UNCLASSIFIED (U)

1 FAM 290

FOREIGN SERVICE INSTITUTE (FSI)

(CT:ORG-529; 04-12-2019)
(Office of Origin: FSI/EX)

1 FAM 291 DIRECTOR OF THE FOREIGN SERVICE INSTITUTE (FSI)

1 FAM 291.1 Responsibilities

(CT:ORG-473; 09-10-2018)

a. Consistent with Chapter 7 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 as amended, 22 U.S.C. 4021, et seq., the Director of the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), in consultation with the Under Secretary for Management, manages the operation of FSI and the Departments varied training programs that are offered to employees and family members of the Department of State and other U.S. Government agencies, the U.S. military services, and others as authorized by statute. Further information on FSI programs and services can be found in 13 FAM, Training and Professional Development and in 13 FAH-1, Foreign Service Institute Handbook.

b. The Director of FSI is equivalent in rank to an Assistant Secretary and serves as the Departments Chief Training Officer.

c. The FSI Director has overall substantive responsibility for Volume 13 of the Foreign Affairs Manual (13 FAM).

1 FAM 291.2 Organization

(CT:ORG-426; 08-08-2017)

An organization chart of the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) is found at 1 FAM Exhibit 291.2. Under the leadership of the Director, the Foreign Service Institute is organized as follows: the Deputy Director; the Dean for Educational Policy; the Leadership and Management School (FSI/LMS); the School of Applied Information Technology (SAIT); the School of Language Studies (FSI/SLS); the School of Professional and Area Studies (FSI/SPAS); the Transition Center (FSI/TC); and the Office of the Executive Director for Management (FSI/EX). For more information on each School/Center and EX, see 1 FAM 294 1 FAM 299.

1 FAM 291.3 Authorities

(CT:ORG-529; 04-12-2019)

The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) derives its authority from:

(1) Chapter 7 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, 22 U.S.C. 4021 et seq.;

(2) Chapter 41, Title 5 U.S.C. as amended by the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. 4101 et seq.); and

(3) Executive Order 11348.

1 FAM 292 DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE FOREIGN SERVICE INSTITUTE (FSI)

(CT:ORG-248; 07-13-2011)

a. The Deputy Director of the Foreign Service Institute, equivalent in rank to a principal deputy assistant secretary, reports to the Director and participates fully in the operation and maintenance of the Foreign Service Institute. When so designated, serves as acting Director.

b. As designated by the Director, the Deputy Director oversees the program activities of various operating elements responsible for administering the training programs of the Institute.

1 FAM 293 office of educational policy (FSI)

(CT:ORG-515; 02-14-2019)

a. The primary focus of the Office of Educational Policy is the quality of the training available to Department of State and employees of other foreign affairs agencies. The Office is responsible for the oversight of curricular and instructional affairs, course assessment, and training evaluation, which includes a comprehensive study of programs to ensure FSI provides the very best educational experience.

b. As the FSI-wide experts on adult learning theory, instructional design, and training evaluation, the Office of Educational Policy advises the Director and Deputy Director on Institute-wide training-related issues and opportunities, and collaborates with FSI Deans and senior leadership on curricular and evaluation-related aspects of their Schools/Centers portfolios. To that end, the Office of Educational Policy:

(1) Oversees the curriculum development for all training programs;

(2) Guides the appropriate integration of educational technology into training;

(3) Articulates training evaluation policies and collaborates with senior leadership in the four Schools and the Transition Center to ensure evaluation is conducted following FSI standards and policies;

(4) Is responsible for coordinating strategic plans that address the rigor and quality of training programs that align with FSI's vision and the mission of the Department;

(5) Formulates policy and educational priorities to ensure the quality of FSIs educational programs;

(6) Is comprised of a team of expert staff who focus specifically on curriculum, training evaluation, educational technology, distance/virtual learning design and delivery, user-related aspects of an enterprise-wide Learning Management System, usability and efficacy-related aspects of FSI's information resource management, strategic planning, and regional training.

