Mission

The International Student Advisory Board (ISAB) advocates for international student needs, voices, and concerns, improving the international student experience by promoting a more welcoming campus environment for international students.

History/Background

ISAB is a joint initiative between The University of Iowa Student Government, Graduate & Professional Student Government, International Programs, and the Division of Student Life.

Board Functions

To fulfill the mission, ISAB serves the following functions: 

Advocacy – ISAB serves to raise concerns from international students collectively, formally and informally, and provides recommendations to assist university departments to better serve international students, while raising awareness about the issues of the international student community. 

Providing Student Resources – ISAB compiles resources and information from the international student perspectives and disseminates resources to the international student community and beyond.

Relationship Building – ISAB continues to build relationships with individual students, international student organizations, as well as other organizations on campus to hear their stories, needs, and concerns. 

ISAB continues to build relationships with individual students, international student organizations, as well as other organizations on campus to hear their stories, needs, and concerns.

ISAB welcomes and values the contributions of all students, regardless of their backgrounds, who are passionate about enhancing the international student experience. We invite students to engage in advocacy efforts, with all initiatives being guided and coordinated by ISAB board members. This collaboration ensures that our work aligns with the board's mission, goals, and values, fostering a positive and inclusive environment for everyone involved.

Membership & Structure

Member Selection Process

Members of ISAB are selected each spring semester through a multi-step application and interview process managed by the current board. All students at the University of Iowa are eligible to apply to become an ISAB member. 

The selection process includes a written application and an interview. After being selected, the onboarding is outlined in greater detail in written documents that will be shared with all members.

The application typically includes an online application form where students provide information on their background, interests, and alignment with ISAB’s mission. If prospect members are in a situation where there is a conflict of interest with their involvement in ISAB, that should also be disclosed during the application process. 

Submitted applications are reviewed by current ISAB members. Selected applicants are invited for an interview with members of the board, including at least one leadership member. Following interviews, final decisions are made, and notifications are sent via email.

Prospective members must be in good academic and non-academic standing. All students that demonstrate commitment to the vision of ISAB are eligible for appointment to the Board.

Off-cycle recruitment may take place for general members before or at the beginning of the fall semester (in case open positions remain or if additional representation is required by ISAB leadership).

ISAB Structure

Voting Members: ISAB members shall serve one academic year; their term of service shall commence from May to April, Summer commitments are voluntary and aimed at fulfilling project requirements, unlike the commitments made by leadership team members. Members shall be permitted to remain on the board beyond one year. In this case, the board member must have a planning conversation with either the board leadership or the board advisor before the end of interview week. ISAB can hold voluntary meetings during the summer. Members who are absent from summer meetings will not face penalties.

The ISAB board consists of a graduate board and an undergraduate board. Each board has a leadership structure and a member structure (including liaisons). 

Advisor Role: ISAB advisors serve in a non-voting, advisory capacity. They provide guidance, ensure board continuity, and support ISAB’s alignment with university policies and procedures. Advisors may be consulted during decision-making processes and are expected to maintain neutrality during member votes.

Board Leadership 

ISAB is led by the officers described below, which ISAB members shall elect from its membership at the end of each spring semester and as vacancies arise. Leadership terms shall expire at the end of each spring semester. 

Leadership Team shared responsibility:

• Attend all ISAB meetings, retreats, and as many external meetings as possible
• Meet with respective board leadership weekly or bi-weekly (1 hr.) to discuss internal issues and agenda
• Attend joint meeting monthly to discuss shared agenda
• Lead projects and certain meeting discussions
• Maintain email communication
• Respond to external requests (such as representation and presentation)
• Assist one another with leadership team duties, including but not limited to, retreat facilitation and setup, recruitment, serving on additional committees with the ask from International Programs or other campus partners, nominating liaisons, managing internal and external communication, etc.   

Leadership Election

Elections will be held annually to provide all members with an opportunity to lead and expand their commitment to ISAB. The only eligibility requirement is to be a member of ISAB. Members can stand for board leadership positions by presenting their pitch in an oratory or written format during the annual transition/onboarding meeting occurring in April. If a leadership team member would like to be re-elected, they must go through the election process. 

If there is more than one candidate running for the same leadership position, each candidate will present their pitch one at a time. While one candidate is presenting, the other(s) must step out of the room to ensure fairness and reduce potential influence. This process helps maintain a respectful and unbiased election environment.

After all candidates have presented, ISAB members may vote. Candidates running for that specific position may not participate in the voting process for their own race. Voting will be conducted anonymously using an online tool (e.g., Engage or other platforms) or through written ballots, as determined by the leadership team and advisor(s). If the voting process is conducted in writing, members must submit their ballots immediately after voting to prevent changes and reduce external influence. A new voting slip will be provided for the next leadership position being voted on.

Additional election logistics should be determined each year by an election committee. The committee can/should consist of 1-2 outgoing leadership team members from each board, 1-2 general members from each other who are not seeking election, and/or the advisor(s). An open discussion would be allowed for a reasonable amount of time (moderated by an ISAB team member) to discuss the candidacy of a standing party.

All members on the executive board should be available during the onboarding of the incoming position leads for the next year (depending on availability and educational commitments, any conflicts should be communicated to the advisor)

Graduate Board 

President 

• Attend all ISAB meetings, retreats, and as many external meetings as possible
• Maintain communication with advisors, liaisons, and external stakeholders
• Serve as face of association (i.e., serve as speaker/representative at international student initiatives/events)
• Lead the Graduate Board leadership team to set the meeting agenda for board meetings and leadership team meetings
• Check in with Cabinet Director to oversee cabinet duties
• Check in with the Graduate Board Vice President and Communication Director to ensure progress
• Collaborate with the Graduate Board Vice President to manage board member retention, termination, and recognition
• Collaborate with the undergraduate board leadership team and board on issues with shared interests
• Assist with leadership team duties, including but not limited to, retreat facilitation and setup, recruitment, serving on additional committees with the ask from International Programs or other campus partners, nominating liaisons, managing internal and external communication, etc.
• Work with the Undergraduate Board President and advisor to oversee the budget for ISAB
• Update Engage periodically
• Help Cabinet Director with retreat planning
• Must be available during summer academic year preparations
• Help onboard the next President 

Vice president 

• Attend all ISAB meetings and retreats
• Serve as proxy to the President
• Collaborate with the Undergraduate Board leadership team and board on issues with shared interests
• Update, maintain, and distribute the meeting minutes repository
• Maintain internal communications
• Collaborate with the Graduate Board President to manage board member retention, termination, and recognition
• Work with the Graduate Board leadership team to set meeting agenda for board meetings and leadership team meetings
• Work with Undergraduate Board Vice President on recruitment process
• Must be available to coordinate selection process, including the off-cycle recruitment
• Follow up and provide support to other board members and committees (as needed)
• Assist with leadership team duties, including but not limited to, retreat facilitation and setup, recruitment, serving on additional committees with the ask from International Programs or other campus partners, nominating liaisons, managing internal and external communication, etc.
• Help onboard the next Vice President

Cabinet director 

• Attend all ISAB board meetings and retreats
• Collaborate with advisor to plan and implement fall and spring retreats, spring transition meetings
• Review bylaws and structure annually or as deemed appropriate and facilitate updates as needed  
• Maintain communications with advisors, liaisons, leadership team, and external stakeholders (for liaisons)
• Establish and ensure communication between the graduate and undergraduate boards, when present.
• Assist with leadership team duties, including but not limited to retreat facilitation and setup, recruitment, and serving on additional committees with the ask from International Programs or other campus partners.
• Must be available during summer and winter for retreat planning in April (should be verified closely during recruitment-student graduating in the Spring semester or Summer should be either ineligible or should be accommodated during such duties).

