"Student Advisor"

Fairfield University is a co-educational, comprehensive Jesuit university with a 200-acre campus located along the scenic shoreline community of Fairfield, CT. The University is comprised of approximately 3,500 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate students pursuing degrees within 5 schools: The College of Arts and Sciences, The Charles F. Dolan School of Business, The School of Engineering, The Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, and School of Education and Human Development. As an expression of our Jesuit, Catholic mission and identity, Fairfield embraces a liberal humanistic approach to education, encouraging critical thinking, cultivating free and open inquiry, and fostering ethical and religious values.

Job Description:

Department: Global Fairfield

Primary Work Location: Fairfield CT

Direct Supervisor: Associate Vice Provost Global Strategy

Basic Function: Under the supervision of the AVP Global Strategy, this positions provides support for study abroad programs and international student services. This position advises students about approved study abroad programs, processes information and updates for international student visa support, and works with the Global Fairfield team to communicate appropriate information to students, parents, faculty and staff on internal procedures related to the development and implementation of application, admissions and communications procedures. S/he will represent the university through campus visits, study abroad fairs, regional NAFSA meetings and other relevant events. This position may also advise non-Fairfield students for select programs.

Unusual Work Conditions: Evenings and/or weekends to participate on campus events and occasional national business travel.

Education, Certification, License, and Experience Requirements:

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL NEEDED: Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills; Able to manage multiple timelines and deliverables for a variety of programs; strong communication skills; Demonstrated database and Social Media experience.

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree is required

EXPERIENCE: 1-3 years of work experience in customer services or student support sector. Experience studying and or living abroad desirable.

Essential Functions:

Study Abroad Advising

1. Advises students about approved study abroad programs, and works with the Global Fairfield team to communicate appropriate information to partners, students and parents. Conducts 1st Steps and Next Steps advising sessions.
2. Supports students through the study abroad cycle from inquiry to re-entry through regular and systematic communication using electronic, face-to-face and small group format.
3. Reviews applications and makes admission decisions based on Fairfield and Partner University’s study abroad admissions criteria.
4. Communicates effectively with students, parents and Fairfield University faculty, staff and administrators about important deadlines, requirements and other relevant information regarding the study abroad experience.
5. Participates in promotional visits to dormitories, classrooms, and student clubs and collaborate on the planning and implementation of the Accepted Students Day, Study Abroad Fair, First Friday, Majors/Minors Fair, etc.
6. Monitor and follow up on compliance with study abroad travel log

International Student Advising

1. Advises newly admitted international students on next steps, admissions and immigration requirements.
2. Monitors and advises international students on required forms, employment documents and processes, and travel requirements
3. Maintains visa records and updates visa support systems
4. Assists International student and Visa Manager with assigned DSO/ARO support functions

Global Fairfield Support

1. Screens incoming inquiry emails and calls daily, monitors Global Fairfield Resource account, and responds or redirects as appropriate.
2. Supports study abroad and international student visa application processes
3. Monitors new course approvals – identifying new courses or subject areas of need based on student feedback
4. Maintains TerraDotta Database of approved courses. Updates database, university catalogue and Master Excel
5. Maintains program brochure pages - Creation for any new programs, edits to existing pages, such as term dates, application cycle, content management, Deployment Rules.
6. Represents Fairfield University at study abroad fairs, NAFSA regional conferences and other external Global Fairfield related events.

Work Schedule: 12-month role

Employee Type: Exempt

Category: Academic - Admin