Skip to main content

ISAB Application

(Applications for 2024-25 are now closed.)

Mission

The ISAB at UMD is a group of international student representatives selected to provide insights on pressing student issues to the International Student& Services (ISSS) office and other campus units. Members are expected to foster and maintain strong relationships with international student organizations and the UMD international student population to understand their experiences and challenges. In turn, members can collect and share information as necessary. Grounded in improving international student support on campus, this board seeks to empower students to develop creative solutions to the identified challenges. 

General topic areas that ISAB members may consider

  • Career Development services 
  • Navigating a large campus
  • Academic success
  • Social and cultural adjustment
  • DEI needs
  • Other topics raised by board members and the international student community 

Summary of Timeline

  • February 28, 2024 - Applications open
  • March 15 - Applications are due
  • April 1- ISAB Applicants will be notified
  • May 10, 12:00-1:00pm  - All new ISAB Members will attend training
  • August 30, 4:00-7:00pm - ISAB Fall Retreat

Representation

Ten (10) board members should represent J-1 and F-1 status international students in the following categories: first-year, transfer (SEVIS*), exchange, professional master, academic master, and Ph.D. students. 

Board Member Responsibilities

  • Attend a retreat at the beginning of the fall semester
  • Actively participate in monthly ISAB meetings
  • Be active in the international student life community
  • Reach out to international student peers to hear about their experience
  • Learn about ISSS and other campus resources/outreach for international students and share this with peers
  • Develop and present an “Annual Board Report" to ISSS staff each year

Meeting Dates and Times

  • 3rd Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. ET

Fall term meeting dates may change after selecting the board according to group availability. 

Selection Criteria

The selection committee seeks candidates representing the UMD international student body under F-1 or J-1 status. This includes actively engaged students from all academic disciplines, countries, and degree levels. Holding a student leadership position is not a prerequisite for participation in the ISAB. In addition to meeting the representation requirement, applications will be assessed by three overarching criteria.

  • Relationship building: Desire to develop strong relationships with international student organizations and UMD international students.
  • Seeks to make a difference: Serve as a leader to the international student community through the collection and sharing of information about resources and programs available, as well as by seeking to understand the obstacles and challenges facing our community. 
  • Solutions-driven: Individuals who are creative, analytical, and focused on developing solutions to the identified challenges of international students on our campus. 

Application Process

Applications for 2024-25 are now closed.  

A selection committee will review all applications.

For more information or questions, please contact ISSS Assistant Director Dr. Rebeca Moreno or ISSS Director Susan-Ellis Dougherty.
 

Back to Top