Part of the Multicultural Affairs Advisory Council (MAAC), the International Student Advisory Board (ISAB) informs and advises the International Resource Team (IRT) on intercultural programs, services and issues that concern undergraduate international students (broad definition) at Columbia College and the Fu Foundation School of Engineering & Applied Science. The term of board service is one academic year.

Board members will:

• Be an accessible and visible resource for the international student community.
• Foster a supportive intercultural learning community among international students.
• Keep the University accountable and responsive to international students and their concerns.
• Act as campus leaders in encouraging discussions, collecting feedback, advocating for the needs, and raising the visibility of international students.

ISAB is composed of 7-12 undergraduate international students from Columbia College and the Fu Foundation School of Engineering & Applied Science. The application process, which is open to all undergraduates in Columbia College and Columbia Engineering, is competitive and seeks to seat a board that is highly diverse and broadly representative of the University's international student body.

Responsibilities of ISAB Board Members

• Attend a Multicultural Affairs Advisory Council (MAAC) orientation and quarterly meetings during the academic year. 

• Attend weekly ISAB meetings on Fridays.

• Attend a weekly one-hour project meeting (time decided on based on board members’ availability).

• Represent ISAB at various events during the academic year and connect with the international community for input on needs and issues, including the biannual International Student Survey. 

Membership Rules

1. Must meet and maintain the shared standards of the Multicultural Affairs Advisory Council. 
2. A student may not maintain membership with ISAB if they plan to study abroad during the academic year or has other obligations that prevent participation in Friday meetings.
3. More than two unexcused absences from regularly scheduled ISAB meetings are grounds for dismissal from ISAB.
4. Board membership is effective for one academic year but is renewable with the discretion of the Associate Director of Multicultural Affairs / Program Director For International@Columbia.

Highlights of Leadership Possibilities as ISAB Board Members

• ISAB board members who complete one year of service and wish to become Identity Based Programming  or International Student Programming committee members or orientation leaders during new student orientation will be given priority consideration.
• ISAB board members who wish to take on leadership roles in select programs hosted by Multicultural Affairs (MA) will be given priority consideration.
• ISAB board members who wish to assist with International @ Columbia excursions will be given priority consideration.

We expect for all members to be open to discussing challenging topics and campus issues; be collaborative advocates; be willing to challenge and be challenged; actively contribute to meetings and activities of the board, and be passionate about working toward a truly inclusive and just campus community. 

To contact ISAB, click here.