International Student Advisor & GA Program Coordinator (30432)

Ottawa University•Ottawa, KS

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position serves a dual role, coordinating international programming and advising international students, as well as administering the University Graduate Assistant (GA) Program. The International Programs Coordinator is responsible for student academic and policy advising, records, and policy administration, including serving as a Federal Designated School Official (DSO). The GA Program Coordinator is responsible for service-oriented administration of the Graduate Assistant Program, acting as a facilitator, communicator, and problem solver for Graduate Assistants. This role requires effective collaboration with various university departments, including academic program directors, admissions, financial aid, international programs, student accounts, human resources, compliance, payroll/finance, and GA Managers. The position involves implementing policies and procedures, requiring 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, and ensuring SEVIS records are up-to-date.
Serve as the international advisor for international students, addressing requests concerning immigration status, academic status, and other general needs.
Assist with all aspects of graduate partner programs, including DBA, EMBA, MSN, and MSCS.
Serve as the international student advisor for residential students at the Ottawa, KS campus.
Facilitate international student communications and document processing.
Advise on F-1 Visa Approval and Immigration qualifications.
Advise on international student financial eligibility, resources, language ability, academic qualifications, credentials, application processing, and consulate information.
Coordinate the 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 collaborating 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 and incorporate safeguards for security and integrity.
Assure information and activities are handled with confidentiality and meet University’s Code of Conduct and Ethics expectations.
Provide leadership through conduct, attitude, and professionalism.
Represent the University positively to students, employees, alumni, and external groups.
Provide customer service support to the International Programs Office as needed.
Ensure GA policy and practices are consistent with university policy and meet regulatory requirements, focusing on process effectiveness.
Serve Graduate Assistants with efficiency and care, communicating information positively.
Collaborate with related departments and GA Managers to ensure effective support and decision-making for 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 departments to resolve questions not immediately answerable.
Ensure effective communication with University departments.
Provide coordination and support to GA Hiring Managers in cooperation with Human Resources for 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 process waiver requests.
Approve waivers based on expected policy standards.
Reconcile differences with AR and HR to ensure GA student accounts are in good standing.
Utilize the ERP Administrative System, Paycom, and other related systems to collect, analyze, and report data for 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 or responding to requirements.
Ensure Graduate Assistants maintain academic eligibility for their academic program and GA position.
Collaborate with Graduate Program Directors on behalf of Graduate Assistants to ensure policies and procedures are met and the Graduate Assistant is supported.
Ensure International Student requirements are met for Graduate Assistants.
Understand and monitor specific regulations to ensure Graduate Assistants remain in compliance with their VISA status and required standards.
Monitor the progress of Graduate Assistants through their academic program.
Ensure the Graduate Assistant position is terminated in Paycom and bi-weekly living stipend ends in a timely manner upon program completion.
Perform other duties as assigned.