The Center for International Programs (CIP) has moved locations from 183 City Ave. to Suite 10 in LaFarge Residence Center.
According to the center’s website, the CIP provides services for students interested in studying abroad, either for a full semester program or a summer program.
Thomas Kesaris, director of the CIP, said he was informed that the center would be moving about a month beforehand.
“It was a university decision,” Kesaris said. “We were advised that we would be moving, which works out better for us because we are closer to the students.”
Cary Anderson, Ed.D., vice president for Student Life and associate provost, said there were two advantages to moving the CIP.
“The university is looking to consolidate office space, so [the move] takes [the CIP] out of a space where there is more capacity,” Anderson said. “And it moves them closer to the heart of campus.”
Kelly Gregg, assistant director for semester abroad and health and safety, said the new location is more accessible to students on campus and is more convenient for students to come into the office when they have to complete study abroad pre-departure requirements.
“Students usually only come to the office if they have to for advising meetings or to drop off checks and various forms,” Gregg said. “Now it’s easier for them to find us.”
Thomas Shoemaker ’21, who has a work-study position in the office, said he believes that the move is more beneficial for students. “I certainly like that it’s in the center of campus,” Shoemaker said. “That works better for a lot of students.”
The CIP staff members have sent out an announcement to let people know that the office has moved.
“We’ve communicated directly with all the study abroad applicants, as well as the faculty who are working with us for this year’s programs,” Kesaris said.
The CIP hosted an open house on April 10 to let all students, faculty and staff have an opportunity to take a tour of the new office.
“We are happy to show off the space to others,” Gregg said. “But it’s still a work in progress as we just finished moving in.”
Although, the center has only been in LaFarge for about a month, Kesaris said he believes the CIP has a positive feeling about the move.
“I think the initial indications are that we are pretty happy with the space,” Kesaris said.
Alex Mark ’20 contributed to this story.
