CIRCLE Student Advisory Board Chair

CIRCLE Student Advisory Board: Chair

Department Description

The Center for International Relations & Cultural Leadership Exchange (CIRCLE) in the Student Life Division is a department dedicated to supporting and engaging international students. CIRCLE also creates intentional opportunities for both domestic and international students to connect, learn from each other, and develop the skills necessary to succeed in a global economy. As part of its mission to serve as a “home away from home” for students, CIRCLE emphasizes fostering a student-centered environment that promotes community building and meaningful learning experiences.

The Center for International Relations & Cultural Leadership Exchange, Student Advisory Board (CIRCLE SAB) serves as the official advisory body on international student experiences at the University of Washington’s Seattle Campus. The Board's core principles focus on engaging and advocating for international student interests at the University of Washington through the following actions: 

1. Collaborating with CIRCLE staff to provide student perspectives and input on programs and initiatives related to international students on Seattle campus.
2. Representing and formalizing the international student body's opinions on topics of interest, influencing the impact of University Administration policies and campus affairs. 
3. Advocating for the creation of spaces and environments that empower international students to participate in the administrative and legislative processes of the University, thereby increasing international student representation in critical campus discussions. 
4. Undertaking initiatives to enhance international student experiences and to promote their academic, professional and personal success.

Position Description 

The Student Advisory Board (SAB) Chair plays a pivotal role in fostering collaboration, amplifying international student voices, and driving initiatives that enhance their overall experiences at the University of Washington. As a leader, the Chair ensures the smooth operation of the SAB, bridges communication between students and the university's administration, and advocates for meaningful representation of international students in critical campus decisions. Through effective organization, representation, and program support, the SAB Chair significantly contributes to shaping a supportive and inclusive environment for international students, aligning with CIRCLE’s mission of cultural leadership and engagement. 

Pay Rate: $23 per hour for graduate students; $20.76 per hour for undergraduate students. 

Hours: 5-10 hours per week during fall, winter, spring quarters.

Length of Position: 2025-2026 Academic Year, with a preferred start in summer 2025 and the potential for extension beyond one academic year.

Responsibilities 

Under the supervision of the CIRCLE Assistant Director of Graduate Programs and Operations, the Student Advisory Board (SAB) Chair will be responsible for overseeing the following: 

1. Day-to-Day Logistics: Manage SAB operations, including member engagement, setting meeting agendas, planning retreats, and coordinating special projects involving SAB members.
2. Representation: Represent CIRCLE on various boards, committees, senates, or other student government entities (e.g., ASUW and GPSS) as needed, or appoint designated representatives. Serve as the SAB spokesperson and representative to external entities.
3. Event Management and Coordination: Organize and plan SAB board events (e.g., weekly meetings, quarterly meetings and retreats). 
4. Collaboration with Campus Community: Invite campus community representatives upon the board's request. 
5. Community Management: Maintain rosters and facilitate communication between CIRCLE professional staff and the SAB. 
6. Recruitment and Selection: Co-lead all of the recruitment process for new SAB members, including managing applications, interviews, and selection, in partnership with the CIRCLE Assistant Director. 
7. Administrative Duties: Manage additional administrative tasks to ensure the SAB's smooth functioning. 
8. Program Support: Provide assistance during CIRCLE programs and events as part of the CIRCLE staff. 

Requirements 

• Registered as a UW undergraduate or graduate student in any field of study.
• Candidates need to meet the UW student employment policy. 
• Prior experience as a member of a student leadership group, committee, or student government is preferred, but not mandatory. 
• Demonstrated ability to engage with diverse campus and community populations, particularly international undergraduate and graduate students.
• General familiarity with the University of Washington’s operations, structure, student services and student organizations.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, e.g., public speaking skills.
• Proven project management skills with the ability to plan, organize, and execute tasks effectively. 
• Professional, reliable, and detail oriented.
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment while also working independently. 

How to Apply 

Interested students should submit a cover letter and a resume via Google Form (https://forms.gle/StScUQSZAfrTUGecA) by 11:59 PM PT on Sunday, May 11, 2025. In the cover letter, please respond to the following questions: 

1. What inspires you to apply for the position of SAB Chair? How does this role align with your personal goals, experiences, and values?
2. What do you believe are the key challenges faced by international students at UW, and how would you address them through this role?
3. Share examples of how your leadership, organizational, or collaborative skills have made a positive impact in a prior role, especially in engaging diverse communities. 
4. What initiatives or ideas would you propose to enhance international student experience at UW, and how would you implement them as the SAB Chair? 

Send questions to Ziyan Bai, CIRCLE Assistant Director of Graduate Programs and Operations at baiziyan@uw.edu. In-person interviews will take place in late May or early June.