January 17, 2025
CIRCLE SAB: A Global Network
International students are vital to the University of Washington (UW), bringing diverse perspectives to address global challenges. Center of International Relations and Cultural Leadership Exchange (CIRCLE) is dedicated to enriching the academic, professional, and personal experiences of over 7,000 UW’s international students, coming from over 110 countries.
The strong international presence at UW calls for a dedicated support system to assist students in navigating cultural transitions, academic pressures, and access to resources. To address these, CIRCLE formed the Student Advisory Board (SAB) to consult with CIRCLE staff to inform programs and initiatives, share international student perspectives on pertinent policies and services, provide and advocate for an inclusive campus environment, and take initiatives to enhance international student experiences and promote student success.
SAB’s Vision
SAB’s vision is to amplify student voice and contribute to creating a supportive and inclusive campus environment. Each SAB initiative is inspired by members’ experiences and community insights, enabling SAB to refine its goals and deepen its impact. Through advocacy and collaboration, CIRCLE SAB fosters a campus culture that embraces global perspectives. For UW international students, SAB is more than an advisory board—it is a network of advocates, peer mentors and friends committed to making the Husky experience inclusive, empowering, and transformative for every member of the UW community.
CIRCLE SAB, a group of committed student leaders from diverse academic backgrounds and geographic regions, strives to advocate for over 7,000 international undergraduate and graduate students at UW.They contribute significantly to the enrichment of international student life. CIRCLE is proud of SAB members’ dedication and impact.
Ziyan Bai, Assistant Director of Graduate Programs & Operations
A Brief History of SAB
Since its founding in 2020, the SAB has continually adapted to meet evolving student needs:
- 2020-2021: Established to focus on the needs of undergraduate students.
- 2021-2022: Expanded to include graduate students’ needs.
- 2022-2023: Created new legislation and guidelines while building stronger connections with the Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS).
- 2023-2024: Secured a senate position with Associated Students of the University of Washington (ASUW), enhanced collaboration with different student governments, and launched new projects.
- 2024-2025: SAB now includes 19 members (link member pages), with 6 graduate students and 13 undergraduates from 10 countries. The board focuses on engaging the broader international student community, advocating for their needs, and guiding CIRCLE initiatives.
SAB Today: 2024-2025
The CIRCLE SAB reflects UW’s rich cultural fabric. For CIRCLE SAB in the 2024-2025 academic year, weekly meetings provide a welcoming space where ideas flow to improve the international student experience. These gatherings connect student voices directly to CIRCLE leadership, shaping initiatives that address real student concerns.
SAB members engage in advocacy and projects on issues such as academic support, employment, mental health, housing, even visa regulations. The board also collaborates with UW organizations like GPSS, ASUW, Husky Health, etc. to amplify its impact and strengthen its network. For example, through liaison roles, SAB stays well-informed of active legislative agenda discussed at GPSS and ASUW and contributes to these discussions by sharing international student experiences.
Being part of SAB is a journey of connection and collaboration. Members attend weekly meetings to discuss key topics and engage in quarterly retreats and training sessions to build leadership skills. They actively seek campus funding to support projects that promote inclusivity for international students.
We are highlighting several SAB members below; you can also see more information regarding the full board:
From Wuhan, China, I envision UW as a place where every student, regardless of where they come from, feels they truly belong—not just as individuals navigating a new space, but as integral threads in the fabric of a shared journey. At CIRCLE, everyone is welcomed.
Ru, 2024-25 SAB Co-Chair, Sophomore in Neuroscience
As a Fulbright student, my experience in the U.S. extends beyond academics to fostering cross-cultural understanding. CIRCLE provides an excellent platform for this exchange, enhancing the international student experience and supporting the university’s commitment to diversity.
Husna, 2024-25 SAB Co-Chair, Master of Urban Planning
My journey with CIRCLE began during my freshman year. For me, CIRCLE has always been more than just an organization—it has been a source of unwavering community support and lifelong friendships. Through CIRCLE, I have embraced numerous opportunities for professional growth and development. My role on the SAB has been particularly meaningful, providing me with a platform to advocate for international and exchange students and work toward enhancing their experience at the University of Washington.
Jood, 2024-25 CIRCLE-ASUW Liaison, Senior in Oceanography
Staying Connected with SAB
If you would like to be a part of this dynamic, impactful group, reach out to Ziyan Bai <baiziyan@uw.edu> to learn more about the CIRCLE SAB and how we are making a difference at the UW.