Professor Sernau began his three-year term in early November. He brings to the position wide experience in international education. A professor of sociology, he spent his sabbatical in the fall of 2005 teaching with the Semester-at-Sea program and he has taught the capstone course for the minor in international studies. He has led the university’s winter Costa Rica seminar and has directed the summer study abroad program in Mexico.

He has gone with the Mexico trip five times and will be going over the semester break with 17 students to Costa Rica. The students come away with three credits in sociology and a greater understanding of world cultures.

This new position suits him well. “I’m interested in globalization. So this isn’t new,” he said. However, there are new frontiers in paperwork and files that he will be conquering.

Professor Robinson advanced the program and developed some excellent programming such as the sister city visits that included community members to Arzberg, Germany.

Sernau came to the university in 1991 after receiving his doctorate from Cornell University.

“I’m excited about the position. We want to offer more study abroad opportunities, include more campus units, and develop more exchanges with other campuses,” he said. “I hope to have more presentations by students. They are the best recruiters.”

He also will work with the international students on campus.

The challenges with IU South Bend are to tailor the programs to the students who work and have family obligations. Yet, there is an interest and students see the value. “Employers want technical skills, second language and international expertise. It is a huge boost for a resume,” he said.