International Student Advisor

Saginaw Valley State University•Lexington, MA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Director of the Office of International Programs (OIP), the International Student Advisor offers immigration services as a Designated School Official (DSO) for F-1 degree-seeking students to support International Cardinal Success. The Advisor also serves as an Alternative Responsible Officer (ARO) and offers immigration services to J-1 guest students and scholars.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Two years of professional experience.
Strong intercultural communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
Must meet eligibility requirements to obtain and maintain Designated School Official (DSO) status as specified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Initiative, independence and leadership skills are essential.
Must have experience making presentations to large groups.
Must be proficient with computer software.
Have experience in social media marketing.
Experience and ability to positively interact with all members of the campus community
Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodations.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and throughout their employment.
The university does not provide employment visa sponsorship now or in the future for this job classification.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in international education, higher education administration, or related field
Familiarity with USCIS regulations pertaining to F-1 and J-1 visas
Proficiency in a second language and/or experience living or studying abroad

Responsibilities

Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) for SEVIS (Student Exchange and Visitor Information Services) purposes and advise international students on immigration matters (SEVIS registration each semester, Travel and re-entry, Curricular practical training (CPT), Optional practical training (OPT), STEM OPT, Program extensions and changes, Reduced course load (RCL), Severe economic hardships, F-1 reinstatement, “Data fixes” with SEVIS Help Desk).
Maintain current and up-to-date knowledge of immigration laws and federal requirements as outlined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Monitor SEVIS lists and alerts to ensure that international students are maintaining their visa statuses and that records are accurately maintained in the SEVIS database.
Develop and oversee programs to support international student retention, track first-semester performance, assist students on academic probation, compile transfer credit materials for the Registrar, coordinate pre-registration, and monitor retention data.
Coordinate the departure process for graduating international students, including student meetings, SEVIS transfer processing, and data collection.
Coordinate and assist with pre-arrival orientation, arrivals, campus orientation, and other programming ensuring that new international students and scholars are properly welcomed and positioned for success in the university.
Offer personal advising to help international students adjust and gain a sense of belonging within the campus community.
Connect international students to the important and relevant resources needed to thrive, such as health insurance, medical services, banking and campus financial services, tax return, career services, tutoring, and other resources.
Support International Student Club (ISC) to organize cultural events, e.g., International Food Fest and Intercultural Night.
Organize International Education Week (IEW) events with the OIP Team.
Collaborate with a wide network of faculty and staff across campus to promote and support the International Cardinal Success initiative.
Use social media and newsletter to tell international student stories.
Attend professional conferences and receive training related to international students and scholar advising.
Perform other duties as assigned.