SUMMARY:

The Director of International Student Services , under general direction, directs programs that provide assistance to international students, exchange visitors, and their families regarding personal, academic, and immigration-related concerns. Serves as primary advocate for international students and scholars with university departments and off-campus entities by providing support in several areas including but not limited to cultural differences, language barriers, academic progress, conflict resolution, and employment requirements and processes. Assists with developing goals and missions for the Global Programs division.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serves as the University’s Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO), ensuring Texas A&M University-Commerce students, scholars, and university departments comply with all government regulations regarding international students and scholars. Serves as point of contact and signee for Global Programs division in the absence of the Executive Director.
• Gathers required information and completes all U.S. government forms and applications for Re-Designation and Recertification, filing reports as required and completing student reporting as required by the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State.
• Prepares and disburses I-20 and DS-2019 forms to allow new international students to contact U.S. Embassies in their respective home countries and apply for a visa to enter the United States, having and official signature approval from the U.S. Government. Collaborates with admission offices on issues related to admissions processes for international students and facilitates timely transition from admission to ISSS for issuance of I-20 and DS-2019.
• Oversees and performs the review process for academic progress and enrollment for international students each semester in order to ensure compliance with current and new immigration regulations. Coordinates necessary intervention with the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State on behalf of international students and scholars should problems arise.
• Oversees  University compliance with Department of Homeland Security and Department of State by developing and updating policies, eligibility requirements and application processes  for practical training employment and other off-campus employment benefits as well as other benefits (reinstatement, change of status, academic training) for F and J students and scholars and their dependents.
• Manages department budget and daily operations for the ISSS. Signs as the official account manager and approver for operating, HEF and local accounts. Manages and approves annual equipment inventory.
• Directs and assists with health insurance enrollment processes for F and J visa holders to ensure compliance with A&M System and Department of State policies and coordinates liaison efforts for international students and scholars with System Student Health Insurance Provider and local healthcare providers.
• Develops and implements communication and reporting requirements for students on post-graduation Optional Practical Training.
• Creates and provides reports to colleges, academic department heads, admissions officers, and other offices with current international student enrollment and expected new student enrollment each semester.
• Oversees ISSS social media activity and assists with creating content and coordinates updates to communications plans.
• Manages and coordinates invitations by collaborating with various university departments for existing J-1 Exchange Visitors and coordinates pre-approval information and conducts check in and orientation for all new J visa Exchange Visitors.
• Oversees new and transfer international student pre-arrival processes, communication, resources and information orientations to ensure compliance with system policies and Department of Homeland Security and Department of State regulations. Creates, implements and supervises informational workshops for international students and facilitates outreach to university departments to provide information or updates about visa requirements and benefits or provides cross-cultural training.
• Develops and implements effective international student retention strategies and programs. Oversees and assists with development, organization, and implementation of cross-cultural programs, trips and events for the university and surrounding community to ensure fulfillment and support of the university mission and strategic plan.
• Manages employment updates and completes cap gap extension applications related to H1-B petitions for students as required for up to 36 months after graduation.
• Serves as Chair of the International Student Advisory Committee. Serves as a resource to students, administration, faculty and staff regarding compliance with immigration regulations.