1 FAM 294 OFFICE OF the executive director for management (FSI/EX)

(CT:ORG-529; 04-12-2019)

a. The Executive Director for Management of the Foreign Service Institute (FSI/EX) oversees a diverse array of professional and support services for the Department and 50 client agencies. The FSI/EX office develops and implements Department and bureau management policy requirements. FSI/EX establishes, maintains, and implements policies and procedures for the Institute; develops strategic planning documents; is responsible for overall Institute resource management (e.g., funds, people, technology and space); and serves as liaison on issues relevant to FSI with the Bureau of Administration (A), Arlington County, and the neighboring Army National Guard Readiness Center.

b. The Executive Director of FSI provides direction and management oversight to the Deputy Executive Director for IT, the Deputy Executive Director for Operations, and the Chief of Staff who oversee the day-to-day operations of the Office. Together, they oversee the following activities:

(1) Manage the bureaus fiscal, human, and physical resources;

(2) Develop the bureaus strategic plans;

(3) Serve as the coordinator for the Bureau of Administrations Occupant Emergency Plan and is the primary point of contact regarding the Departments use of SA-42 as the Departments contingency location site;

(4) Administer the course enrollment process and the setting of tuition rates;

(5) Under delegated personnel authorities, serves in designated roles as deciding official, e.g., as resolving official for Office of Civil Rights processes, for specified position classification actions, etc.;

(6) Act as information systems owner for the bureau systems and corporate applications, and serves as the property management officer; and

(7) Function as the lead for FSI as a designated HR-shared services provider.

c. FSI/EX provides management analysis services for the bureau, including conducting management studies; developing policies and guidelines; coordinating the Institutes bureau performance and strategic planning activities; providing internal controls coordination and periodic reviews for the Institute; coordinating relevant responses and actions relating to audits, inspections, and reviews issued by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO); administering the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act programs for the Institute; and coordinating legislative issues for the Institute;.

d. FSI/EX coordinates the Institutes information resource management program and serves as the primary liaison with other agencies, groups and organizations regarding FSIs related policies, plans, and strategies, encompassing all technology owned and operated by the Institute.

1 FAM 294.1 Budget and Management Division (FSI/EX/BUD)

(CT:ORG-529; 04-12-2019)

The Budget and Management Division (FSI/EX/BUD):

(1) Formulates, presents, and executes the budget for the Foreign Service Institute (FSI);

(2) Coordinates and monitors all resource planning functions, allocations, and usage which include preparing the Congressional budget, and performance and strategic planning documents;

(3) Collects, evaluates, and analyzes data related to the operational costs of the Institutes training programs, calculates tuition rates for FSI courses and offerings, and supports the Diplomatic Security Training Center and other entities as required since FSI is the Departments training bureau;

(4) Is responsible for the billing and collection of tuition-based fees for non-State customers of FSIs training programs, both domestic and abroad, and provides billing and collection services for tuitions to other bureaus;

(5) Authorizes and approves funds for business-related travel of FSI personnel in line with Department policy and refers all requests related to business class travel to the Executive Director for decision;

(6) Serves as the coordinator with other agencies and Department bureaus (e.g., INR) on reimbursement issues relating to FSI (and, as requested, other departments) training;

(7) Coordinates electronic payment to and from the Department of Treasury related to non-U.S. Government attendance at Department training events under special authority;

(8) Prepares guidance regarding honoraria;

(9) Provides merchant (reimbursable) credit card services to other agencies, private sector corporations, and the Departments Bureau of Budget and Planning (BP); and

(10) Under Department-delegated authority, provides Pass I certification on vendor invoices for goods and services received by FSI and other bureaus in accordance with the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3901 et seq.).

