Melissa Giefer serves as the international and ESL program coordinator, a new position in the division of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This appointment officially begins on July 1, though Giefer has been working to support international students and students who speak English as an additional language in her role as ESL specialist in the Academic Resource Center.

Viterbo’s core values of hospitality and integrity are integral to Giefer’s work. When international students arrive at Viterbo, Giefer is one of the first people they will meet and work with during new international student orientation and throughout their time on campus. This involves helping students set up bank accounts and cell phone plans, look for campus jobs, get Social Security numbers, and understand the academic standards and policies at an American university. Giefer strives to help all students feel like La Crosse is home while they are here and that their voices and experiences are valued at Viterbo.

Fostering a sense of belonging in international students goes beyond welcoming them and making sure they understand American university standards and have a command of academic language. It also involves examining the policies and systems in place at the university to ensure that our campus is inclusive to all students. Giefer is a liaison to faculty and advisors who work with international and ESL students, and she serves on the International Committee and Social Justice and Equity Committee.

Another way Giefer supports students is by advising the Global Connections Club. The objectives of this student club are to celebrate the cultures represented on campus by hosting cultural events and to promote cultural appreciation among Viterbo community members. One popular event the club hosts is Monday Munchtime, where students make and share dishes that are important to their cultures or countries with the Viterbo community.

Giefer also supports student involvement in activities during Global Initiatives Week, which takes place each year in November. Providing opportunities for our diverse student body, including international students, to share aspects of their culture with the wider Viterbo and La Crosse communities is central to Melissa’s work.

How (and/or why) did you come to be at Viterbo?

After earning my master’s degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) at Winona State University, I worked in the English department there for four years as a fixed-term instructor. As this appointment was coming to an end in 2016, I began looking at other higher education institutions in the area and applied for the writing specialist/academic advisor position in the Academic Resource Center at Viterbo. Instead of teaching in the front of the classroom, in this position, I worked alongside students from all disciplines in one-on-one writing appointments, addressing all aspects of the writing process and focusing on developing their skills as writers. At the same time, as an academic advisor for first-generation college students in the TRIO/Student Support Services program, I was able to learn about the variety of majors and minors at Viterbo and help students set goals and overcome academic challenges.

I began in the ESL specialist position in fall of 2019, which put me back in front of the classroom working primarily with students from Lixin University in Shanghai, China. In this position, I developed an ESL curriculum with three levels of classes and standards for entering and exiting the program. With this position, I have also taught an orientation class for new undergraduate international students.

The position I am now transitioning into expands the holistic support provided to international students and ensures that we provide a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for all students.

What do you love most about working at Viterbo?

Like many people, I came to Viterbo simply because I needed a job. I’ve stayed because of the students and colleagues I am privileged to work with every day. During my time at Viterbo, I have been able to collaborate with faculty members and staff from both the academic and student life divisions. It is amazing to see the support networks across the university that are in place to help students grow and achieve their personal and academic goals. At Viterbo, it’s clear that students are at the center of what we do.

What inspires you?

I have a passion for education. This means both helping all students have access to education and making sure there are support systems in place that will help all students thrive once they are at the university. I love supporting student growth and celebrating their successes.

I joke that my chosen career means that I will never really leave school, and I am just fine with that. I learn from my students and colleagues daily.

What advice would you give to students regarding heading out into “the real world”?

Your time in college is about so much more than what you learn from a textbook or what grade you get on an exam or even in a class. Most jobs provide the training and guidance you will need to help you do the day-to-day tasks, but the values-based education you receive at Viterbo is what will set you apart from others.

Do you have a little-known fun fact about yourself that would surprise students and co-workers?

I have read all 41 Discworld novels by Terry Pratchett and am currently rereading them. This is a humorous, satirical fantasy series that takes place on a disc-shaped world that is carried on the backs of four elephants, who are standing on the shell of a giant star turtle, moving eternally through the universe.

What do others say about you?

Kasie Von Haden, Academic Advising: “Melissa has so many amazing qualities that contribute to her wonderful work with our international student population. She is enthusiastic, compassionate, patient, and very student-centered. She has dedicated so much time and attention to helping students transition to not only the Viterbo University community but also our local community and has been a great advocate for her students’ varied needs whether they be academic, cultural, or personal in nature. Students continually look to Melissa for sincere support and helpful guidance, and they will certainly find it with her!”

Melissa Growt, Academic Resource Center: “It is a pleasure to work with Melissa. She can be counted on to contribute her best to whatever project we are working on, even if it is outside the scope of her role. After recently co-teaching a class with her, I also witnessed firsthand her excellent teaching skills and dedication to students and their learning.”

Senior international student: “Melissa, you are the best professor recognized by all our Chinese students.”

International graduate student: “I've always wanted to pursue my master's degree in the United States, and Melissa is the first person to help me get oriented and start down the path toward becoming an LPC in the future. We all know that in order to succeed, one needs a lot of support, inspiration, and drive, and for me, Mellisa is the first person to give me that courage.”