SEVIS Coordinator & International Student Advisor

Brigham Young University – Hawaii•BYU–Hawaii, HI

4d•$67,000 - $75,000•Onsite

About The Position

The SEVIS Coordinator & International Student Advisor (DSO/ARO) serves as a Designated School Official (DSO) for the F-1 Student Program and an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. This position promotes student success while ensuring full compliance with federal immigration regulations, institutional policies, and accreditation standards. The incumbent advises F-1 and J-1 students on maintaining their nonimmigrant status and the benefits and responsibilities associated with their visa classifications; administers SEVIS records; processes immigration-related requests within the scope of the DSO/ARO role; and works closely with the PDSO, RO, and team of advisors (also, DSOs and AROs) to ensure institutional compliance with U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of State (DOS), and Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in international studies, political science, counseling, education or a related field and three (3) years of relevant professional work experience in student services or related education/experience.
Experience leading or directing the work of others.
A Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for SEVIS must be either a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States.
Experience with common office software programs (e.g., Microsoft Office, databases).
Demonstrated strong abilities and skills in managing challenging or stressful circumstances, solving complex problems, and meeting deadlines when handling multiple cases.
Demonstrated high level of attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
Demonstrated strong interpersonal, cross-cultural, written and verbal communication skills, ability to establish professional relationships with international population and campus offices, and to speak in front of large groups.
Demonstrated excellent customer service skills and interpersonal skills; ability to interact with others in a warm, friendly and supportive manner, creating a climate of trust, consideration, and mutual respect.
Demonstrated ability to work as a team, as well as working independently.
Demonstrated cultural sensitivity.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in international studies, college student personnel, or a related field.
Experience working with data, stats, and database systems.
Experience as a DSO/ARO.
Experience in a university international student-service office.
Experience working and/or living abroad.
Experience working on SUNAPSIS case management system.
Knowledge or proficiency of a foreign language.
Knowledge of Federal regulations governing F-1, F-2, J-1, and J-2 status.
Understanding of how immigration and academics intersect.

Responsibilities

Serve and maintain qualifications as a DHS Designated School Official (DSO) and DOS Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for BYUH as a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) sponsor.
Know and understand the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) that govern F-1 and J-1 students and their programs to serve as a high-functioning and collaborative partner to the team of DSOs and AROs.
Advise prospective, newly admitted, continuing, and graduating international students regarding F-1 and J-1 immigration regulations and maintenance of lawful status.
Counsel and assist international students on matters related to university life and the U.S. study experience, including finances, transportation, employment, campus adjustment, and immigration status maintenance.
Explain immigration and academic requirements related to enrollment, travel, employment, extensions, transfers, leave of absence, reduced course loads, program completion, and other student immigration matters.
Counsel students on maintaining compliance with federal immigration regulations and university policies so that they clearly understand their responsibilities, rights, and benefits under their visa classifications.
Refer students to qualified immigration attorneys or government agencies when requests extend beyond the scope of institutional immigration advising.
Assist leadership to maintain and update records in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and all department systems to ensure federal compliance for the University and student population.
Assist leadership to manage accurate data and reports supporting the department workflow processes; administration of the F-1 and J-1 programs, respectively; and compliance review and audits.
Maintain accurate student records in SEVIS and Sunapsis.
Create and issue initial I-20s and DS-2019s and all other actions regarding SEVIS records.
Process SEVIS actions including F-1 registration and J-1 validation; program extensions; shortening programs; terminating SEVIS records; entering timely employment authorizations for J-1 students; entering CPT and AT authorizations; DSO OPT recommendations; OPT and STEM OPT reporting; transfers; etc.
Integrate the university’s mission and vision in all ISS priorities and workflow processes.
Actively support BYUH as an SEVP sponsor by demonstrating and executing high performance at ISS.
Regularly attend and contribute to ISS programs and events held for international students and campus community.
Attend staff meetings and training while managing an assigned stewardship and supporting those managed by fellow advisors in the department. internal work groups to support the organization's mission.
Provide excellent customer service to international students and campus community.