International Student Advisor, Senior

Wichita State University•Wichita, KS

45d•Onsite

About The Position

Wanting to spread your wings not only with what you know but also who you know? Let me offer up this opportunity to perform both all rolled into one. Supporting our international students new to the country or even those who've been here staying up to date with laws, regulations & all requirements for them to continue. You need to be eager to learn much of the position through your love of the written word. Being able to understand regulations & laws that are not in plain language will give you a leg up also. Understanding the confines to provide clarity and direction where solutions may be unclear, understanding the grey areas within while knowing how to navigate. Being culturally aware & keeping that at the forefront of your meetings will help you be successful. You can meet people from a far land with this position in more ways than one, so apply to start that cultural and educational trip! Job Summary Provides advising and information to international students and the community regarding F-1 immigration regulations and University policies and resources. Serves as the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) in the updating of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database in compliance with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations. Serves as Responsible Officer (RO) for the University. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) require each university in the U.S. to identify one person in charge of student-related immigration compliance. This individual is essential for maintaining the University's compliance with all federal regulations governing the enrollment of international students. At Wichita State, this individual has oversight for all federal reporting for enrolled international students and additional students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT each semester.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Five (5) years of experience in student services or related field
Requires a U.S. citizen or permanent resident as require by law for this position.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive student information.
Demonstrates cross-cultural sensitivity.
Ability to build and sustain effective professional and courteous interpersonal relationships with a diverse constituency of faculty, staff, and students.
Proficient with multi-tasking while maintaining a professional, customer-orientated demeanor in a faced paced environment.
Must be able to interpret and apply governmental regulations and guidelines accurately, translating complex rule-language into clear operational actions-while being comfortable working in ambiguous or evolving regulatory environments, and able to identify and navigate 'grey-area' situations where guidance is open to interpretation.
Understanding of academic structures, university policies, and international student services within higher education.
Basic understanding of data management systems
Knowledge of FERPA, confidentiality laws, and institutional policies regarding student records.

Nice To Haves

Comprehensive understanding of F-1 and J-1 visa regulations, SEVIS reporting requirements, and U.S. immigration compliance.
Familiarity with Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), and Department of State procedures.
Awareness of cross-cultural communication principles and issues impacting international student adjustment and success
Previous DSO experience

Responsibilities

Serves as RO for the Universities J-1 Exchange Visa program and liaison with the U.S. Department of State regarding J-1 matters including required reporting and re-designation.
Advises students on federal, state and local requirements to maintain their status in the United States, to include more complex student situations.
Works with SEVIS and internal database to issue I-20s, process registrations, address updates, and student requests for employment.
Monitors SEVIS alerts and communicates with students as needed.
Coordinates with academic advisors to ensure international student enrollment and academic progress is in compliance with immigration regulations.
Serves as a representative, advocate, and/or spokesperson for international students in dealing with other campus departments and community members.
Updates codes, procedures and best practices as applicable.
Trains new employees and handles complex advising situations as necessary.
SEVP Compliance Oversight & System Management
Liaison with Government Agencies
SEVP Certification and I-17 Maintenance
Student Record Management and Legal Status Maintenance