The V.I.S.A. Executive Team: Structure and Setup

The overall activities of the Volunteer International Students Assistance (V.I.S.A.) is the purview of the Executive team. The V.I.S.A. Executive team has two levels of members. They are the Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator level, and the Executive and Associate level.

Executive Member Levels

The Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator are both in excellent academic standing (8.0 or higher), and are at least in their 3rd year. In addition, they should also have at least one year’s experience as a V.I.S.A. Executive prior to taking up the position.

The members of the team at Executive and Associate level must also be in good academic standing, and should have completed at least one year of studies at the University of Windsor.

Executive Areas of Responsibility

Members at the Executive and Associate levels have specific areas of responsibility. Currently these areas are: Events, Publications, Training & Operations, Marketing & Promotions, Special Events & Fund Raising and Community Outreach. Some areas have both an Executive and an Associate, while some areas have just an Executive responsible.

Specific Duties of the Executives

The Coordinator: The V.I.S.A. Coordinator supervises the development of all V.I.S.A events, activities and initiatives throughout the semester as well as taking part on different events at the University to bring new ideas and initiatives for the association. The Coordinator acts as a figurehead, leader and liaison for the team. The Coordinator position is akin to a full-time work position. However as a full-time student as well, the Coordinator has an added responsibility to the team and themselves.

Assistant Coordinator: The Assistant Coordinator must work with the Coordinator with day-to-day V.I.S.A. activities, support the executive committee, and be able to deputize in the absence of the coordinator. The Assistant Coordinator and the Coordinator must have an excellent understanding and rapport, as the entire team will look up to them for their experience, knowledge and leadership.

Executive for Events: The Executive for Events plans events such as: fund raisers for the group, field trips, social initiatives and promoting diversity. The Executive for Events has extensive work and responsibility throughout the year, as the events are the most visible outlet of V.I.S.A. to the University of Windsor. The Executive must also have a good rapport and working relationship with the Associate for Events as well.

Associate for Events: The Associate for Events support and enriches events planned by the executive team. He/she must also be able to take upon the responsibility of the Executive when needed, and must be in constant communication and have a good working understanding with the Executive.

Executive for Publications: The Executive for Publications must be experienced in writing, designing, and editing with our monthly and semester newsletters. They must be able to work well under deadlines, coordinate volunteer support for the newsletter and be creative and imaginative towards the success of the newsletter. He/she must also be maintaining a good rapport with the Associate for Events as well.

Associate for Publications: The Associate for Publications supports and contribute throughout the publication process. They must also be experienced in the areas of expertise for Publications as the Executive. They must also maintain a good rapport with their Executive.

Executive for Training & Operations: The Executive for Training & Operations plans and participates at interpersonal development programs, keep track of volunteer hours and volunteer for events within the University community. They must be driven by a desire for advancement of student learning and professional as well personal development. They must also maintain a good rapport with their Associate.

Associate for Training & Operations: The Associate for Training & Operations supports and assists in carrying out programs and events that aims personal and professional development. They must also assist the Executive with their tasks as well. They must also maintain a good rapport with their Executive.

Executive for Special events: The Executive for Special Events organizes and initiates events that provide education and awareness of global issues. They must create events and initiatives to raise funds for humanitarian causes.

Executive for Community Outreach: The Executive for Community Outreach must discover and invite students to take part on volunteer opportunities within the Windsor-Essex areas at various community development & support centres.

Executive for Marketing and Promotions: The Executive for Marketing and Promotions must advertise V.I.S.A. events, and seek out sponsorship for those events as well as for the newsletter and other activities. The Executive for Marketing must be proactive in finding support for V.I.S.A.’s activities.

Some of the members of the 2008-2009 V.I.S.A. Executive Team

Some of the members of the 2009-2010 Executive team

A Brief History of V.I.S.A.

Back in the year 2000, the International Student Centre (ISC) we know today did not exist. The current Director of the ISC, Mrs. Kim Moore was handling the affairs of the international students out of the Registrars office. UWindsor student Angela Khoo noticed how her workload was so overwhelming, and there was no support for her. Angela and her friends began volunteering for Mrs. Moore, and that group of people eventually formed the Volunteer International Students Assistance, or V.I.S.A. Angela became the head of the group, and V.I.S.A.’s first Coordinator.

From those humble beginnings, V.I.S.A. continued to expand over the next few years under the leadership of various Coordinators, dedicated Executives, and diverse groups of volunteers. But it was during two year leadership of Joanna Chan in the 2003-2005 period that V.I.S.A.’s current structure was brought in place. Her extraordinary efforts for the group are now recognized by the Annual Leadership Award for V.I.S.A. Executives being named in her honour.

Joanna’s efforts were continued on by Abu Arif in the 2006-2007 academic year, and then by Mallika Padmanabhan from 2007 to the end of 2008. The efforts of these two Coordinators expanded V.I.S.A.’s horizons and volunteer base. It was during that time that I became involved with V.I.S.A. as well.

At the beginning of 2009, Laura Prada became the next V.I.S.A. Coordinator. She ended her tenure at the end of August of the same year. After being the Assistant Coordinator under Laura during that time, I took over from her and continued on till the end of the 2009-2010 academic year. Lulua Mala succeeded me as Coordinator for the 2010-2011 year. The current Coordinator of the group is Mahek Ajmera, who began his term in December of 2010.

Cody Hall, the home of the International Student Centre

ISC Staff at Christmas, including Mr. Enrique Chacon (Santa), Mrs. Kim Moore and others

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abu Arif: V.I.S.A. Coordinator, 2006-2007

Mallika Padmanabhan, V.I.S.A. Coordinator 2007-2009 and Myself