International Student Advisor & GA Program Coordinator (30432)

OTTAWA UNIVERSITY•Ottawa, KS

7d•Onsite

About The Position

This position serves a dual role: International Programs Coordinator and GA Program Coordinator. The International Programs Coordinator is responsible for effectively coordinating international programming, including student academic and policy advising, records, and policy administration, serving as a Federal Designated School Official (DSO). The GA Program Coordinator is responsible for the service-oriented administration of the University Graduate Assistant Program, acting as a facilitator, communicator, and problem solver for Graduate Assistants, requiring collaboration with various university departments. The role demands a strong service orientation and involves working closely with academic program directors, admissions, financial aid, international programs, student accounts, human resources, compliance, payroll/finance departments, and GA Managers. It requires implementing policies, procedures, and processes, necessitating knowledge and continued development in related professional fields.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required.
Three years higher education or related experience.
Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
Ability to work effectively/collaboratively with others.
Proven leadership skills in collaborative organizations.
Proven interpersonal and communication skills.
Must be U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident to be approved as DSO.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Experience in project management preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as a Federal Designated School Official (DSO), approved by the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP), responsible for generating I-20s, updating SEVIS records, entering CPT, generating reports within SEVIS, and ensuring SEVIS records are kept up-to-date.
Act as the international advisor, assisting international students with requests concerning immigration status, academic status, and other general needs.
Assist with all aspects of the graduate partner programs including the DBA, EMBA, MSN, and MSCS.
Serve as the international student advisor for residential students at the Ottawa, KS campus.
Serve the International Programs Office in both a strategic and administrative role, facilitating international student communications and document processing.
Advise on F-1 Visa Approval and Immigration qualifications approval.
Advise on international student financial eligibility and resources, language ability, academic qualifications, credentials, application processing, and consulate information.
Coordinate Federal SEVIS Management System (Requires federal approval and training).
Participate in international transcript evaluation, validation, recording, and adjudication.
Act as an ombudsman and advocate for the International Student Population.
Facilitate international student orientation.
Serve as advisor for international travel (Faculty and Student travel).
Maintain internal documentation and record system management, including budget.
Manage and assure accuracy and communication of the international student handbook in collaboration with the University’s Director of Compliance.
Facilitate and communicate effectively with all offices and departments that collaborate with International Programs.
Travel to various Ottawa University campuses to conduct international student orientation and hold student advising sessions.
Assist in training the International Programs Graduate Assistant, when applicable.
Assist with various projects as assigned by the Director of International Programs.
Maintain confidentiality of data and information during performance of duties and incorporate safeguards for the security and integrity of all information, data, and records.
Assure information and activities are handled with confidentiality and meet the expectations of the University’s Code of Conduct and Ethics.
Provide leadership to those with whom you work through your conduct, attitude, and professionalism.
Represent the University to students, employees, alumni, and external groups in a way that reflects well on OU.
Provide customer service support to the International Programs Office as needed.
Conduct responsibilities assuring GA policy and practices are consistent with university policy and meet regulatory requirements, focusing on maximizing the effectiveness of processes and systems.
Serve Graduate Assistants with efficiency and care, ensuring information is communicated and implemented positively for the Graduate Assistant experience.
Work collaboratively with related departments and GA Managers to ensure effective support and decision-making on behalf of Graduate Assistants.
Ensure compliance with University policy and prevailing compliance standards.
Provide accurate and timely service to prospective and current Graduate Assistants.
Collaborate with appropriate department(s) to resolve questions if unable to resolve directly.
Ensure effective communication with University departments as appropriate and necessary.
Provide coordination and support to GA Hiring Managers, in cooperation with Human Resources, during recruitment processes.
Collaborate with HR and unit budget administrators to ensure positions are within budget and properly defined.
Ensure proper tuition waivers are applied to all Graduate Assistant student accounts and work with the GA to complete the required Waiver Request process if necessary.
Approve waivers based on expected policy standards.
Reconcile any differences with AR and HR as needed to ensure GA student accounts are in good standing.
Effectively utilize the ERP Administrative System, Paycom, and other related systems to collect, analyze, and report data and information related to the Graduate Assistant program.
Ensure Graduate Assistants have completed required trainings prior to the start of their academic program and work.
Notify applicable parties when a Graduate Assistant is not following expected standards and/or responding to required expectations.
Ensure Graduate Assistants maintain academic eligibility to remain within their academic program and GA position.
Collaborate with Graduate Program Directors as needed on behalf of a Graduate Assistant to ensure policies and procedures are met and the Graduate Assistant is supported.
Ensure International Student requirements are met.
Understand and monitor specific regulations to ensure the Graduate Assistant remains in compliance with their VISA status and required standards.
Monitor the progress of Graduate Assistants through their academic program.
When a Graduate Program is complete and the individual is ready to graduate, ensure the Graduate Assistant position is terminated in Paycom and the bi-weekly living stipend ends in a timely manner.
Perform other duties as assigned.