Internatnl Student Advisor I - Lynchburg, United States - InsideHigherEd

Description

The International Student Advisor oversees nearly 700 non-immigrant international students in their relationship to Federal regulations found in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations 8 CFR S The position also ensures that the university complies with federal regulations as implemented through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). (Schools enrolling international students are facing an increasing regulatory compliance and reporting burden.) Carrying out these two functions is essential to the University maintaining its authorization to enroll international students.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To accomplish these two mission-critical functions, the position must:

• comprehend complex, detailed, and evolving federal regulations governing international students
• meet and maintain qualifications as a U.S. Department of Designate School Official (DSO).
• understand a broad range of university policies and procedures related to admissions, enrollment, financial aid, student accounts, student affairs, graduate students, and student conduct
• effectively orient, train, and advise graduate and undergraduate students in the benefits and restrictions associated with federal regulations in a manner that is sensitive to their cultural differences and language limitations
• maintain the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's SEVIS data base with current and accurate information pertaining to the status of all enrolled international students
• wisely counsel students having potentially complex and highly nuanced personal situations in light of university policies and federal regulations with a goal of maintaining their legal non-immigrant status, retaining the student, and facilitating progress towards graduation
• consistently act in such a way to support the university's spiritual and global mission as well as its enrollment and retention goals
• advocate for international students in the wider university context when such advocacy supports the university's mission and/or the student's retention or satisfaction with his or her university experience
• maintain active contact with over 100 university graduates on 'post-completion' Optional Practical Training to monitor and report their employment status in SEVIS for up to 36 months post-graduation

International Student Advising (70%)

• Keep current with US Federal Regulations and established industry procedures related to international students on F-1 non-immigrant status
• Keep abreast of other non-immigrant and immigrant statuses on which students may attend the university
• Send and answer emails. Make and receive phone calls. Meet one-on-one and with individuals and small groups
• Support university compliance with the U.S. Department of State's Student and Exchange Visitors Information System (SEVIS) regulations
• Coordinate the International Student and Scholar Management (ISSM) system with both SEVIS and university operations
• Register students on SEVIS each semester/term, using both real-time SEVIS and 'batch registration' using ISSM
• Assist with the bi-annual SEVIS re-certification process of the university by maintaining the university's I-17 master document on file with SEVIS
• Interface with Ellucian, Liberty University Network Operations, and other entities as needed to maintain smooth functioning of ISSM
• Advise international students one-on-one & in groups about all matters pertaining to their Student (F-1) status (Optional Practical Training, Curricular Practical Training, Internships, off- and on-campus employment, etc.)
• Develop and maintain procedures to ensure international students enjoy full range of benefits associated with their F-1 status
• Develop and maintain regular mass communication with international students to apprise them of the regulations and benefits associated with their status, including recent changes in government policies or procedures
• Anticipate and prevent problems impacting international student satisfaction, their legal status, and their ability to receive the benefits of their F-1 status
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of US Citizenship and Immigration Services (US CIS) and other government-related documents
• Respond in a timely manner to government inquiries pertaining to particular students
• Conduct new student orientation discussing a full range of issues (Social Security, Department of Motor Vehicle, international student insurance, F-1 regulations, employment, etc.)
• Coordinate efforts with other student service offices (Financial Aid, Student Accounts, Student Advocate Office, Admissions, Internship Office, CASAS, Academic departments, Registrar, Student Housing, etc.) to ensure that international students have the information and service needed to support their success at the university
• Develop programs and workshops as needed to enhance functionality and/or improve student services or understanding
• Maintain accurate records of student enrollment/arrival-departure/retention/ etc.

Student Retention (20%)

• Assist with new student orientation each fall and spring semester
• Contact current students by phone, email, or in person, reminding them to register and complete Financial Check-in for upcoming semesters and helping them to work through any issues preventing them from returning the following semester
• Provide personal and caring assistance to students who are having financial, academic, or personal difficulties that impact their likelihood to return
• Contribute to a welcoming atmosphere at the International Student Center
• Participate in special events, both social and official, which support international students
• Advocate for international students as needed across the campus to ensure timely resolution of problems

Other Duties (10%)

• Maintain and update Office of International Student Services current student web pages
• Provide office support for the International Student Center as needed
• Participate in team meetings, special events, intentional student excursions
• Constantly scan the horizon and alert supervisors of issues that may negatively impact customer service, the university's brand and image, and student safety and well-being
• Report enrollment, retention, and related data on a semester-by-semester basis
• Educate other departments on either a one-on-one or group basis about the special circumstances and/or requirements of international students
• Attend Regional NAFSA Conference
• Assist the director in overseeing student workers

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

• US Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident with completed bachelor's degree (graduate degree preferred)
• Understands federal regulations governing non-immigrant visa holders and able to implement them in relationship to individual students and to the university as a whole
• Strong IT experience and abilities with Banner, ISSM, SharePoint, Xtender, MS Office)
• Experienced with international student services in academic context
• Possesses excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills (bi-lingual and/or international travel experience preferred)
• Knowledgeable of 8 CFR 214.2(f) and 214.3 Federal Regulations and SEVIS procedures (Batch and Real Time Interface)
• Creative problem-solving skills: ability to analyze complex problems and derive workable solutions that serve both the university and the student's needs
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, enjoy staying in touch with students
• Team-player with self-motivation and demonstrated ability to work independently of close supervision
• High degree of flexibility, responding well to change and maintaining a positive attitude
• Ability to multi-task in a challenging, fast-paced environment
• Ability to maintain accurate records by carefully documenting notes from student meetings

• Bachelor's degree and skill set commonly associated with business, sales, and marketing.

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

• Demonstrated ability to communicate policies, procedures, and regulations governing admission to institution of higher learning, including public speaking.
• Ability to use and manage a range of communication and social networking platforms.
• Bilingual cross-cultural experience a very strong plus.

Problem Solving

• Demonstrated initiative, creativity, and problem-solving ability.