International Student Advisor

Position Summary

Under the supervision of an Assistant Director for International Student Services, the International Student Adviser I advises on basic rights and responsibilities under the immigration laws of the United States; advises international students on immigration matters related to their stay at Columbia University; acts as Designated School Official (DSO) to issue required U.S. government documents to international students; assists in streamlining and improving ISSO processes and services; collaborates with staff, schools, departments and outside organizations (including vendors) to plan and coordinate collaborative events as needed. Performs all other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Advise and provide guidance to F-1 students about their rights and responsibilities under immigration regulations and university policies.
• As Designated School Official (DSO), process and issue immigration documents (I-20 reprints, change of major, update employer information) and related documents such as social security and certification letters.
• Complies with federal SEVIS reporting and record keeping requirements.
• Manage assigned caseload in addition to assisting with case assignments.
• Consult with the SEVIS Help Desk to correct SEVIS record errors by processing SEVIS Corrections and data fixes.
• Triages incoming inquiries/requests by email and/or phone and responds as needed to general and specific questions from new or current international students and their academic departments.
• Presents at various school-specific orientations and immigration workshops.
• Assist in streamlining and improving ISSO processes and services.
• Assists with office policy development and modification of standard operating procedures.
• Collaborates on student advising team projects.
• Maintains current knowledge of US immigration regulations, policies and procedures.
• Cultivates a customer service atmosphere when serving as the first point of contact in person and by email or phone.
• Refers students to the appropriate campus and community resources as needed.
• Manages ISSO email account as well as day-to-day influx of applications for benefits.
• Helps to ensure regulatory information is up to date on the ISSO website.
• Cultivates a professional presence on campus and in the field through local and national partnerships and associations.
• Participates as requested in regional and national international education conferences.
• Performs related duties & responsibilities as assigned/requested.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree (in Liberal Arts, Management, Communications, or Education) and/or equivalent related experience. Two years’ experience as DSO in a higher education setting advising on federal F-1 immigration regulations and SEVIS. Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and written and oral communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds. Strong computer literacy and familiarity with web-based applications.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's Degree in international education, higher education, cross-cultural communication, intercultural counseling, area/cultural studies, foreign language, or TESOL. Experience with Sunapsis and in customer service. Fluency in at least one foreign language. Experience living abroad. Completion of NAFSA F-1 Professional Development Program.

Other Requirements

Federal regulations require Designated School Officials to be U.S. citizens or Legal Permanent Residents.