1 FAM 294.2 Human Resources Division (FSI/EX/HR)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

a. The Human Resources Division (FSI/EX/HR) manages the personnel and hiring policies and procedures for all competitive service employees of the Institute, and coordinates with HR/CSHRM/ERPM on Senior Executive Service employment.

b. FSI/EX/HR also manages an excepted service human resources system for the instructional staff of the Institute and establishes, maintains and implements personnel policies and procedures related to FSIs corps of excepted Civil Service positions, as authorized by Chapter 7 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, 22.U.S.C. 4021, et. seq. FSI/EX/HR also provides staffing support relating to the various language training locations FSI operates abroad and human resources support for long-term State students assigned to FSI training.

c. Under delegated authority, FSI/EX/HR directs human resource management services for the Institute, including drafting, analyzing, coordinating and processing documents relating to position classification, staffing, Foreign Service assignments, reassignments and transfers, employee relations, performance management/evaluation, and awards.

d. In consultation with DGHR/PC/LMs Chief Labor Management Negotiator, the division coordinates labor management issues for the Institute. FSI/EX/HR also serves as Bureau Training Officer.

e. FSI/EX/HR staff serves as bureau case officers, and the supervisory HR officer is the bureau responding official related to EEO and grievance cases.

f. Supports public-private competitions and monitors and reports staffing of U.S. Government performance.

g. FSI/EX/HR supports human resource requirements of long-term State students assigned to organization codes under FSI.

h. As a designated HR-shared services provider by the Under Secretary for Management (M) and the Director General (DG), FSI provides agreed-upon human resources services to customer bureaus.

1 FAM 294.3 General Services Division (FSI/EX/GSO)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

The General Services Division (FSI/EX/GSO):

(1) Directs and coordinates administrative and general support services for the Institute. This includes property management and control, file/records management, space management, telecommunications services, nonexpendable-related office equipment, the control and assignment of room use, operation of a warehousing function, mailroom services, safety, and other general services activities;

(2) Is the designated accountable property officer;

(3) Serves as bureau safety and security coordinator;

(4) Prepares the bureau emergency action plan, facility emergency action plan, and continuity-of-operations plan; oversees the floor warden program; and serves as the primary point of contact for all related activities including drills and tests;

(5) Manages and schedules use of all FSI-controlled space located at the Shultz Center, the Harry S Truman building, State annexes, and/or any temporary locations;

(6) Coordinates and supervises applicable administrative support services for conferences, events, meetings, training sessions, off-site sessions, etc., sponsored by other Department bureaus or outside agencies and held in FSI-controlled space;

(7) Manages the parking program for SA-42, and is the point of contact related to the Foreign Affairs Recreation Association (FARA) operations at SA-42;

(8) Oversees the SA-42 Child Care Center;

(9) In conjunction with the Bureau of Administration, oversees the maintenance and operation of all buildings located at SA-42, its environs, and related support services such as shuttle buses;

(10) Serves as liaison with the Bureau of Diplomatic Security on the operation of the security guard program for SA-42; oversees the unit security office program at SA-42, and serves as the bureaus Top Secret control officer;

1 FAM 294.4 Office of Management Information Systems (FSI/EX/OMIS)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

The Office of Management Information Systems (FSI/EX/OMIS):

(1) Implements and manages the Institutes information management program for all staff and student users (both State and other agency), including a computer security program;

(2) Develops and implements information systems network architecture for a large, complex education system;

(3) Assures that all staff has had the required training before gaining access to the system;

(4) Is responsible for disposing of excess computer equipment;

(5) Manages and operates the classified communications center for the Institute; and

(6) Supports the Department alternate operations center.

1 FAM 294.5 Audio/Visual (FSI/EX/AV)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

Audio/Visual (FSI/EX/AV) provides a range of services including: graphics design and production of training materials; production of exhibits; photography; television and video production; satellite broadcast; publications; video-conferencing services; overseeing the Institutes printing program; and managing the Smart Board and DVD programs for FSI and client users.

