How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Summary

Department Summary

The International Center, a unit within the Division of Student Life, focuses on student learning and the development of the whole student in an inclusive campus community. In collaboration with its campus partners, the International Center serves the international population, facilitates intercultural and international education, and works to foster a global campus community.  The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) team, housed within the International Center, primarily assists F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors on the University’s Ann Arbor campus. Please see the following link for more information about the International Center:  http://www.internationalcenter.umich.edu/.

Job Summary

International Student and Scholar Advisors (ISSAs) serve as Designated School Officials (DSOs) and Alternate Responsible Officers (AROs) for the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor’s F-1 and J-1 programs.  They use their expert knowledge of federal immigration regulations related to F-1 and J-1 status to independently advise and educate F-1 international students, J-1 exchange visitors, dependents, and academic units on matters directly related to federal immigration regulations.  They evaluate, analyze, and compare various courses of action F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors may take, and have the authority to make independent decisions on matters of significance, free from immediate direction, within the scope of their responsibilities.  ISSAs exercise considerable independent judgment and discretion when officially representing the University of Michigan to the Department of Homeland Security (SEVP, USCIS, CBP, etc.) and the Department of State.  They help formulate, implement, and maintain institutional policies, business procedures, and information systems that relate to F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors.  ISSAs also make independent decisions when advising on academic support resources, adjustment issues, personal and family concerns, and emergency situations.  They develop, conduct, and evaluate educational presentations, workshops, programs, and activities related to immigration regulations, cultural adjustment, and intercultural competency. 

Responsibilities*

ADVISING INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS (50%)

• Represent the University as an authorized Designated School Official (DSO) for U-M’s F-1 visa program, and as an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for U-M’s J-1 visa program.
• Advise and educate F-1 international students, J-1 exchange visitors, dependents, and academic units on federal immigration regulations using expert knowledge of relevant federal statutes, regulations, and sub-regulatory guidance.
• Judge and assess the needs of F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors while advising on academic support resources, academic issues, personal and family matters, social and cultural adjustment, emergency situations, etc.
• Use expert knowledge, independent decision making, and discretion to advise F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors on complex scenarios that may involve immigration, personal, and cultural issues.
• Process immigration documents for F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors accurately and efficiently.
• Assist F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors with immigration applications, such as requests for employment authorization, change of status, reinstatement, etc.
• Review and approve requests for Certificates of Eligibility (Forms I-20 and DS-2019) for U-M Admissions Offices and Academic Departments.
• Formulate, implement, and maintain institutional policies, business procedures, and information systems related to F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors (in partnership with other U-M offices when necessary).
• Develop and maintain relationships with schools and colleges regarding their F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitor populations.
• Participate in U-M committees as an expert on the international student population and experience, and on immigration regulations affecting F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors.
• Communicate U.S. immigration regulations and any regulatory changes to the University community using multiple delivery methods, such as the web, targeted email, printed materials, and formal presentations.

FEDERAL REGULATIONS COMPLIANCE (30%)

• Acquire and maintain expert knowledge of highly technical Department of Homeland Security and Department of State regulations affecting F-1 international students, J-1 exchange visitors, and their dependents.
• Comply with U.S. federal regulations for the collection, retention, and reporting of information for F-1 nonimmigrants to the Department of Homeland Securing and J-1 nonimmigrants to the Department of State.
• Ensure U-M immigration policies, procedures, files, and data maintain compliance with U.S. federal regulations in order to preserve the University’s approval to sponsor F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors.
• Use M-Passport (Terra Dotta ISSS) to report and maintain accurate F-1 and J-1 data to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) under penalty of perjury.
• Ensure that all F-1 international student and J-1 exchange visitor immigration documents comply with federal regulations and institutional policies.
• Manage SEVIS records of F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors and notify them of issues that may affect their U.S. immigration status.
• Partner and communicate with other U-M offices to ensure University-wide compliance with federal regulations as they relate to F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors.
• Monitor foreign government policies and actions that may impact F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT (20%)

• Develop, conduct, and evaluate programs, workshops, orientation sessions, and activities that:
  • educate F-1 international students, J-1 exchange visitors, and academic departments on current U.S. immigration regulations and benefits.
  • assist F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors with their social and cultural adjustment and integration into U-M and Ann Arbor communities.
  • enhance student learning and development.
• Liaise with various schools, colleges, offices, and Student Life units to improve communication and to collaborate on programming to meet the needs of the IC’s diverse clientele.
• Plan and present workshops for the International Center's International Student/Scholar Orientation Program.
• Prepare and present workshops to inform administrative and advising staff of schools and colleges about issues pertaining to F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors.

OTHER

• Participate as needed in programs meetings, committees, and work groups, as a member of the Student Life and International Center staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications*

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident status (federal requirement for Designated School Officials and Alternate Responsible Officers).
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Demonstrated substantial knowledge of F and J regulations.
• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation applications, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Desired Qualifications*

• Master’s degree.
• Two or more years of experience advising international students and scholars.
• Experience advising graduate students.
• Experience communicating with groups and with individuals on routine and sensitive matters.
• Experience studying a foreign language.
• Experience studying, working, volunteering or living in a foreign country for an extended period of time.
• Experience at a large or complex higher education institution.
• Familiarity with administrative information systems used by U-M (e.g. PeopleSoft), and with specialized case management software used by international student offices (e.g. Terra Dotta ISSS or Sunapsis).
• Experience with J-1 Exchange Visitor (both student and scholar categories) visa advising.
• Experience with B-1/B-2, TN, and H-1B immigration categories.
• Knowledge regarding student development and international student concerns.

Additional Information

Position Criteria:

• Excellent interpersonal communication, written communication, and customer service skills.
• Strong cross-cultural communication skills and experience working in a diverse environment.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and understand complex federal immigration regulations and educate others using clear, concise language.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing demands and priorities.
• Demonstrated experience planning, preparing, and giving formal presentations.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively as a member of a team.

Working conditions

Monday – Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm in general, with occasional evenings and weekends, as needed.

This position may be eligible for remote and/or flexible work opportunities at the discretion of the hiring department. Flexible work agreements are reviewed annually and are subject to change dependent on the business needs of the hiring department, throughout the course of employment.

Physical requirements

Ability to move and transport items weighing up to fifteen (15)  pounds.

Direct reports

May supervise temporary student employees.

This role may have reporting obligations under Title IX and Clery.

Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment and applicants for this position will not be sponsored for work visas.  

Salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and education of the selected candidate.

#studentlife

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters when eligible, are required for all University of Michigan students, faculty and staff across all campuses, including Michigan Medicine.  This includes those working remotely.   More information on this new policy is available on the Campus Blueprint website or the UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint websites.