International Student Academic Advisor

The International Student and Scholar Services Advisor is a professional position within the International Student and Scholar Services unit in the Office for International Programs. The advisor performs a variety of duties in direct support of international students and scholars; provides advising, administrative and technical support; and develops and facilitates programming. As a staff member in a high traffic, multi-function office, this position also involves support of new initiatives, the unit’s web presence, and additional responsibilities as assigned. 

Essential Job Functions

• Advising: Provides advising, counseling, and administrative services to international students and their dependents (included, but not limited to, advising regarding visa status, employment authorization, social security, taxation, and immigration as well as cross-cultural, financial, academic, and personal issues, etc.). Ensures compliance with all applicable Department of Homeland Security laws, regulations, and guidelines pertaining to international students.
• Immigration: Issues and Processes initial immigration documents (e.g., I-20, DS 2019) for newly admitted students and other international students as necessary. Serves as Designated School Official (DSO) and as Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for F-1 and J-1 International Students.
• Administration: Prepares and processes immigration petitions and other documents for international students related to employment authorization, Social Security, etc. Ensures proper administration of university and international student compliance with federal regulations regarding Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Utilizes university immigration management software to manage international student and scholar caseload.
• Communications: Creates ISSS unit’s electronic newsletter as well as maintains unit’s website and social media sites dedicated to international students and events. Assists in the preparation of reports including statistical data on international students and scholars, audits, and on-site reviews as required.
• Programming: Assists in the creation and implementation of programming for international students, including orientation, cross-cultural adaptation, themed workshops, International Education Week events, and other activities. Collaborates with colleagues across campus to provide services and advocacy for international students.
• Reporting to the Director of International Student and Scholar Services, this position will assist as needed with other duties within the office, including assisting with international scholar and staff needs where applicable.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and/or Work Experience

Bachelor’s degree in a related field and a minimum of one year of related work experience; relevant experience functioning in a cross-cultural setting such as studying, working, and/or teaching abroad; U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency required; experience advising college students; outstanding written and oral communication skills; and strong computer and presentation skills.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field and a minimum of one year of related work experience; relevant experience functioning in a cross-cultural setting such as studying, working, and/or teaching abroad; U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency required; experience advising college students; outstanding written and oral communication skills; and strong computer and presentation skills. Must be able to communicate effectively with a culturally diverse clientele, establish and maintain effective working relationships, and function as part of a team in a high traffic office.

Preferred qualifications:
Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, International Education, Intercultural Communication, or a related field and a minimum of one year of relevant experience or combination thereof; demonstrated experience with communications and marketing; experience with college student activities and programming; knowledge of F-1 and J-1 immigration regulations; strong computer skills.

Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States to be eligible for DSO/ARO status in the SEVIS system.