1 FAM 294.6 Digital Learning Division (FSI/EX/DLD)

(CT:ORG-529; 04-12-2019)

The Digital Learning Division (FSI/EX/DLD) coordinates the learning design of digital products (mobile, eLearning and performance support) and educational technology services for the Department and, as agreed upon by the FSI Executive Director, and the FSI/EX Deputy Director for IT. This includes the design, purchase and maintenance of multimedia training tools and programs, and the operation of the Information Center and the multimedia labs. This division also coordinates the Institutes Information Center purchasing activities, e.g. newspaper and periodicals' subscription program.

(1) Designs digital learning products and tools for the Department and other agencies as noted above;

(2) Purchases and maintains multimedia training tools and programs;

(3) Manages the operation of multimedia labs;

(4) Manages the operation of the FSI Information Center; and,

(5) Coordinates the Institutes newspaper and periodicals subscription program, as well as books and media purchases for the Institutes Information Center.

1 FAM 294.7 Office of the Registrar (FSI/EX/REG)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

The Office of the Registrar (FSI/EX/REG):

(1) Establishes and enforces the enrollment and admissions policies and procedures covering State and customer agencies, and directs and coordinates activities to authorize and process all enrollments of personnel and eligible family members of the Department of State and other agencies and groups to FSI training;

(2) Serves as the clearinghouse for all enrollments into external training (including conferences, seminars and workshops) for State Department personnel;

(3) Operates and maintains a computer-based enrollment and training registration system that serves as the Departments corporate database for training;

(4) Serves as the principal distance learning coordinator for the Department of State;

(5) Provides and/or facilitates services to support students who are in FSI training;

(6) Develops the annual Schedule of Courses and processes annual reports of training;

(7) Issues official transcripts, as requested, to students (current and former), colleges, universities and others related to training completed at FSI;

(8) Provides department student travel services; and

(9) Administers payroll and long-term student time and attendance services.

1 FAM 294.8 Acquisitions Division (FSI/EX/ACQ)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

The Acquisitions Division (FSI/EX/ACQ):

(1) Provides procurement and contracting services related to training for the Department;

(2) As authorized by Sec. 704(a)(5) of the Foreign Service Act, 22 U.S.C. 4024(a)(5), executes independent contracting authority for FSIs programs;

(3) Coordinates the bureaus credit card program and performs required audits;

(4) Develops FSIs annual acquisitions plan and contract strategies;

(5) Serves as the acquisitions officer for all FSI studies under OMB Circular A-76 and monitors awards as necessary;

(6) Provides statistics and reports to the Executive Director, OPE, and others based on data that covers types of awards, funds, employee workload; and

(7) Serves as the contracting official for Department training contracts, agreements, etc.

1 FAM 294.9 Educational Delivery Systems Division (FSI/EX/EDS)

(CT:ORG-529; 04-12-2019)

The Educational Delivery Systems Division (FSI/EX/EDS):

(1) Manages the Institutes official training delivery systems to include application and database design, web site design and help desk staffing;

(2) Manages the online Learning Management System (LMS) and collaboration software in support of FSIs role as a government-wide Tier 1 Cyber Security service provider, and also supports the Diplomatic Security Training Center (DSTC) and regional training center programs;

(3) Provides administrative and technical support for a variety of Department and government-accessible training web sites to include Joint State U.S. Aid Solution (JSAS), Tier 1 Cyber Security eTraining;

(4) Designs, develops, tests and implements eLearning products such as Distance Learning courses and mobile training applications for the Department and other agencies;

(5) Coordinates the implementation and support of multimedia learning applications (such as Adobe Connect) for Department of State training programs. Provides capabilities for training evaluations such as the FSI Centralized Evaluation System, and 360 surveys.

