About ISSS

Since 1929, American University has welcomed thousands of students and scholars to AU. Our diverse staff in International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) is dedicated to a single notion: that all world-minded students deserve a global education, and that education exists here at AU. You may read more about the ISSS Story here

Mission Statement

ISSS builds on American University's traditions of valuing diversity and a global outlook by promoting international student and scholar mobility and serving as a resource for intercultural initiatives to the university community. To cultivate academic success and personal development for international students and scholars, ISSS aims at providing quality services and programs to the university community by educating, advocating and training while complying with federal regulations governing international education exchange.

Senem Bakar Director, International Student & Scholar Services

With over 29 years of experience in international education, Senem is directing International Student & Scholar Services at American University (AU) and providing expertise to other university offices

  sbakar@american.edu

  (202) 885-3352

Dennix Averion Assistant Director, International Student & Scholar Services

Dennix joined the International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) in June 2022. Prior to working at AU, he worked in international student recruitment and admissions for over six years, first at his a

  daverion@american.edu

Rachel Blevins International Student Advisor

Rachel joined the International Student & Scholar Services staff in June 2023. Prior to working at American University, she worked in international services at Indiana University. Her experiences livi

  rblevins@american.edu

Ashley Bus Morgan Associate Director, Immigration & Compliance

Ashley has over a decade of experience in International Education and has traveled, studied, and worked abroad in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Ashley’s love for exploring the world was

  abmorgan@american.edu

Jeffrey Delaitsch Advisor, Immigration and Programming

Jeff joined the ISSS Staff in August 2022. Previously, he worked at George Washington University as the Program Associate for International Student Services where he advised international graduate stu

  delait@american.edu

  (202) 885-3353

Yui Itokawa Immigration Data Manager

Yui joined the International Student & Scholar Services in August 2018. Prior to joining ISSS, Yui worked over five years at the Embassy of Japan in Washington DC. At the Embassy, Yui was a national l

  yitokawa@american.edu

  (202) 885-3356

Anna Tigan Associate Director, Services & Programs

Anna has been coordinating international education projects for a number of global institutions, universities, and organizations in the United States and abroad. Prior to joining AU, she has coordinat

  atigan@american.edu