International Student Advisor, Senior

at Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas, United States

Job Description

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.