1 FAM 294.10 Training Management Systems Division (FSI/EX/TMS)

(CT:ORG-529; 04-12-2019)

The Training Management Systems Division (FSI/EX/TMS):

(1) Management and operations of Institute's official system of academic and employee training records titled the FSI Student Information System (SIS).

(2) Provides development and operational support to a variety of software tools that enable FSI leadership and academic units to manage training.

(3) Delivers training reporting and data sharing with a variety of stakeholders to include the Department's Bureau of Comptroller and Global Financial Services and the Department's Bureau of Human Resources, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, and other partner training organizations.

(4) Performs research and analysis to leverage innovations in educational technology to improve and enhance the student experience.

(5) Serves as a liaison between partner organizations regarding FSIs technical training management tools and software.

(6) Manages FSIs communication and collaboration web architecture including Department and non-Department student training registration homepages.

1 FAM 295 SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL AND AREA STUDIES (FSI/SPAS)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

The School of Professional and Area Studies (FSI/SPAS) is headed by a dean who is responsible for managing and maintaining a variety of training programs intended to instill and improve professional and tradecraft skills and knowledge in employees of the Department of State and other U.S. Government agencies who participate in the conduct of U.S. foreign affairs abroad and domestically.

1 FAM 295.1 Management Tradecraft Training Division (FSI/SPAS/MTT)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

The Management Tradecraft Training Division (FSI/SPAS/MTT) directs, designs, and conducts training programs encompassing operational management, human resource management, financial management, facility management, and general services operations both domestically and abroad.

1 FAM 295.2 Area Studies Division (FSI/SPAS/AS)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

The Area Studies Division (FSI/SPAS/AS) directs, designs and conducts area studies training programs on the history, politics, economics, culture, U.S. policy interests, etc., of geographic regions or countries for State and other personnel going abroad, including providing specialized courses for difficult and non-permissive environments.

1 FAM 295.3 Consular Training Division (FSI/SPAS/CON)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

The Consular Training Division (FSI/SPAS/CON) directs, designs, and conducts training programs relating to the roles and responsibilities of consular officers and others performing consular work.

1 FAM 295.4 Curriculum and Staff Development Division (FSI/SPAS/CSD)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

The Curriculum and Staff Development Division (FSI/SPAS/CSD) provides assistance in course design, staff development, professional skills enhancement, training of trainers and organizational development.

1 FAM 295.5 Economic and Commercial Studies Division (FSI/SPAS/ECON)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

The Economic and Commercial Studies Division (FSI/SPAS/ECON) directs, designs, and conducts training programs for Foreign Service economic officers and others who are involved in economic and commercial work, as well as environmental, science, technology, health, and energy issues related to U.S. foreign affairs.

1 FAM 295.6 Office Management Training Division (FSI/SPAS/OMT)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

The Office Management Training Division (FSI/SPAS/OMT) directs, designs and conducts training programs designed to instill and improve the skills and knowledge of office management personnel.

1 FAM 295.7 Orientation Division (FSI/SPAS/OR)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

The Orientation Division (FSI/SPAS/OR) directs, designs and conducts orientation training programs for newly hired employees of the Department of State.

1 FAM 295.8 Political Training Division (FSI/SPAS/POL)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

The Political Training Division trains Foreign Service, Civil Service, Locally Employed Staff, and other U.S. government employees to advance U.S. foreign policy and national security interests. The Division offers courses on tradecraft and on a wide range of subjects, from counterterrorism to human rights to negotiation skills, and also trains personnel to work effectively in high-threat, high risk, and other complex environments.

1 FAM 295.9 Public Diplomacy Training Division (FSI/SPAS/PD)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

The Public Diplomacy Training Division (FSI/SPAS/PD) directs, designs and conducts training programs for Foreign Service public diplomacy officers and others engaged in related work.

