International Student Advisory Board
Letter of Invitation from the ISSS Director
The International Student Advisory Board @Penn was created to provide the Director of International Student & Scholar Services and other administrators with advice and guidance to help make the university a more warm, welcoming and respectful environment for international students. The Board provides a forum for open discussion, leadership development, and collaboration in the interest of positive change. This Board relies on student involvement, and we need your help. Please consider applying to become a member of this group. Leaders of nationality clubs and groups are encouraged to recruit a member of their student association in order to create a broad representation and communication amongst the various national communities on campus.
Members of the International Student Advisory Board attend meetings during the Fall and Spring semesters; share their questions, concerns and ideas with administrators: and then communicate with their fellow students about the Board's role at Penn by allowing University officials to engage in dialogue with students about their experiences on campus and about their ideas for improving our campus atmosphere for international students. This dialogue is valuable to our ongoing efforts to create a climate on campus conducive to international educational exchange.
If you are committed to furthering campus internationalization at the University of Pennsylvania and would like to serve on this Board, please complete the application online here. Applications are being accepted immediately and the deadline will be September 11, 2009. This year, the Board will meet thrice per semester. For Fall semester, we will meet on October 1, November 5 and December 3 and for Spring semester, January 28, February 18, April 1 (Thursdays, 5:00 - 6:30 PM). Meals will be provided. Board members will also be required to communicate regularly with other international students in between meetings. Regular attendance and participation is required so please make sure that you can commit the time before submitting your application.
Sincerely,
Rodolfo
R. Altamirano, Ph.D.
Director, International Student & Scholar Services
Purpose
The International Student and Scholar Services, part of University of Pennsylvania's Office of International Programs, is committed to providing the best possible support for international students so they are able to reach their academic and personal development goals while at University of Pennsylvania.
The purpose of the International Student Advisory Board @Penn is to provide feedback concerning International Student and Scholar Services programs, outreach, website, services and general effectiveness. Student board members will be introduced to International Student and Scholar Services programs, website, international student services, orientation and other areas. Board members will give feedback and recommendations regarding programs, services, web site information and navigation, and orientation to assist the International Student and Scholar Services to provide excellent programs and services. Board members will also give feedback to other Office of International Programs and Penn units upon request.
Board Composition
The board will be composed of undergraduate and graduate international students, international student appointees of the Director of the International Student and Scholar Services and a staff member of the International Student and Scholar Services. Additional individuals from the University may attend as invited guests.
ISAB Team Members 2007-2008
ISAB Team Members 2008-2009
Terms of Board Service
One academic year is the term. Members may return for a second year. Regular participation in the board's activities is essential and expected in order to be effective. Agendas and minutes will be posted on the International Student and Scholar Services web site for all to view, including any presentations or proposals presented to the group. The International Student Advisory Board 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.
ISAB Co-Chairs Corner
Dear fellow international students,
It is with great pleasure and excitement that we WELCOME all new and returning students at Penn. We look forward to having you as a part of an internationally rich and diverse Penn community.
We would like to highlight the role and accomplishments of a unique initiative at University of Pennsylvania – the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB). The ISAB, a forum of international undergraduate and graduate students, came to life in 2007. Our aim is to promote a dialogue between students and Penn administrators to recognize and address international student issues.
In addition to holding regular meetings, in the past, we have also organized several speaker sessions that have given ISAB members an opportunity to collectively raise their concerns and present recommendations to university administrators. In turn, the administrators have taken note of our special concerns and are showing interest in working with us to draw creative solutions.
Our most notable accomplishment, thus far, has been the forging of a collaborative relationship with IPOG (International Partners Outreach Group). Currently, there are four IPOG subcommittees, representing some of the major areas of concern for international students, namely – academic performance and integration, administrative and financial concerns, housing, and student life and cultural experiences. Each of these sub-committees comprise of university administrators as well as ISAB representatives. In the past, administrators and students in various IPOG subcommittee meetings and IPOG meetings have deliberated on student concerns, framed solutions and examined best practices to resolve student issues. Finally, in April 2009, all the subcommittees presented their plan of action for the future. We thank all IPOG members for their efforts and commitment, and look forward to implementation of some of these plans in the near future.
If you are committed to furthering campus internationalization at Penn, and can fulfill the board requirements, we encourage you to be a part of this unique and exciting initiative. The application is available online.
If you have any suggestions, ideas or concerns, please let us know.
Sincerely,
Manisha Joshi (Graduate Chair) and Amal Rahuman (Undergraduate Chair)
Co-Chairs, International Student Advisory Board
Application
Applications will be accepted online until September 11, 2009. To apply, please visit the following link: