Position Details
Position Information
Budget Title
Senior Staff Assistant
Campus Title
International Student Advisor
School/Division
Academic Affairs, Division of
Department
International Programs
Staff Sub-Type
Staff & Administration
Salary Level
SL3
Salary Range
$60,245 + depending on experience (DOE)
Salary Determination
Starting salary rates are based on multiples factors which may
include the position’s major responsibilities, the applicant’s
background including education, work experience, and key
competencies, the university’s strategic priorities, internal peer
equity and external market analyses, applicable federal, state, and
local laws and negotiated labor contracts.
Position Effort
Full-Time
If Part-Time, enter FTE:
Is this a temporary position?
No
If Temporary, enter End Date:
Position Summary
The International Student Advisor supports the recruitment,
retention, and success of international students by providing
expert guidance on immigration regulations, visa status
maintenance, international travel, health insurance, employment
eligibility and university policies. As a Designated School
Official ( DSO ), this position maintains compliance with federal
regulations and student records in government reporting
systems.
The Advisor coordinates orientation and transition program, assists
students with cultural and personal adjustments, develops
educational workshops and intercultural programming, and
collaborates with academic and administrative departments to
enhance the overall international student experience.
What makes SUNY Cortland a great place to work?
• Our positions provide predictable salary progressions, and many
offer permanency.
• Generous benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance,
various retirement program options, paid family leave and/or
parental leaves, flexible spending and dependent care accounts,
long term disability and tuition reimbursement.
• SUNY Cortland prioritizes work-life balance and well-being in all
forms. The university’s state-of-the-art Student Life Center is
free for employees to use, with membership options for families.
Alternate work schedules are available with a supervisor’s
approval.
• Professional development opportunities exist through training,
continuing education programs, tuition reimbursement and conference
travel, based on funding.
• Cortland County and surrounding areas offer easy access to arts,
entertainment, outdoor recreation and much more.
Experience
Cortland dives deep into the region’s offerings.
Major Responsibilities
Immigration Advising and Compliance:
- Serve as Designated Service Official ( DSO ), assisting
Director in managing SUNY Cortland’s compliance with federal
regulations and policies pertaining to F-1 students.
Support administration of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program and
perform Alternate Responsible Officer ( ARO ) duties, as
designated, to ensure compliance with applicable federal
regulations governing J-1 students and scholars.
Advise students and scholars on immigration policies and
procedures, such as employment authorization, status maintenance,
visa applications, school transfers, and related compliance issues.
Assist students in resolving status problems, if applicable.
Maintain student records and process required updates in SEVIS,
ensuring timely and accurate reporting in compliance with federal
regulations.
Monitor students’ immigration status and documentation to
ensure continued eligibility and institutional compliance.
International Student and Scholar Arrival Services:
- Develop pre-orientation materials and pre-arrival webinars to
assist students in preparing for their travel to the U.S. and
Cortland. Provide information on university policies and
procedures, academics, student life, SUNY health insurance
requirements, and cultural adjustment.
- Manage the university’s incoming student exchange program,
reviewing incoming student applications, course registration,
responding to student inquiries, and arranging local travel for
arriving students.
- Coordinate communication and support services for newly
admitted international students and scholars from admission through
arrival and enrollment.
Student Success, Engagement and Transition Support:
- Provide welcome experience and orientation program for all
international students and scholars at beginning of each semester
for social, cultural, and academic adjustment.
- Assist students and scholars with social security cards,
employment procedures, understanding income tax requirements, visa
issues, and department of motor vehicles ( DMV ) requirements
through one-on-one advising, workshops, and print- and web-based
materials.
- Develop and implement programs in support of students and
campus internationalization.
- Monitor student adjustment and early alert academic progress.
Provide consultation and referral as needed.
- Support international student academic support courses.
- Develop and implement assessment tools to evaluate
international student and scholar experiences.