1 FAM 295.10 Center for the Study of the Conduct of Diplomacy (FSI/SPAS/CSCD)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

a. The Center for the Study of the Conduct of Diplomacy (CSCD) has a mandate to strengthen the Department of States institutional culture of learning, by analyzing previous actions and programs and preparing case studies on the tradecraft utilized by U.S. diplomats to achieve U.S. foreign policy goals. CSCD also supports lessons-learned exercises across the Department and is part of the broader lessons-learned community for foreign policy practitioners.

b. To this end, CSCD designs, directs, and conducts Policy Implementation Reviews (PIRs) to capture lessons learned and best practices about diplomatic tradecraft. The PIR is used as a training tool in FSI classrooms as well as in distance learning across FSI Schools/Center. CSCD does not analyze the merits of policy decisions, but focuses on the conduct of diplomacy and on how U.S. diplomats can best execute the instructions they receive from the Department. In identifying what has worked and what has not, CSCD prepares U.S. diplomats to advance effectively U.S. interests around the world.

1 FAM 296 LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT SCHOOL (FSI/LMS)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

a. The Leadership and Management School (FSI/LMS) is headed by a dean and is responsible for providing needs-based leadership and crisis management training and development opportunities to foreign affairs professionals at the Department of State and other U.S. Government agencies that prepares them to face global leadership challenges throughout their careers. FSI/LMSs work is guided by the Departments Leadership and Management Principles and aims to energize, grow, and support a culture of leadership throughout the Department of State.

b. FSI/LMS:

(1) Directs and conducts the Ambassadorial Seminar, the Deputy Chief of Mission/Principal Officer Seminar, the Senior Executive Threshold Seminar, and all other mandatory leadership courses;

(2) Provides a range of leadership and management training and development services tailored to meet the needs of the Department and its employees;

(3) Serves as the locus of EEO/diversity training for State Department managers and supervisors; and

(4) Provides organizational development and executive coaching services to bureaus, missions, individuals and work teams.

1 FAM 296.1 Executive Development Division (FSI/LMS/EDD)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

The Executive Development Division (FSI/LMS/EDD) directs, designs and conducts executive leadership training and development programs for State and other personnel who are typically at senior grade or rank. It also manages FSI/LMS Organizational Development program.

1 FAM 296.2 Leadership Training Division (FSI/LMS/LTD)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

The Leadership Training Division (FSI/LMS/LTD) directs, designs and conducts leadership and management training and development programs for State and other personnel who are typically at mid-level grade or rank. It also manages FSI/LMS Coaching Program and Foreign Service National Leadership Program.

1 FAM 296.3 Crisis Management Training Division (FSI/LMS/CMT)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

The Crisis Management Training Division (FSI/LMS/CMT) directs, designs and conducts crisis management training programs and crisis management exercises for State and other personnel who are assigned primarily abroad.

1 FAM 297 SCHOOL OF APPLIED INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (FSI/SAIT)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

The School of Applied Information Technology (FSI/SAIT) is headed by a dean who is responsible for managing and maintaining training programs intended to instill, develop and improve skills and knowledge in the use of information technology for employees of the Department of State. Programs encompass business applications training, enterprise technology courses and information resource management tradecraft training for all eligible Department of State employees.

1 FAM 297.1 Business Applications Division (FSI/SAIT/BA)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

The Business Applications Division (FSI/SAIT/BA) supports Department-specific and corporate computer application training initiatives. FSI/SAIT/BA collaborates with regional and functional bureaus to provide dedicated IT and end-user applications training and workshops, depending on specific needs. Additionally, FSI/SAIT/BA conducts regional training programs abroad for both State IT end-user support specialists and end-users using Department of State IT infrastructure. FSI/SAIT/BA provides training in Microsoft and other vendor applications and various Department-specific applications such as SIPRNet.

1 FAM 297.2 Enterprise Technology Division (FSI/SAIT/ET)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

The Enterprise Technology Division (FSI/SAIT/ET) directs, designs and conducts information technology and communications training programs primarily designed for information management specialists (IMS), information management technical specialists (IMTS) and other technical personnel, to include both Civil Service and Foreign Service employees. This division also provides the initial foundational training for newly hired IMS and IMTS.

