Wai Ling Fong
1508 Shenandoah Road,VA
Summary
Experienced higher education professional with over 10 years of expertise in teaching, academic advising, and graduate student learning and development. Holds a PhD in Education with a specialization in Higher Education, alongside a certificate in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. A Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant alumna with a strong commitment to supporting first-generation college students and promoting equity in education. Passionate about cultivating inclusive, reflective, and globally engaged learning environments across diverse student populations.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Learning and Development Coordinator
University Life Professional Development
05.2022 - 12.2024
- Led the Graduate Staff Academy (GSA), a year-long professional development community for 65+ graduate assistants.
- Developed and facilitated monthly GSA workshops; presented model at NASPA 2024.
- Co-chaired the Learning and Development Committee, led monthly workshops for professional staff.
- Authored newsletters and annual impact reports for stakeholders.
Program Coordinator for the Patriot Experience
University Life
05.2019 - 05.2022
- Managed and implemented programming for the Patriot Experience, an online co-curricular initiative to enhance student engagement, retention, and campus integration.
- Led multi-platform communications on Mason360, the university's official student engagement platform, and social media (Instagram), ensuring timely dissemination of program updates, event details, and student success stories.
- Authored and distributed a monthly newsletter via Mason360, providing stakeholders, students, and faculty with key updates on professional development opportunities, engagement programs, and institutional initiatives.
- Implemented the First-Year Challenge initiative, a targeted engagement program to increase first-year student participation in co-curricular and academic enrichment activities.
- Implemented After-Dark Thursdays, a residence hall-based evening programming series collaborating with the university's housing and residence life, fostering community building and social engagement among residential students. The initiative reached over 300 students in Fall 2021, expanding participation in the Patriot Experience.
- Co-chaired the Patriot Experience Advisory Board, providing semesterly program updates to university leadership, stakeholders, and funders, ensuring program sustainability and alignment with institutional priorities.
- Strengthened institutional partnerships by collaborating with campus organizations and academic departments, co-hosting interdisciplinary events that expanded access to co-curricular learning opportunities.
Academic Advisor for Undergraduate Pathway and Academic English
INTO George Mason
08.2017 - 05.2019
- Provided academic advising and mentorship to international students enrolled in the Undergraduate Pathway and Academic English Program, supporting their transition to degree programs at George Mason University.
- Led cross-cultural workshops and group advising sessions for over 200 international students, focusing on academic success strategies, cultural adaptation, and professional development, equipping students with the skills to navigate U.S. higher education systems.
- Designed and implemented student engagement initiatives, developing evidence-based advising tools, including infographics and digital resources, that improved access to advising services and enhanced student retention.
- Conducted program assessments and data-driven evaluations, analyzing student feedback to refine advising interventions and institutional support services, contributing to policy recommendations for international student success.
- Collaborated with multiple stakeholders at INTO Mason, including housing services, crisis response teams, and disciplinary offices, to provide holistic support for international students.
- Assisted in student welfare interventions, conflict resolution, and crisis management, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment that facilitated student success and well-being.
Program Coordinator for Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT)
UOW Malaysia (Formerly KDU University College)
12.2010 - 07.2014
- Advised and guided prospective Malaysian undergraduate students on university applications, program selection, and academic pathways to Australian universities.
- Oversaw faculty scheduling logistics, ensuring the efficient allocation of teaching resources and course planning across AUSMAT curriculum offerings.
- Managed annual program audits, ensuring compliance with the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) requirements and maintaining high-quality academic standards.
- Compiled and analyzed annual reports, presenting data-driven insights on program performance, student outcomes, and growth opportunities to institutional stakeholders.
- Developed a streamlined communication framework between students, faculty, and the WACE governing board, improving information flow and administrative efficiency.
Education
Ph.D. - Education, Higher Education, Interdisciplinary
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA05.2025
Master of Arts - Asian Studies
Ohio University
Athens, OH05.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Persuasive Communication
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Penang, Malaysia08.2007
Skills
- Curriculum & Instruction
- Student & Faculty Development
- Research & Communication
- Digital Learning & Instructional Design in LMS
- Program Management
- Event Planning
- Diversity & Inclusion Practices
- Cross Cultural Engagement
Accomplishments
Ohio University – Athens, OH
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Malay Language
2015 – 2016
- Taught Intermediate and Advanced levels of Malay language to undergraduate students as part of a graduate assistantship.
- Designed culturally relevant lesson plans, assessments, and instructional materials.
- Built on previous Fulbright experience to deepen language pedagogy and student engagement.
Ohio University – Athens, OH
Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA)
2014 – 2015
- Selected as Malaysia’s sole recipient of the prestigious Fulbright FLTA award.
- Taught Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels of Malay language to undergraduate students.
- Designed culturally responsive assessments and curricular materials.
- Facilitated cultural immersion workshops to deepen students’ understanding of Malaysian culture and society.
UOW Malaysia (formerly KDU University College) – Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Instructor, Academic English and English Language
2010 – 2014
- Taught Academic English and communication skills to undergraduate students in the School of Communication.
