International Student Advisor

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & 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.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
General supervision is received from the Director of the Office of International Programs.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED :
Functional supervision is exercised over student assistants.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

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

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Some weeknights and weekends, including intermittent travel, will be required.
Duties are generally performed inside and not exposed to adverse conditions.
All work associated with this role must be performed within the state of Michigan.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The Department of Homeland Security requires the designated school official (DSO) to be either a citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States. For additional information please visit https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/schools/get-started/designated-school-official .

Applicants 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.

The above reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job. It shall not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements that may be inherent in the job.  It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision.  The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.