1 FAM 297.3 Research, Learning and Development Division (FSI/SAIT/RLD)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

The Research, Learning and Development Division (FSI/SAIT/RLD) has oversight of SAIT course design and evaluation. FSI/SAIT/RLD provides curriculum review for SAIT and reviews and tracks new technology trends and training requirements as part of the Training Advisory Committee (TAC). FSI/SAIT/RLD also facilitates IRM Tradecraft for the Entry-level, Mid-level and Senior IT Managers, and manages the IRM Executive Development Program (IRM-EDP), and provides management of the IRM new-hire training program. FSI/SAIT/RLD also administers the Departments Skills Incentive Program (SIP) and the Online Testing Center.

1 FAM 298 SCHOOL OF LANGUAGE STUDIES (FSI/SLS)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

a. The School of Language Studies (FSI/SLS) is headed by a dean who is responsible for managing and maintaining a proficiency-based foreign language and culture training program. In executing the Schools mission, the Dean is assisted by an Associate Dean for Instruction, an Associate Dean for Management, Rosslyn Campus Director, and an External Programs Coordinator.

b. FSI/SLS develops and delivers classroom and distance learning language programs for U.S. agencies and others involved in foreign affairs-related work. Programs are in Washington, DC and at various locations abroad, and are designed to develop basic and advanced language proficiencies connected to language-designated positions; provide refresher and maintenance training; and provide short-term language programs to develop language survival skills and introductory language acquisition. FSI/SLS also provides support to post language program (PLP) training and post-based immersion programs.

c. FSI/SLS provides assistance and some direct funding to post language programs and collaborates closely with regional and functional bureaus and posts to assess and address their language needs effectively.

d. The External Programs Coordinator provides management and programmatic oversight to language field schools abroad located in Seoul, Korea; Yokohama, Japan; and Taipei, Taiwan (under a contractual arrangement with the American Institute in Taiwan). Additionally, the External Programs Coordinator assists regional bureaus in coordinating full-time foreign language training programs (currently in Chinese, Arabic, and Spanish) that may be conducted in other venues abroad.

1 FAM 298.1 Washington-Based Language Instruction

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

Under the direction of the Associate Dean for Instruction and the Rosslyn Campus Director, proficiency-based language instruction is provided in a variety of lengths and formats via five language divisions, each headed by a division director and consisting of a number of language training supervisors, language training specialists, and language and culture instructors.

1 FAM 298.1-1 Division of East Asian and Pacific Languages (FSI/SLS/EAP)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

The Division of East Asian and Pacific Languages (FSI/SLS/EAP) directs, designs, and conducts proficiency-based language training for the languages of mainland, insular east, and Southeast Asia. For the languages Chinese, Japanese and Korean, FSI/SLS/EAP delivers the first half of the two-year course for officers going into language-designated positions of 3/3 or above.

1 FAM 298.1-2 Division of European and African Languages (FSI/SLS/EUA)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

The Division of European and African Languages (FSI/SLS/EUA) directs, designs, and conducts proficiency-based language training for Albanian, Amharic, non-Slavic north and central European languages, French, Greek, Hausa, Swahili, and Somali.

1 FAM 298.1-3 Division of Near East, Central, and South Asian Languages (FSI/SLS/NEA)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

The Division of Near East Central, and South Asian Languages (FSI/SLS/NEA) directs, designs and conducts proficiency-based language training for Arabic, Near Eastern, Turkic, Central and South Asian languages. For Arabic, FSI/SLS/NEA delivers the first half of the two-year course for officers going into language-designated positions of 3/3 or above.

1 FAM 298.1-4 Division of Romance Languages (FSI/SLS/ROM)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

The Division of Romance Languages (FSI/SLS/ROM) directs, designs and conducts proficiency-based language training in Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, and Spanish.

