"International Student Advisor, Senior"

Job Details

Department: Office of International Education

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Salary is set at $20.48/hr (equivalent to 42,608/yr)

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm

Export Compliance Requirement: This position requires access to EAR or ITAR controlled technologies. Applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a “U.S. Citizen”.

Job Story

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.

Essential Functions

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.

Job Duties

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.

SEVP Compliance Oversight & System Management

Liaison with Government Agencies

SEVP Certification and I-17 Maintenance

Student Record Management and Legal Status Maintenance

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Five (5) years of experience in student services or related field

Required License/Certifications/Training:

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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

Additional Information:

Applicants must meet the requirement of being a "U. S. Citizen" or Permanent Residence because the position requires access to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a federal government database.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to remain in a stationary position. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information. Ability to move or traverse across campus, within buildings and offices, and/or across external environments.

Additional Physical Requirement: