Following a national search, the Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs hired Wei Gao G’05 as the assistant director for international student orientation, a new position created with support from the to advance the academic and student experience.
Wei Gao
In this role, Gao will support efforts in the Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs, as well as across the University community, to enhance the experience for new international students. She will be an integral part of organizing international student orientation programs, coordinating social programs throughout the year and supporting communication efforts with first-year and transfer international students. The role was designed in alignment with recommendations by the Chancellor’s Workgroup on Diversity and Inclusion to enhance support for international students.
Gao, who joined the University a few weeks before the start of the academic year, has already made an immediate impact.
“Wei has already become an important resource for parents and students, making valuable connections immediately upon her arrival,” said Carrie Abbott, director of the Office of First-Year and Transfer Programs. “She is an expert at supporting international student transition and we are excited to see what recommendations she makes to continue to enhance the international student orientation experience, including a plan for our newly created WeChat account.”
Gao comes to the University from Manlius Pebble Hill School where she served as the international student coordinator and a Chinese language instructor since 2008. She brings more than 20 years’ experience in education and international services. Some of her previous positions include an adjunct professor of Chinese at Onondaga Community College, an international travel consultant and a Chinese language and cultural specialist.
“We are thrilled to bring someone with Wei’s wealth of experience and expertise in international student services to the University,” says Amanda Nicholson, assistant provost and dean of student success. “Wei will not only support student success in the months leading up to their arrival at Syracuse, but continue to serve as a support, resource and mentor to international students throughout their experience here.”
In addition to earning a master’s degree from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Gao earned a master’s degree in American history from the University of Akron and a bachelor’s degree in history from Beijing University. Gao also completed extensive doctoral work in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs’ Social Science Program, concentrating on language and culture.
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