International Student Advisor - Southern Utah University

First consideration date: April 29th

Job Description:

The International Student Advisor fulfills a vital role to provide specialized support to international students and scholars, and is responsible for providing holistic immigration, academic, professional, personal, mental health, etc advising services (which includes proactively contacting students facing academic and personal difficulties). The International Student Advisor serves in a DEI advocacy role, with dual focus on acculturating international students while sharing and celebrating all their unique cultures through event planning and leadership mentoring. This position also leads a vital role overseeing the assistance and retention of first-year international students, continuing this support and relationship through graduation and beyond-they inspire, motivate, and challenge international students to achieve on-time degree completion.

Date of first consideration: 04/28/2024

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Serve as a primary contact for international students and scholars to build relationships that connect them with university services, on-campus resources, and programs necessary for success in the classroom and beyond; including student needs and interests based on cultural adjustment, educational planning, and academic/personal concerns or difficulties. Provide front-line mental health support and connection to appropriate resources. Conduct educational outreach to disseminate information on immigration, academics, mental health, DEI initiatives, and topics of interest to international students and scholars. Prioritize student retention focus.
2. Maintain detailed records of student interactions and develop processes for follow-up. Utilize available technology, student interactions, and proactive data analysis to provide targeted outreach for immigration maintenance and student success. Oversee assigned student success alerts and International Student and Scholar Services outreach. Prioritize student retention focus.
3. Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternative Responsible Officer (ARO)-for F and J visa holders-that interprets and enforces US Department of Homeland Security and US Department of State regulations and maintains immigration records. This responsibility will require the International Student Advisor to maintain institutional records, routinely update information within the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), interpret immigration regulations for F and J non-immigrant statuses, and adhere to Southern Utah University and federal policy. Collaborate with other DSOs and AROs to ensure consistent protocol actions.
4. Serve as a professor of one or more sections of the mandatory, 2.0 credit, Acculturation FYE course. Ensure engaging and effective course design, assignments, and assessments utilizing best practices and available technology. Monitor trends and assess feedback to maintain, develop, and update curriculum to best suit international student needs. Prioritize student success, acculturation assistance, and retention focus.
5. Serve as an Advisor for the 50-member International Student Ambassador (ISA) organization. Lead ISA and designated focus initiative to support retention efforts and bring cultural sensitivity to campus. Directly coordinate weekly ISA meetings and professional development training. Coordinate and oversee programming and service initiatives which may include: involvement and morale activities, service projects, outdoor excursions, weekly shopping trips, and various cultural events. Ensure development of educational material and activities, and creation of expected learning outcomes, for both ISA members and event attendees. Coordinate campus, social media, and digital marketing campaigns.
6. Coordinate and oversee arrival services and other related arrangements (eg housing, registration, etc) for new incoming international students and scholars. Utilize targeted pre/post arrival student support communication. Assist in the coordination, planning, and implementation of orientation programs for new international students and scholars.
7. Coordinate, provide direction, and consult regularly with college faculty, staff, outside departments, administrators, and other campus-wide colleagues and partners regarding immigration maintenance, enrollment, retention, completion, cultural awareness/advocacy/DEI, and student support initiatives. Coordinate student outreach across departments. Serve on various division and university committees as needed.
8. Demonstrate and nurture cultural competence when working with students, faculty, and staff. Emphasize international student advocacy and DEI initiatives.
9. Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Applicants must be a citizen of the United States or a lawful permanent resident in order to serve as DSO and/or ARO
2. A baccalaureate degree is required. A masters degree in a related field is preferred.
3. Experience using and comfort with technology (basic office programs, student information systems, higher education software, etc), as well as the ability and willingness to quickly learn new computer-based programs.
4. Familiarity with the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP), SEVIS management, and US Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations pertaining to F and J visa holders.
5. Working knowledge of the Banner Sungard student information system.
6. The ability to interpret and apply complex guidelines, rules and regulations is required. Because of the complex nature of immigration regulations, strong problem-solving skills (including the ability to synthesize data and take action based on complex information) are essential for effective performance.
7. Excellent communication skills (public speaking, professional presentation, technical writing, and interpersonal communication) are required. Applicants should keep in mind that communicating with students and scholars whose primary language is not English can present challenges. Patience, persistence, empathy, and cultural awareness are important to effective intercultural communication.
8. The ability to organize and prioritize tasks and manage competing demands.
9. Demonstrate ability to collaborate with colleagues and to work independently on efforts that support individual, institutional and department goals.
10. The ability to secure an un-restricted driver's license and safely operate a motor vehicle.

In accordance with Utah State Code 53B-1-110, appointment to this position is contingent upon the successful passing of a background check.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. At least two (2) years of experience working with young adults and students in an educational setting is strongly preferred. Previous experience in student advising, counseling, student involvement & leadership, or teaching is strongly preferred.
2. Previous experience serving as a DSO and/or ARO interfacing with SEVIS and documenting and organizing institutional records for international students and scholars is preferred.
3. Experience in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with people from a variety of diverse backgrounds.
4. Experience in coordinating programs and events.

Documents Needed to Apply:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Contact information for at least 3 professional references

Southern Utah University does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services. For more information or contact information, please visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination/.