Communication director

• Attend all ISAB board meetings and retreats
• Boost ISAB's presence within student communities to foster greater engagement and support.
• Collaborate with the Undergraduate Board Communication Director on external activities to raise awareness of ISAB among the student population
• Co-Manage the ISAB email account and relay important communications to the student body
• Collaborate with the Social Media Director to provide Graduate Board-related content and maintain a social media presence  
• Work with the Graduate Board leadership team to set the meeting agenda for board meetings and leadership team meetings
• Assist with leadership team duties, including but not limited to retreat facilitation and setup, recruitment, serving on additional committees with the ask from International Programs or other campus partners, nominating liaisons, managing internal and external communication, etc.
• Work with advisor and International Programs to provide information and recommendations on the ISAB Website update
• Should be available through emails during the summer for updates, recruitments, and highlighting ISAB activities during the summer.

Undergraduate Board

President 

• Attend all ISAB meetings, retreats, and as many external meetings as possible
• Maintain communication with advisors, liaisons, and external stakeholders
• Be the dynamic face of our association by serving as a compelling speaker and representative at international student initiatives and events.
• Lead the Undergraduate Board leadership team to set meeting agenda for board meetings and leadership team meetings
• Check-in with Undergraduate Board Vice President, Communication Director, and Social Media Director to ensure progress
• Connect with Cabinet Director on cabinet duties
• Collaborate with the Vice President to manage board member retention, termination, and recognition
• Collaborate with the undergraduate board leadership team and board on issues with shared interests
• Help with leadership team duties, including but not limited to retreat facilitation and setup, serving on additional committees with the ask from International Programs or other campus partners, nominating liaisons, managing internal and external communication, etc.
• Work with the Graduate Board President and advisor to oversee the budget for ISAB
• Help Cabinet Director with retreat planning
• Must be available during summer academic year preparations
• Help onboard the next President 

Vice president

• Attend all ISAB meetings and retreats
• Serve as an alternate to the president
• Work with the Graduate Board Vice President on the recruitment process
• Update, maintain, and distribute the meeting minutes repository
• Maintain internal communications
• Collaborate with the Undergraduate Board President to manage board member retention, termination, and recognition
• Work with the Undergraduate Board leadership team to set the meeting agenda for board meetings and leadership team meetings
• Follow up and provide support to other board members and committees (as needed)
• Collaborate with the Graduate Board Leadership team and board on issues with shared interests
• Must be available to coordinate the selection process, including the off-cycle recruitment
• Assist with leadership team duties, including but not limited to retreat facilitation and setup, recruitment, serving on additional committees with the ask from International Programs or other campus partners, internal and external communication, etc.

Communication director 

• Attend all ISAB board meetings and retreats
• Collaborate with the Graduate Board Communication Director on external activities to raise awareness of ISAB among the student population
• Co-Manage the ISAB email account and relay important communications to the student body
• Collaborate with Social Media Director on maintaining a social media presence
• Work with the Undergraduate Board leadership team to set meeting agenda for board meetings and leadership team meetings
• Assist with leadership team duties, including but not limited to, retreat facilitation and setup, recruitment, serving on additional committees with the ask from International Programs or other campus partners, nominating liaisons, managing internal and external communication, etc.
• Work with advisor and International Programs to provide information and recommendations on the ISAB Website update
• Must be available to check email throughout the summer

Social media director

• Attend all ISAB board meetings and retreats
• Maintain social media presence (Instagram, Facebook, etc.) by creating, scheduling, and posting social media content
• Collaborate with Communication Directors to gather social media ideas and needs from both boards
• Work on promotional activities and relationship building of ISAB with communication director
• Manage advertising and maintaining ISAB's presence on campus with outreach through online posts, flyers, digital displays, etc.
• Work with the Undergraduate Board leadership team to set meeting agenda for board meetings and leadership team meetings
• Assist with leadership team duties, including but not limited to, retreat facilitation and setup, recruitment, serving on additional committees with the ask from International Programs or other campus partners, nominating liaisons, managing internal and external communication, etc.

Mid-Year Leadership Transition

In the event that an officer or board leadership member must step down in the middle of the academic year (same procedure will apply for such a transition throughout the year), the following process will be followed:

1. The resigning officer must submit a written notice to the ISAB President(s) and cc ISAB’s advisor at least two weeks at the earliest before leaving their duties, if possible.
2. The leadership team will open the vacant position for the internal nominations from the current ISAB members.
3. If there is only one candidate, the leadership team will discuss internally and appoint the member to the position.
4. If there is more than one candidate, an anonymous vote will be conducted using an online tool (e.g., Engage or other platforms) or other voting methods. The voting link and candidate information will be communicated to board members via email.
5. The newly selected officer will receive onboarding support from the remaining leadership team or ISAB advisor.