- Provide crisis support and referrals for international students
experiencing academic, personal, cultural, financial, or
immigration-related challenges.
- Collaborate with campus partners to promote student retention,
engagement, belonging, and overall student success.
- Prepare reports and utilize assessment data to evaluate
programs, services, and student outcomes and recommend
improvements.
Exchange and International Partnerships:
- Serve as administrative liaison with partner institutions
abroad on exchange and dual degree student processes and
procedures, such as exchange student application procedures,
immigration and visa documents, student inquiries and orientation,
transmittal of transcripts, and student inquires.
- Support the ongoing administration, review, and maintenance of
exchange and partnership agreements in collaboration with the
Director.
Administration and Campus Collaboration:
- Assist the Director in implementing international initiatives
and activities on campus, working with campus constituencies.
Create, evaluate, and maintain international agreements and
partnerships.
- Represent the office on campus committees and at professional
meetings (e.g., NAFSA, SUNY CISSS ).
- Support other office initiatives, including study abroad
program administration.
- Maintain accurate records, databases, and reports related to
international students, scholars, and exchange programs.
- Collaborate with Admissions, Registrar, Student Accounts,
Residence Life, Career Services, and Academic Affairs to support
international student and scholar services.
- Develop and manage communications and outreach efforts,
including website content, newsletters, and social media
platforms.
Functional and Supervisory Relationships
- Position reports to the Director of International Programs
- Supervises student employees
- Works collaboratively with all International Programs staff as
well as staff and faculty across campus
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree
- Experience working with international students, exchange
students, study abroad participants, or culturally diverse
populations
- Because this position requires serving as a Designated School
Official ( DSO ) for SEVIS, the candidate must be either a citizen
or a lawful permanent resident of the United States per
8 CFR 214.3(l)(1)*. *Legal citation from the Regulations page of
ICE .gov.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree
- Significant experience working in an International Programs
Office setting
- Knowledge of SEVIS functionality and Department of Homeland
Security regulations governing F-1 programs
- Experience advising F-1 and/or J-1 international students and
scholars.
- Experience developing and facilitating orientation,
educational, or intercultural programs and events.
- Experience assessing programs and using data to improve
services and student outcomes.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Effective written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal
communication skills
- Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations, policies,
and procedures.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
- Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Strong organizational skills, attention to details, and ability
to manage multiple priorities
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team
environment and manage multiple priorities
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and web-based
information systems
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound
judgment
About the University
A top public university of approximately 6,600 students located in
the geographic center of New York State, SUNY Cortland provides
accessible, affordable education to students from across the U.S.
body. One of 13 comprehensive universities in the State University
of New York system, SUNY Cortland prides itself on its rigorous
undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts, sciences,
education, and professional studies. For more than 150 years, SUNY
Cortland has provided unmistakable value for students seeking a
well-rounded academic, athletic, and social experience. The
University ranks among the top campuses in the nation on Money
magazine’s “Best Colleges for Your Money List,” fields a powerhouse
Division III athletics program and boasts an impressive network of
alumni making a difference in education, business, government,
fitness, medicine and many other fields.
EEO Statement
SUNY Cortland is an AA/ EEO / ADA employer and encourages
applications from women, veterans, individuals with disabilities,
and members of underrepresented groups.
Job Close Date
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
S26026
Review Start Date
Open Until Filled
Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting
https://jobs.cortland.edu/postings/11581
Special Instructions
Special Instructions to Applicant
Special Instructions to Applicant
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * Are you currently authorized to work in the United States on
a full-time basis as visa sponsorship is not available for this
position?
- * Do you or will you need visa sponsorship?
- Are you currently employed by SUNY Cortland? If so, please
indicate what type of employee.
- UUP Professional
- UUP Faculty
- Management Confidential
- Research Foundation
- Represented by CSEA, PBANYS or PEF
- Full Time Lecturer
Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- Cover Letter
Optional Documents
