Student and Scholar Immigration Coordinator - Big Rapids, United States - Ferris State University

Description

Reporting to the Executive Director of International Education, the Immigration Coordinator serves as a primary contact for international students in non-immigration status (F-1) and international scholars in exchange visitor status (J-1).

The person in this role will work on an individual basis on immigration, financial, academic, and personal matters, will meet with international students and scholars during scheduled appointments or on a walk-in basis, and will serve as PDSO (Primary Designated School Official) or DSO (Designated School Official) and ARO (Alternate Responsible Officer) or RO (Responsible Officer).

The Immigration Coordinator will prepare and submit immigration documentation for international students in F-1 status and scholars in J-1 status and create and maintain SEVIS records.

As required by U.S. Immigration requirements, the selected candidate must be a Citizen of the U.S. or a Legal Permanent Resident.

The anticipated start date for this position is April 2024. However, this is an estimated date and can be revised if needed


Position Type:

Staff Required Education:
Bachelor's degree

Required Work Experience:
Three years of full-time experience in international education


Required Licenses and Certifications:

Physical Demands:

• Office Environment
• Sitting
• Standing

Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered:

• Master's degree
• Knowledge of Slate or Banner
• Travel or living abroad
• Ability to speak, read, and write in a second language
• Strong knowledge of cross-cultural adjustment
• Significant experience with the SEVIS system advising students on F-1 and J-1 regulations in a university context
• Significant experience as a Designated School Official or Primary Designated School Official
• Previous experience working with diverse populations and ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures and backgrounds
• Demonstrated ability to successfully carry out projects by collaborating with a team involved in planning, executing, and providing support services Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
• Serve as the PDSO or DSO through the SEVIS immigration system
• Process initial Certificates of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019) for students who need visa sponsorship from Ferris State University to study in the U.S.
• Advise F-1 students, J-1 students and/or scholars and new students in other visa categories on an individual basis regarding immigration, complex U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Department of State regulations, financial, financial aid, academic and personal matters.
• Review and process all requests by students and scholars that relate to maintenance of their immigration status.
• Assist with maintenance of the Immigration web pages
• Meet with international students, scholars and/or employees during scheduled appointments and walk-in hours
• Participate in the development and delivery of New International Student Orientation for F-1 and J-1 students.
• Assist with programming and check-in of new international students on an as-needed basis.
• Coordinate and assist in the planning of international student programming throughout the year
• Aid walk-in visitors on an as-needed basis (including prospective and current international students, scholars and/or employees)
• Provide one-on-one orientations for incoming J-1 scholars on an as-needed basis (scheduled appointments)
• Enter and maintain integrity of data kept on international students and/or scholars in software databases, Banner system, and SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).
• Assist the Executive Director in preparing and submitting annual reports
• Develop and deliver presentations for CPT, OPT, and maintaining status
• Contribute to the team effort by accepting additional responsibilities as assigned by the Assistant Director and Executive Director
• Actively participate in the development and growth of team expertise in the laws and regulations governing international students and in informing university administrators about university policies and procedures that ensure ongoing compliance. Work closely with leadership, as needed, to ensure proper understanding and application of immigration regulations and university policies, taking appropriate initiative and exercising discretion within the scope of assigned duties.
• Advise and assist prospective and admitted international students on pre-arrival immigration related issues.
• Counsel and assist international students on matters related to university life and the U.S. study experience, including finances, transportation, employment, health insurance, adjustment to the campus, and maintenance of student status
• Communicate with federal agencies regarding immigration benefits for international students
• Maintain and assist in determining and billing for international students health insurance
• Serve as a resource to academic departments to support international students admitted and enrolled in their degree programs and select university offices and departments to inform on and advocate for the needs of international students
• Provide support to overall functions of office where needed; actively support the critical priorities of the Office of International Education; serve on internal and external committees and participate in work groups to support the mission of the office and university.
• Demonstrates an understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially in working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Any other duties assigned within the position classification area

Marginal Duties/Responsibilities:

• Represent the school as a recruiter at various international recruiting events
• Assist recruiter with creating accurate academic materials
• In country and international travel may be required Skills and Abilities:
• Effective problem-solving skills and demonstrated ability to take initiative
• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Evidence of strong organizational skills and the ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Possess excellent written communication skills with attention to detail
• Commitment to high-quality and efficient customer service
• Ability to be professional, diplomatic, composed, and proactive in varied interactions
• Excellent cross-cultural communication skills with documented experience in public speaking and delivering presentations
• Demonstrated commitment, experience and understanding for diversity, equity, and inclusion

Required Documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Unofficial Transcript 1

Optional Documents:

Special Instructions to Applicants: Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of an unofficial transcript of your highest earned degree.

Transcript must include:
Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. The finalist will be required to submit an official transcript.


Initial Application Review Date:
March 25, 2024 Open Until Position is Filled?: Yes Posting Close Date:

EEO Statement:

Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community.

Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence.

Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups.

For more information on the University's Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit:
Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.