International Education Perspective: Advice for Applicants Looking to Apply for the Assistant Director for Student and Scholar Success Position at MSU

If you are passionate about global education and have experience supporting international students and scholars, this position at Michigan State University (MSU) represents an exciting opportunity to join a team dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding, global diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and academic achievement within an internationally diverse community. To help you successfully apply, here are some tips from an international education perspective:

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Understand the Mission of OISS

MSU’s Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) emphasizes the comprehensive support of international students, scholars, and families. Your application should reflect an alignment with their mission, which includes:

• Navigating U.S. immigration compliance,
• Supporting cultural and social integration,
• Enhancing campus-wide global engagement and intercultural education, and
• Building bridges across communities to promote global DEI initiatives.

Demonstrating your ability to align your experiences and skills with these areas will prepare you to stand out as a strong candidate.

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Highlight Relevant Experience

The Assistant Director position requires leadership in student success initiatives, global DEI programming, and collaboration across campus and community groups. Consider emphasizing:

• Leadership Experience: Showcase your ability to lead teams, including full-time employees and student workers, as well as coordinate engagement activities. Examples might include organizing orientation programs, cultural events, or intercultural workshops.
• Programming Skills: Provide examples of developing and leading programs such as international student career initiatives, social events, diversity training, and scholar-focused support.
• Collaboration Across Units: Highlight how you’ve built partnerships with campus offices, student organizations, or external advocacy groups to enhance the international student experience.
• Administrative Expertise: Discuss any experience supervising staff, conducting performance reviews, managing communications, or working within hybrid organizations. Mention your successful examples managing budgets or strategic initiatives if relevant.

With your background, frame these skills as contributions to MSU’s existing efforts, and be sure to reflect an understanding of international education systems and trends.

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Showcase Your Global DEI Commitment

A major element of this role is to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion through intercultural education and training. Consider providing tangible examples where you’ve:

• Designed and implemented initiatives that support intercultural learning and cultural awareness across diverse student and faculty populations.
• Advocated for the needs of underrepresented international student communities while fostering an inclusive environment.
• Led training that prepared faculty, staff, or students to engage successfully in global contexts.

If possible, quantify the impact of these initiatives (e.g., “trained over 100 campus leaders on intercultural competence” or “increased participation in student-led global events by 25%”).

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Discuss Immigration and Regulatory Knowledge

As part of this role, you will serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), which requires familiarity with U.S. immigration regulations (F-1 and J-1 visa programs). If you have experience advising international students on immigration compliance or working with government agencies, embassies, or sponsors, emphasize:

• Your ability to navigate complex immigration issues.
• Any certifications or trainings you’ve completed related to SEVIS compliance, visa regulations, or federal accountability.

If you lack direct DSO/ARO experience, but possess transferable skills-such as working with international students in an advising context-be sure to explain how those skills can be applied to this area.

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Engagement Through Communication

This position also involves overseeing public communication channels, such as social media, newsletters, and front desk support. If you have experience managing outreach efforts for international offices or creating content to engage both domestic and international audiences:

• Highlight how your communication strategies strengthened student engagement or supported program initiatives.
• If possible, provide examples of innovative ideas for fostering outreach that connects students across cultures.

This will demonstrate your readiness to serve as a public-facing advocate for international students and scholars.

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Personalize Your Application

To distinguish yourself in this competitive field:

1. Tailor Your Resume: Customize your skills to reflect OISS’s key priorities, particularly in student success leadership, global engagement, and DEI programming.
2. Write a Targeted Cover Letter: Share why you are passionate about international education, specifically at MSU. If you’ve attended MSU events (like the Global Festival) or been part of similar institutions, mention your experiences and enthusiasm for working with globally diverse populations.
3. Include International Expertise: If you’ve studied abroad, worked at an international institution, or supported large groups of students with cross-border transitions, demonstrate how your global perspectives enhance your approach to education and program management.

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Prepare for Hybrid Work

MSU’s OISS operates on a hybrid work model. Ensure you are prepared to:

• Demonstrate adaptability in working both in-person and remotely.
• Showcase your proficiency with technology tools (e.g., Zoom, databases, online collaboration software) that facilitate remote service delivery.

If you’ve successfully supported students or staff from virtual environments, highlight those experiences as examples of your hybrid work readiness.

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Research MSU’s International Culture

MSU is widely recognized for its commitment to internationalization. Explore their programs, such as International Studies and Programs (ISP), Global DEI initiatives, and student-led organizations. When interviewing or writing your application, reference MSU-specific efforts to demonstrate your familiarity with their community and goals.

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Final Note for International Professionals

If you are an international applicant interested in this role at MSU, ensure you meet eligibility requirements for U.S. work authorization. Familiarity with SEVIS administration, F-1/J-1 visa compliance, or having served as a DSO/ARO in the past may strengthen your qualifications. Additionally, if you bring unique cultural or linguistic skills that could benefit MSU’s global engagement efforts, highlight them prominently in your application.

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This position isn’t just a job-it’s an opportunity to contribute to a globally focused academic community and shape the success of students and scholars from around the world. If you’re ready to lead, inspire, and innovate within the field of international education, start crafting your application today!