Honors and International Advisor – Part Time 20 Hours

Dominican University•River Forest, IL

About The Position

The Honors and International Advisor is a part-time member of Dominican University's academic advising team, serving students in the Mazzuchelli Scholars Honors Program, incoming F-1 international students, incoming J-1 exchange visitors and scholars, and outgoing study abroad students. The role works collaboratively with colleagues across the university to support student retention, academic progress, and graduation. The advisor provides academic and programmatic support to Mazzuchelli Scholars in collaboration with the Honors Program Director. As a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), the advisor leads F-1 and J-1 regulatory compliance and international student and scholar support, including maintaining SEVIS records, issuing I-20 and DS-2019 forms, advising on immigration policies, and managing the Optional Practical Training (OPT) process. The role also evaluates Curricular Practical Training (CPT) applications. In partnership with the Director of Study Abroad, the advisor supports incoming and outgoing exchange students with academic planning, registration, course adjustments, and course equivalency records. The advisor also develops and improves international student orientation, maintains resources, provides proactive support and referrals, and responds to student needs. The position reports to the Executive Director of Academic Success & University Registrar and partners with the Director of Study Abroad Programs and the Director of the Mazzuchelli Honors Program. It is part-time, 20–29 hours per week, and pays $30.00 per hour.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
At least two years of relevant work experience in higher education, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Previous experience with and knowledge of international student and exchange scholar populations and regulations, including SEVIS and F-1 and J-1 visa requirements.
Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence to serve as DSO and ARO, as required by the Department of Homeland Security.
Ability to pass periodic criminal background checks required by federal regulations.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for maintaining a high caseload of time-sensitive immigration requests.
Ability to interpret and apply complex policies and regulations.
Cultural awareness and ability to work with a diverse student body.
Ability to collaborate within and across teams.
Exceptional attention to detail and data accuracy.
Strong communication skills and a high degree of professionalism.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Demonstrated commitment to continuous professional development.
Strategic problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to work independently while contributing to team success.
Ability to spend long periods of the workday sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Ability to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Nice To Haves

Experience with academic advising.
Experience working with a variety of academic information systems.
Experience studying, living, and/or working abroad.

Responsibilities

Advise Mazzuchelli Honors Scholars on course selection, graduation eligibility audits, transitions into and out of the honors program, and follow-up with the Honors Director and University Registrar.
Provide drop-in advising appointments for international and honors students and develop familiarity with Dominican University's academic programs to respond accurately to student inquiries.
Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for SEVP and ensure compliance with federal regulations governing F-1 and J-1 students and scholars.
Manage SEVIS records; prepare and issue I-20s for F-1 students and DS-2019s for J-1 students and scholars; and manage the OPT process for international graduates.
Interpret immigration policies and regulatory changes and advise students, faculty, university leadership, and other stakeholders.
Evaluate and process CPT applications by reviewing employer offer letters, job descriptions, and academic credit and alignment, then updating Form I-20 with CPT employment authorization as appropriate.
Monitor federal guidance and global developments affecting international students and translate regulations into actionable guidance.
Monitor and analyze federal immigration regulation updates affecting F and J students and their dependents.
Design, implement, and continuously improve international student orientation; maintain current resources; provide proactive support, crisis response, and referrals to campus services.
Partner with the Director of Study Abroad on programs of study for incoming and outgoing exchange students, facilitate and monitor registration, assist with registration changes, and maintain partner-institution course equivalency records.
Perform other related duties as assigned.