Two University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Student Affairs leaders traveled to Beijing China to participate in the prestigious International Symposium on College Student Affairs Management and Annual Academic Conference at the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB). The event brought together experts from across the globe to discuss advancements and challenges in student affairs management.

Patricia A.R. Martinez, assistant vice president for Student Affairs and director of Division Operations, and Marc Booker, executive director of Housing and Dining, represented UAB at the symposium. Martinez and Booker, both were invited to present on innovative strategies and best practices in student engagement, housing, and campus community development.

Martinez highlighted UAB division of student affairs’ efforts to measure the impact of the student experience using strategic planning and assessment. Meanwhile, Booker shared insights into effective residential life programs that foster student success using a residential curricular approach.

“This symposium was an incredible opportunity to exchange ideas with global leaders in the field of student affairs,” said Martinez. “It’s inspiring to see how institutions around the world are prioritizing research and student success.”

The conference serves as a platform for international collaboration in higher education, bringing together professionals to explore innovative approaches to student affairs. Participants addressed key themes such as assessment, mental health, leadership development, and the impact of housing and campus engagement on student success.

USTB’s International Symposium is recognized as one of the premier gatherings for student affairs professionals, drawing attendees from leading universities worldwide. Martinez and Booker’s participation underscores UAB’s commitment to fostering global partnerships and contributing to the advancement of student services in higher education.

UAB is among the national leaders in global education. UAB is home to the largest international student population in the state of Alabama with 1,873 international students in fall 2024, according to data from UAB Institutional Effectiveness and Analysis.

More details about the conference are available at USTB News .