- Designed and delivered coursework focused on academic writing, critical reading, and oral presentation.
- Instructed international students in English proficiency through Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking courses at the Pre-University Centre.
- Led educational workshops on academic success skills, including how to structure research papers, participate in class discussions, and navigate academic texts.
- Organized cultural immersion experiences to support international student adjustment and classroom engagement.
Awards
- Spring 2025 Dissertation Completion Grant, 01/25 - 05/25
- Second Place, Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition, George Mason University, 11/24
- Summer Research Fellowship 2024, George Mason University, 05/24 - 08/24
- Summer Research Fellowship 2023, George Mason University, 05/23 - 08/23
- Mary Zamon Doctoral Student of the Year Award, Higher Education Program, George Mason University, 05/21
- Allushuski Graduate Fellowship, Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Ohio University, 2016 - 2017
- Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant, Ohio University, 2014 - 2015
Service & Leadership
- Graduate and Professional Student Association (GAPSA) – George Mason University
Executive Vice President (2021–2022)
Director of Communications (2018–2020) - Training and Development Committee Co-chair – George Mason Universtiy
2023–2024 - Organizing Committee Member – Mason Graduate Interdisciplinary Conference
Spring 2019 & Spring 2022
Workshops & Facilitations
- Contemplative Practices in Education (2024–2025): Designed and led online workshops on Mindful Writing, Reading, and Listening for educators and adult learners.
- Graduate Student Writing Circles (2022–2024): Facilitated peer-based writing accountability groups to support dissertation writing.
- Monthly Review & Reflection Sessions: Hosted guided online sessions for creative professionals on mindfulness, intention-setting, and journaling.
Certification
- PhD Student Speaker, International Student Graduation Ceremony, George Mason University (2024–2025)
- Spring Dissertation Completion Grant, George Mason University (2025)
- Summer Research Fellowship, George Mason University (2023, 2024)
- Mary Zamon Doctoral Student of the Year, Higher Education Program, George Mason University (2021–2022, 2024–2025)
- CHSS Outstanding Student Honoree, George Mason University (2024–2025)
- Second Place, Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition, George Mason University (2024)
- Allushuski Graduate Fellowship, Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, Ohio University (2016–2017)
- Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Award, U.S. Department of State (2014–2015)
Presentations
- Schrum, K., Mills, E., Chick, N., & Fong, W. L. (2024). Navigating Poster Design in the Sea of SoTL. ISSOTL. [Panel Presentation]
- Fong, W. L. (2025, Feb). What Makes a Good SoTL Poster? Visually Communicating SoTL Research. SoTL Commons, Savannah, GA. [Workshop]
- Fong, W. L. (2024, Mar). Graduate Assistants Professional Development: Growth, Learning, and Community Through the Mason Graduate Staff Academy. NASPA, Seattle, WA. [Oral Presentation]
- Snyder, A., Milette, M., & Fong, W. L. (2024, Mar). Understanding the Multigenerational Workforce. NASPA, Seattle, WA. [Oral Presentation]
- Fong, W. L. (2024, May). Empowering Graduate Students: How You Can Support Your Graduate Professional Assistants’ Professional Development. Student Success Symposium, George Mason University. [Oral Presentation]
- Fong, W. L. (2021, Apr). Using Self-Study Methodology to Understand How Personal Identities Intersect and Emerge in Our Professional Identity in Student Affairs. Student Success Symposium, George Mason University. [Oral Presentation]
- Fong, W. L. (2024). From Crisis to Continuity: Examining the Lasting Impact of Online Training on Faculty Teaching Practice. ISSOTL, French Lick, Indiana. [Poster]
- Fong, W. L. (2024). Facilitating Reflective Practice in Faculty Development. ISSOTL. [Oral Presentation]
- Fong, W. L. (2023). Long-Term Evaluation in Online Faculty Development. POD Network Conference. [Oral Presentation]
- Fong, W. L. (2018). Exploring Non-formal Education for Urban Poor Women in Malaysia. Women and Gender Studies Annual Conference, George Mason University. [Oral Presentation]
- Fong, W. L. (2018). From Malaysia to the Midwest: Reflections of My Year as a Fulbright FLTA. Fulbright Association Conference, Puebla, Mexico. [Oral Presentation]
- Fong, W. L. & Scotto-Lavino, B. (2018). Non-formal Education in the U.S. and Malaysia: A Comparative Study. CEHD Student Research Symposium. [Oral Presentation]
Languages
English
Malay
Chinese (Mandarin)
Timeline
Learning and Development Coordinator
University Life Professional Development
05.2022 - 12.2024
Program Coordinator for the Patriot Experience
University Life
05.2019 - 05.2022
Academic Advisor for Undergraduate Pathway and Academic English
INTO George Mason
08.2017 - 05.2019
Program Coordinator for Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT)
UOW Malaysia (Formerly KDU University College)
12.2010 - 07.2014
Ph.D. - Education, Higher Education, Interdisciplinary
George Mason University
Master of Arts - Asian Studies
Ohio University
Bachelor of Arts - Persuasive Communication
Universiti Sains Malaysia
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