This process ensures leadership continuity, transparency, and fairness, while minimizing disruption to ISAB’s initiatives.

All Members

Responsibilities of Individual Members 

ISAB members

• Required to attend two full-day ISAB retreats at the beginning of the fall and spring semester, scheduled for the first Saturday of each semester.
• Required to attend all ISAB meetings.
  • Two unexcused absences are permitted.
  • More than 1 unexpected absence from regular meetings will require justification.
  • The President(s) shall have the right to dismiss members of the board who have ongoing absenteeism without communication and valid justification after 6 weeks of no show-up, unless excused.
  • Requests for excused absences must be submitted to the ISAB President(s)/ OR advisor at least 24 hours in advance, unless in emergencies.
  • For any excused absences, members should make up the meeting time by contributing to the meeting agenda during the week of the meeting in writing.
  • Members who have any conflicts (exams and deadlines) should be asked to provide a substitute for special responsibilities if they fall during such time periods (in consensus with the other exec team members and the advisor)
• Work on at least one policy agenda or project every semester.
• Stay informed of the meeting minutes.
• In the event of conflicts that are specific to scholarly activities (comprehensive exams, dissertation prospectus), individual members should communicate with the advisor and the lead for alternative arrangements. 

Graduate members

• Join at least one subcommittee.
• Facilitate communication with external stakeholders – based on the subcommittee the board member is a part of.
• Document working process.

Undergraduate members

• Join at least one subcommittee (project group) every semester.
• Take meeting notes on rotation.
• Facilitate communication with external stakeholders – based on the policy the board member is working on.
• Document working process.
• Members are expected to devote about 8-10 hours per month (for outreach, projects, email or in-person communication, etc.)
• Help with tabling and outreach events to increase ISAB’s visibility on campus
• All ISAB members are expected to engage with integrity, respect diverse perspectives, and uphold ISAB’s mission in all interactions.

Beyond these expectations, board members are recommended to:

• Attend international student orientation welcome ceremonies if appointed by the president(s)
• Sit in a committee based on a request from the advisor and/or ISAB leadership
• Serve on panels to share international student experience/perspectives 

Board Member Removal Policy

To ensure that ISAB maintains high standards of participation and professionalism, the board includes a formal process for the removal of members, including leadership members. Board members may be considered for removal if they:

Consistent absenteeism, such as exceeding two unexcused absences or a lack of ongoing contributions to ISAB activities, is also a concern that we hope to address collaboratively.

Any issues that may impact the performance of the team dynamics negatively.

The process for removal shall be as follows:

• It will be essential for the President(s) and Advisor(s) to first engage in a private conversation with the member in question. This initial dialogue not only allows for an understanding of the situation but also offers the member an important opportunity to reflect and improve.
• By approaching the matter with an open mind and a willingness to listen, we can foster a supportive environment that encourages growth and development. This proactive step demonstrates our commitment to resolving issues constructively and ensures that every member feels valued and heard. Ultimately, this approach can lead to positive outcomes for both the individual and the organization as a whole.
• If the issue persists, the leadership team will review and vote on the removal, with advisor(s) present to oversee fairness. Advisor(s) will not be able to vote in this process.
• The members will be notified in writing the decision.

The policy affirms ISAB’s commitment to accountability and its role as a serious, student-led leadership body.

Board Member, Leadership Communication and Conflict Resolution Policy

In the event of conflicts among team members, it is best to resolve these issues collaboratively. Communication should be respectful, avoiding harsh tones or power dynamics (harsh warning emails would be discouraged). All members are volunteers and valued members of the community. If dynamics become challenging, the issues will be addressed through discussion with the Advisor.