1 FAM 298.1-5 Division of Slavic, Pashto, and Persian Languages (FSI/SLS/SPP)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

The Division of Slavic, Pashto, and Persian Languages (FSI/SLS/SPP) directs, designs, and conducts proficiency-based language training for all Slavic languages including Bosnian, Bulgarian, Serbo-Croatian, Czech, Macedonian, Polish, Russian, Serbian, Slovak, Slovenian, and Ukrainian, Pashto and Persian languages including Dari, Tajiki, and Farsi.

1 FAM 298.2 School Management and Continuing Training

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

Under the direction of the Associate Dean for Management, School Management provides administrative and program development support to the language instruction programs; coordinates language school activities with FSIs Office of the Executive Director; directs SLS education technology and continuing training efforts; and oversees language testing.

1 FAM 298.2-1 Language Testing Unit (FSI/SLS/LTU)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

The Language Testing Division (FSI/SLS/LTU) provides language-proficiency testing services for the Department of State and other U.S. Government agencies and entities. Proficiency test scores may be used to reinforce eligibility for Foreign Service hiring, remove language probation, determine compliance with language-designated positions, determine eligibility for crossing the senior threshold; and for language-incentive pay purposes.

1 FAM 298.2-2 Curriculum and Staff Development Division (FSI/SLS/CSD)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

The Curriculum and Staff Development Division (FSI/SLS/CSD) directs the development of curriculum in the instructional divisions of the School; oversees all SLS instructional staff development activities; provides learning/counseling service to language students; and coordinates the use of educational technology for all language training programs.

1 FAM 299 TRANSITION CENTER (FSI/TC)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

The Transition Center (FSI/TC) is headed by a director who is responsible for managing and maintaining a variety of training programs and information delivery services intended to assist Department employees, employees of other U.S. Government agencies, and their family members in adapting to and coping with career-related transitions, such as transfers from domestic assignments to assignments abroad or from service into retirement.

1 FAM 299.1 Overseas Briefing Center (FSI/TC/OBC)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

The Transition Center Overseas Briefing Center (FSI/TC/OBC):

(1) Provides information, training, and referral services to U.S. Government foreign affairs employees and their families preparing for an assignment abroad or returning to the United States; and

(2) Operates an information center that manages a post-specific materials, as well as reference material on Foreign Service living in general.

(3) Delivers a global information system, including resources for bidding and assignments research and related materials, via DOS Intranet and Internet websites.

1 FAM 299.2 Training Division (FSI/TC/T)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

The Transition Center Training Division (FSI/TC/T):

(1) Develops and delivers training designed to build Foreign Service life skills; and

(2) Directs, designs and conducts security overseas training programs that promote personal security awareness for employees and family members.

1 FAM 299.3 Career Transition Center (FSI/TC/CTC)

(CT:ORG-413; 05-16-2017)

The Transition Center Career Transition Center (FSI/TC/CTC):

(1) Develops and delivers training and counseling to foreign affairs personnel who are retiring from U.S. Government service either voluntarily or involuntarily, and to other employees who are involuntarily separated other than for cause;

(2) Conducts the Retirement Planning Seminar, which explores financial, health and other areas of interest associated with retirement, as well as possibilities for further employment outside the Department;

(3) Conducts the Financial Planning Seminar, which is designed to provide basic knowledge of financial management and estate planning to employees who wish to better their chances for attaining financial security for themselves and their family;

(4) Conducts the Annuities, Benefits and Social Security Seminar, which helps employees understand their annuities, Social Security retirement benefits, Thrift Savings Plan, and long-term care insurance; and

(5) Conducts the Job Search Program, an intensive learning experience based on individual and group training and counseling. The programs purpose is to help participants make the transition from employment by the Department to other employment or fulfilling activities. The primary focus is to help participants acquire the skills and knowledge needed to find jobs outside the Department.