International Student Advisory Committees

What are the International Student Advisory Committees (ISAC)?

The Undergraduate International Student Advisory Committee (ISAC-UG) and the Graduate International Student Advisory Committee (ISAC-G) are student working groups consisting of international students who provide advice and feedback on the international student experience at the University of Waterloo.

Applications for membership for ISAC-G open March 1 and close March 29, 2023.

Applications for membership for ISAC-UG will be announced later in the year.

What does ISAC do?

Both committees enhance the experiences of international students by providing feedback and recommendations to the International Student Experience (ISE) team in the Student Success Office. They advise on programs, services and support in the development of new initiatives.

Through conversation-based meetings that occur three times per term, ISAC-UG and ISAC-G capture the student voice by advising ISE on strategic direction, services, and programming. They work to identify gaps and opportunities in current supports and services, and may collaborate with other departmental units and student organizations at Waterloo when needed.

Eligibility criteria

ISAC-UG is open to international undergraduate students and ISAC-G is open to international graduate students, who hold a valid study permit. Consideration will be given to students who are Canadian Citizens that have spent most of their lives outside of Canada, recent newcomers (Permanent Residents) and other populations who may identify as having similar experiences to international students.

Commitment

As an ISAC member you would be expected to:

Participate for a minimum of one year (three semesters); with the opportunity to be reappointed for up to one additional year.
Attend virtual meetings of approximately two hours, three times per term, with additional meetings as required.
Perform tasks assigned.

Duration of meetings

Meetings are approximately two hours in length, using the following format:

30 minutes – introduction to topic (i.e., ISE program overview by ISE staff)
One hour – discussion
30 minutes – open forum conversations

Group responsibilities

The responsibilities of the committee are to:

Provide advice to the International Student Experience team regarding existing international student programs, supports and services.
Assist with identifying new programs, services, supports and other initiatives.
Advise on and recommend improvements to international student experience services and programs.
Provide a central forum for the discussion and sharing of information and ideas on matters relating to the international student experience.
Review international student experience strategies and provide recommendations on future direction and areas of development.
Members may be called upon to support other varying initiatives specific to the international student experience including representing international students in other forums.

Benefits of membership

As an active member of the advisory group, you will:

enhance your communication, leadership and community building skills
advocate for positive changes on your campus
gain valuable experience in a committee setting
build relationships with university staff and other students who are passionate about enhancing students’ experience

ISAC roles

There are two role opportunities available on the ISAC:

ISAC Chair

There are two Chair positions available, one for the graduate committee and one for the undergraduate committee. Currently applications are only being accepted for the graduate committee.

Each ISAC Chair will prepare and lead ISAC through conversations on international student services and initiatives for the duration of up to a one-year term.

This position requires you to attend meetings remotely. To be eligible for this role, when attending the meetings, you must have access to a private area, a computer and reliable internet.

Remuneration

$35 per hour

Time commitment

Up to 15 hours per term including:
- Three hours of preparatory time per meeting; and
- Approximately two to three meetings per term, each meeting being about two hours long.

Required qualifications

Must be a University of Waterloo student who holds a valid study permit* and is able to work in Canada
Have studied for a full year at University of Waterloo by May 2023
Able to commit as committee chair for the entire academic year
Knowledge of international student challenges

*Canadian Citizens and spent most of their lives outside of Canada, recent newcomers (Permanent Residents) and other populations who may identify as having similar experiences to international students may also be considered.

Required skills

Must demonstrate effective leadership and communication skills
Strong facilitation skills with demonstrated comfort in politely interjecting and steering the conversation
Strong organizational and time management skills
Knowledgeable about international student services, with a willingness to learn more
Experience and comfort with being in front of the camera and public speaking.
Ability to problem solve and remain calm in stressful situations.

Preferred qualifications and skills

Familiarity with productivity software (Microsoft Office) and teleconferencing technology (Microsoft Teams, Zoom)
Skills or experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Event planning
- Community organizing and advocacy work
- Quality improvement, evaluation

Tasks and responsibilities

In consultation with the International Experience Team, create agenda and distribute it along with associated documents prior to each scheduled meeting
Ensure attendance and meeting minutes are being recorded by assisting a notetaker
Ensures the committee functions properly:
- there is full participation during meetings,
- all relevant matters are discussed; and
- recommendations are brought back to the ISE Team.
Conduct meetings according to the terms of reference, and ensures that matters are dealt with in an orderly, efficient manner
Engage in relevant and necessary discussions at meetings to support the ISE team in achieving their goals
Where appropriate, follow up on assigned action items
Reflect on and provide feedback on the progression and impact of the committee

ISAC member

The ISAC Member will attend monthly meetings to advise and consult on international student services and initiatives for the duration of up to a one-year term.

This position requires you to attend meetings remotely. To be eligible for this role, when attending the meetings, you must have access to a private area, a computer and reliable internet.

Remuneration

$70 per meeting

Time commitment

Approximately two to three meetings each term, each meeting being about two hours long.

Required qualifications and skills

Must be a University of Waterloo student who holds a valid study permit *
Starting at least their 2A term in Spring 2023
Knowledgeable about international student services, with a willingness to learn more
Strong verbal and written communication skills

Preferred qualifications and skills

Skills or experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Event planning
- Public speaking
- Community organizing and advocacy work
- Quality improvement, evaluation
Strong time management skills
Knowledge of international student challenges

Tasks and responsibilities

Arrive prepared and on time for scheduled meetings
Review agenda and associated documents ahead of meetings
Consult with other students at University of Waterloo for feedback and insight regarding new or current international student services or initiatives
Be prepared to contribute to creative problem solving and diversification of ideas
Engage in relevant and necessary discussions at meetings to support the ISE team in achieving their goals
Where appropriate, follow up on assigned action items
Reflect on and provide feedback on the progression and impact of the committee

Application process

Prior committee experience is not required. To apply, fill out the online application form, including submitting a package consisting of a cover letter and resume. Applications received without a cover letter will not be considered.

Equity statement

The University of Waterloo respects, appreciates, and encourages diversity. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, ethnic origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, ability, or disability.