Garčević Leads Successful Annual Academic Advising Symposium
Ambassador Vesko Garčević, Professor of the Practice of International Relations at Boston University’s Pardee School of Global Studies, a member of the Planning Committee for the 24th BU Annual Academic Advising Symposium, proudly announced the success of the event held on March 1, 2024. Attended by over 150 staff and faculty members, the symposium aimed to address critical issues in academic advising, with a focus on global cultural perspectives and supporting international students.
Garčević, also a moderator at the event, highlighted the symposium’s three main goals: increasing awareness of cultural differences in a global setting like BU, providing insights into how cultural variables influence communication and behavior on campus, and enhancing intercultural communication capabilities to better support all students.
The event featured insightful discussions led by a panel of experts, including senior lecturer Hannah Hanselman, assistant professor Zachary Mondesire, assistant director Martha Brill, and staff psychologist Aileen Lee. Topics covered included aiding international students’ adaptation to classroom culture, promoting discussions on race, class, gender, and sexuality, maximizing career opportunities for students, and addressing mental health challenges faced by international students.
Reflecting on the symposium’s success, Garčević emphasized the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.
“The symposium provided invaluable insights into how we can better advise and support our diverse student body,” said Garčević. “It was inspiring to see so many staff and faculty members come together to address these critical issues.”
For more information about the BU Annual Academic Advising Symposium, visit here.
Ambassador Vesko Garčević dealt with issues pertinent to European security and NATO for almost 14 years during his diplomatic career. In 2004, he was posted in Vienna to serve as Ambassador to Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. He was Montenegro’s Ambassador to NATO from 2010 until 2014 and served as Montenegro’s National Coordinator for NATO from 2015 until he joined the faculty at the Pardee School. Learn more about Ambassador Garčević on his faculty profile.