International Student Services

Diana Ning is the Coordinator of the ISS office, managing, developing and implementing all ISS services to enhance and support the academic and personal success of over 1500 international students at Ryerson. By managing full time, part time and student staff, providing expertise advice, information and support on behalf of the university for international students and maintaining strong international connections with internal and external agencies and offices, Diana has initiated over 50 programs to ease international students' transition to a Canadian university.

Diana investigates best policy and practices from other universities and government agencies with the goal of ensuring that ISS programs and events support international students' engagement and success. Diana informs all ISS staff, faculty and administration of recent changes with regard to government relegations, policies, immigration issues, work and study permits, and UHIP. She is responsible for preparing and overseeing the budget; collaborates and coordinates initiatives with all areas related to international issues such as the Office of International Affairs, Administration, Enrollment Services and Student Records, Faculty and the Ryerson Students' Union to form an international network for international students at Ryerson.

Having moved to Canada from China, Diana received her Master's Degree in Public Administration from Carleton University and has over 12 years experience working with international students, recruitment and projects at three different Canadian universities. This experience has given her a deep understanding of the unique needs and required support for international students.

Under Diana's leadership, ISS staff has taken ownership over and are accountable for services and program delivery. In the past five years, Diana has helped triple all ISS programs and services, developed and revamped over 40 new services and programs including the ISSWEP, and Legal and Permanent Residency services. She has enhanced volunteer and community outreach, leadership opportunities for international students, special research projects, student engagement, and experience in co-curricular activities at Ryerson.

Diana has overseen ISS' transformation from a small unit providing regular activities for international students to a central form of international assistance that offers comprehensive support, services, and programs with a specialized brand of expertise on immigration and student advising. Diana says, "when our university community really work together to support international students so that they have a sense of community and are able to become leaders, we see them achieve and we also see the community recognize and support them." Under Diana's management, ISS continues to provide student-centric services, advocates for diversity, internationalization, and ensures specialized support for students in order to offer the best for international students at Ryerson.