The Office of International Students & Scholars is now accepting applications for the inaugural International Student Advisory Board! Read below to learn more about how to you can make a different for international students at Lehigh. Apply by May 31!
What is the International Student Advisory Board?
The purpose of the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB) is to support the international student experience at Lehigh by providing feedback and making recommendations to the Office of International Students and Scholars. The Board serves as a consultative body (like an ongoing focus group). The Board enhances the international student experience by helping OISS provide the most effective programs and services to Lehigh’s international community. This is accomplished by reviewing and providing feedback on support services, discussing ways to increase opportunities for meaningful engagement with U.S. students, and exploring strategies to increase the sense of belonging at the University.
ISAB will be a key advocate for international students on campus. The Board will work with the OISS Director and other OISS staff, and will also have the opportunity to provide feedback for programming including, but not limited to social programming, orientation programming, immigration support, and website improvements. ISAB members will be expected to think critically, ask thoughtful questions, engage in dialogue, work across cultures and contribute to advocacy efforts.
Membership
ISAB membership is open to all international students and students who are served by the Office of International Students & Scholars. This includes students on F-1 or J-1 visas or those who have lived outside of the United States for a substantial period of time prior to coming to Lehigh.
OISS seeks a board composed of undergraduate and graduate international students that is highly diverse and broadly representative of the University’s international student body.
Responsibilities
ISAB members are expected to attend meetings, share their questions, concerns and ideas, and then communicate with their fellow students about ISAB’s role at Lehigh. Regular participation in the board’s activities is essential and expected in order to be effective.
Members are expected to serve one year terms. Members may apply to return for succeeding years.
Meetings
The OISS Director will facilitate ISAB meetings, which are held bi-weekly throughout the academic year. During the 2024-25 academic year, meetings will be held every other Monday evening beginning on Monday, September 9. Other OISS staff, students and representatives from the university may be invited as guests to meetings.
During the inaugural year of ISAB, during the first meeting, one member will be selected to serve as Secretary and take meeting minutes. During the Fall 2024 semester, ISAB will finalize the desired leadership structure and vote on leadership positions at the last meeting of the fall semester.
ISAB will decide whether or not to convene at least one open forum per year to discuss international community issues or to seek other venues for community input.
Apply to be an ISAB Member!
Interested students should complete the ISAB Application form by May 31, 2024. During early June, OISS staff will conduct brief interviews with selected applicants. Please note that only those who will be enrolled at Lehigh for the entire 2024-25 academic year will be considered.
Questions? Contact Amanda Connolly at amc621@lehigh.edu.