Leadership

Offices and Services / Center for Intercultural Student Development / Leadership

As you strive to think deeply, act justly and live wholeheartedly at Calvin and beyond we think it's imperative to fully realize your university experience by engaging in learning outside of the classroom. Leadership opportunities allow students to develop as leaders, develop as team players, strengthen their voice, impact our community and serve as educators and mentors for the campus and fellow peers.

Multicultural Student Advisory Board (MSAB)

The Multicultural Student Advisory Board is a diverse group of students committed to campus-wide anti-racism education, cultural competency and racial reconciliation, with the goal of creating a safe, welcoming and diverse campus community. MSAB seeks to nurture an environment in which an appreciation for diversity can thrive to model the kingdom of Jesus Christ, composed of people from every nation, language, and tribe. 

• Qualifications

  Members of the Multicultural Student Advisory Board vary in racial/ethnic background, socio-economic background, major and experience. Members must be willing to share their life experiences, open to learning from others, and be committed to racial reconciliation in honor of the Biblical command to “love thy neighbor as thyself.” Studying abroad or taking an off-campus interim does not automatically disqualify a candidate from being selected.

• More Info

  Duties

  • Work on a team of 6–8 peers
  • Plan annual UnLearn Week events.
  • Facilitate bi-monthly campus-wide discussions on topics ranging from student self-segregation and racial micro-aggressions to the racial dynamics of group assignments and culture shock.
  • Cross-campus collaboration to plan cultural heritage celebrations.
  • Participation in Intercultural Intelligence, Cultural Competency, Anti-Racism, and Inclusive Campus Climate trainings.
  • Attend weekly group meeting/weekly one-on-one meeting with CISD staff member.
  • 3-6 hours a week commitment (time varies depending on the time of year)

International Student Association Committee (ISAC)

The International Student Association Committee is a student led committee that partners with the CISD to support the international student body in their cultural adjustment. ISAC seeks to support international students and third culture kids (TCK) by designing and promoting activities that will create community among themselves and help them adjust to the larger Calvin community. In addition, it seeks to promote a greater awareness of the appreciation for international issues and different cultures among staff and students on Calvin's campus.

We host social events that give opportunity for fun and fellowship on campus and Grand Rapids, coordinate transportation for grocery store trips, and plan programs that allow students to share their culture with the larger community.

• Qualifications

  Any student with the following characteristics may apply for the International Student Association Committee:

  • Has citizenship outside the US OR has significant international experience
  • Has interest in and commitment to helping new students make a smooth and successful adjustment to Calvin
  • Shows a willingness to exercise gifts of creativity, hospitality, and service
  • Is committed to working on a tight knit team
  • Demonstrates confidence and maturity in interpersonal relationships
  • Strives to manifest Christian commitment in thought, word, and deed
  • Has a minimum GPA of 2.5
  • Maintains full-time student status at Calvin for the fall and spring semesters of the year applying. Fulfills the college's eligibility requirements for participation in campus activities as reflected in the Student Handbook
• More Info

  Leadership Positions

  President (previous ISAC experience required)

  • Overseeing all the ISAC members
  • Represent ISAC at other Calvin events as needed
  • Lead planning and brainstorming for events
  • Delegate tasks for each event in conjunction with team
  • Lead meetings once a week with ISAC members
  • Plan orientation for the new committee members (with Advisor and VP)
  • Book venues for all the ISAC events in coordination with VP
  • Confirm order food and contact all the vendors for ISAC dinners in coordination with VP
  • Meet weekly with Advisor and VP

Ambassadors

The CISD Ambassadors aim to empower American students of color through events that will help them better understand how to navigate their university experience, as well as deepen their understanding of culture in their own lives. Ambassadors seeks to support students and equip them to overcome obstacles that they will encounter in future endeavors. We mentor first year students of color, host social events and provide resources through Empowerment Series throughout the academic year.

• Qualifications

  Any student with the following characteristics may apply to be an Ambassador:

  • Must be a full time student
  • Must be in good academic standing
  • Must be a Sophomore or higher student status
  • Have an understanding/experience of campus resources/activities
  • Must attend Spring and Fall trainings
• More Info

  Duties

  • Mentor a small group of first year students of color
  • Plan and promote events on campus which assist in first year transition, and personal enrichment
  • Is committed to working on a tight knit team
  • Demonstrates confidence and maturity in interpersonal relationships
  • Strives to manifest Christian commitment in thought, word, and deed
  • Attend weekly group meeting/weekly one-on-one meeting with CISD staff member.
  • 3-6 hours a week commitment (time varies depending on the time of year)

General Application Process

If you are interested in influencing your community and growing in leadership skills, STEP UP to serve. Please view this document for different positions available for each leadership teams.

Please complete the following steps by March 9th, 2023, 5PM:

1. Submit the CISD Common Application Form
2. Send the following link to your 2 references and ensure that they are submitted by March 9 (Note: CISD staff members cannot be your reference): Link here

IMPACT & International Orientation Assistant

OAs are the welcoming faces that meet new international and American students of color and their families when they first arrive in Grand Rapids or on campus.

They work tirelessly to implement every part of IMPACT and International Orientation and are a great resource for new students even after classes have begun. Learn more about the program and apply today!

Orientation Assistant Application Process

If you are interested in influencing your community and growing in leadership skills, STEP UP to serve. Please view this document for different positions available for each leadership teams.

Please complete the following steps by Feb 26th, 2023 NOON:

1. Submit the Orientation Assistant Application Form
2. Send the following link to your 2 references and ensure that they are submitted by Feb 26 (Note: CISD staff members cannot be your reference): Link here