign service, military, and government, messaging is less clear when it comes to attracting students not planning to pursue these careers. Rather, there are varying degrees of "taboo" associated with any demonstrated interest in the language, culture, or history of Russia. This roundtable brings together both longstanding providers of study abroad and educators on the frontline in US universities seeking to increase enrollments by attracting students with diverse backgrounds and interests. We will discuss approaches and strategies to keeping Russian studies relevant. As this is a topic of interest to many, this roundtable will be structured to actively engage attendees in the conversation.

Sub Unit

• Professional Development, Non-language Pedagogy, State-of-Field

Chair

• Daniel Satinsky, Independent Scholar

Roundtable Members

• Thomas Jesús Garza, U of Texas at Austin

• Matt McGarry, UNC at Chapel Hill

• Jill Ann Neuendorf, Georgetown U

• Max Elan Shelton, American Councils for International Education

• Renee Stillings, SRAS