About IGSAB
The International Graduate Student Advisory Board was set up 2021-2022, to improve the international student experience and foster a sense of community and belonging at UChicago. We are supported by UChicagoGRAD and the Office of International Affairs.
Mission
To coordinate communication, centralize efforts in advocacy and supportive programming, and plan activities to enrich the academic, personal, and professional experience of international students at UChicago.
Scope and Audience
IGSAB was created to serve the entire international graduate student community, including but not limited to:
International students on a University-sponsored student-visa (F-1 or J-1)
International students on a visa sponsored externally (dependent visa classifications, employer-sponsored visas, and others—including Fulbright, etc.)
Undocumented students, DACAmented students, and others
Structure and membership
Analogous to UChicagoGRAD’s existing Diversity Advisory Board
Leadership
IGSAB will be led by a leadership exco committee consisting of 2-3 current international graduate students who have the experience of working on international student-related initiatives.
General board membership
The leadership exco committee, along with UChicagoGRAD and the OIA, will select 10-12 general members through an application process, who will sit on the board beginning in the fall quarter.
Board membership should consist of representation from various graduate and professional schools and divisions. Membership will be evaluated annually for commitment, and members can remain on the board for multiple years if they wish, pending annual approval by the leadership committee.
Board members will receive a stipend as an acknowledgment of the important work they are doing. Food will also be provided at monthly meetings.
Meetings/Projects
Monthly board meetings throughout the academic year.
Quarterly leadership exco meetings with Vice Provost Jason Merchant.
Project groups will be tasked with oversight of projects relating to International Allies Mentorship Program, Spring International Student Experience Survey, Personal & Professional Development and Community Building initiatives, resources & events throughout the academic year.
Time Commitment
The expected time commitment is approximately 2-5 hours/week, depending on the project and time of year.