Conflict of Interest Policy

ISAB members must act in the best interests of the board and its mission. Any potential conflict of interest, whether personal or organizational, must be disclosed to the ISAB leadership team and advisor(s). A member with a conflict of interest may participate in the discussion but must recuse themselves from voting and/or decision-making on the matter. The leadership team and advisor(s) will determine if a recusal is necessary.

Decision-Making & Voting Procedure

The board is encouraged to use a variety of decision-making processes based on the nature and the needs of the specific decision. 

Voting and decision-making processes can take place in person, via email, or through an anonymous online tool. Advisor(s) are non-voting participants.

Standing Liaisons

Liaisons are part of the general member structure, and each liaison role will be unique. Liaisons shall serve as resources to ISAB and report ISAB activities and initiatives to their respective constituencies. 

Expectations for successful liaisons are outlined below: 

• Attend all ISAB meetings and retreats
• Attend meetings in the organizations/groups that they liaise with
• Bring the ISAB agenda to the organizations/groups that they liaise with
• Bring the agenda from organizations/groups that they are liaising with back to ISAB 

Currently, there are the groups we have an existing relationship with and/or have a liaison with: 

Incoming liaisons (organizations and groups sending a representative to ISAB): 

• Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG) - International Affairs Committee
• Undergraduate Student Government (USG) - International Constituency Senator 

GPSG and USG liaisons are not eligible to hold voting member status or leadership positions on ISAB during their term as a liaison. If a student is accepted as a voting member of ISAB and is later appointed as a liaison from GPSG or USG, this restriction will still apply. The student will be required to step down from their ISAB membership and/or leadership position in order to serve as a liaison.

Outgoing liaisons (ISAB sending a representative to these organizations and groups): 

• University Counseling Service (UCS) 

Other Stakeholders

Non-ISAB members and other stakeholders interested in the vision of ISAB are welcome to attend meetings if given board approval. Board approval can be received by sending an email to the ISAB president, who will present this to the board for a vote. ISAB may invite relevant stakeholders to attend meetings for their insight or expertise. This may include but is not limited to, students, faculty, staff, community leaders, etc.

Amendment

The ISAB Bylaws shall be reviewed at least once per academic year by the Cabinet Director in collaboration with the ISAB members and Advisor(s). The review process may begin as early as the summer or fall semester, ahead of the spring recruitment and leadership transition period, to allow sufficient time for feedback and revisions.

Any ISAB member may propose amendments by submitting them in writing to the Leadership Team. Proposed changes will be discussed during an official ISAB meeting and must receive:

1. A two-thirds (2/3) majority vote from the voting members present, and
2. Advisor confirmation to ensure alignment with university policies and procedures.

Once approved, finalized amendments shall be incorporated into the official version of the ISAB Bylaws, recorded for reference, and distributed to all members and advisors. The revised version will take effect during the next on-cycle recruitment period in the following spring semester, unless otherwise stated in the amendment.

ISAB does not put on events since it is an advisory board, not an event planning organization. However, ISAB participates in some events that are planned by other organizations or campus departments to represent international students and support the cause of the event.

• ISAB updates the pre-arrival handbook for international students.
• ISAB members meet with campus partners and stakeholders, such as the Dean of International Programs, student governments, and Campus Safety to provide feedback based on international student experiences. For example, the ISAB undergraduate board provided feedback to international student orientation in fall 2024.
• ISAB meets with campus departments that have a project they hope to get international students’ input or feedback on. For example, University Counseling Service met with ISAB to get feedback on the HOPE Box project before implementation.

Yes! All members, including newly selected members, are eligible to run for leadership positions. Leadership positions are elected by members during the transition meeting in April. All applicants and returning members will receive election questions after the application closes. You can start preparing materials for the election based on the position that you are interested in running for as soon as you receive the questions. 

• ISAB has two different types of liaisons: one that is elected by another organization to sit on the ISAB board, and one that is nominated by ISAB to serve on other boards and/or committees.
• If you are interested in positions that are elected by other organizations, please connect with the organization directly to learn about their process.
• If you are interested in the liaison positions that are nominated by ISAB or selected from ISAB, please talk to an ISAB member who is currently serving in that role, ISAB’s presidents, or an advisor to learn more.