International Student Adviser and SEVIS Compliance Specialist – Winona, Minnesota job with Winona State University | 173985

**Job Details**

**Company Responsibilities:**

1. **Regulatory Advising and Compliance:** Act as the Designated School Official (DSO) for Winona State University’s (WSU) participation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This includes maintaining institutional records, regularly updating international student information in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), and interpreting immigration regulations for F-1 non-immigrant status. Advise students on F-1 benefits such as on-campus employment, CPT/OPT/STEM OPT extensions, SSR, Economic Hardship, Cap Gap, etc., and process I-20s and other reporting requirements. Work with the Social Security Administration to ensure international students working on campus receive social security numbers and inform students about their rights and responsibilities. Provide guidance on international travel and U.S. re-entry, assist with travel documentation, and offer verification letters as needed. Serve as a contact for federal and state agencies on nonimmigrant student matters, such as those related to Social Security and the DMV. Contribute as a campus expert on immigration compliance and F-1 regulations, working collaboratively with other DSOs at WSU. Keep international students informed about immigration regulation changes and assist with tax filing support. Collect and analyze data for fiscal and administrative reports like Open Doors reports and assist with I-17 updates and bi-annual recertifications.

2. **Visiting/Exchange Student Coordinator:** Facilitate course enrollment for visiting and exchange students following the issue of I-20s, as per Regulatory Advising and Compliance procedures. Share information across WSU regarding the incoming exchange program, track enrollment trends, and remain informed on university agreements and exchange balances. Provide partner institutions with admission criteria and advise on admission requirements and restrictions. Evaluate partner nominations against university guidelines and determine which applications require special consideration. Support inbound exchange students facing cross-cultural, personal, or financial stress by guiding them toward appropriate services and resources. Act as an academic advisor for international exchange students, helping them understand and comply with university policies and procedures.

3. **Student Advising and Retention:** Facilitate new student orientation in Winona and Rochester, assisting students as they integrate into life at WSU. Work with other advisors on registration days and help students register for their first semester courses. Provide ongoing support to international students addressing visa regulations, life adjustments in the U.S., academic programs, degree progress, and post-graduation options. Monitor academic progress to enable early intervention and assist returning and suspended students. Partner on initiatives to enhance the international student experience and coordinate with campus units on health insurance enrollment as required by Minnesota State. Work with academic departments, campus units, and community partners on international student issues. Collaborate with the EIE to support international student involvement in the Cross-Cultural Scholarship program and other events.

4. **Additional Duties:** Undertake other responsibilities to ensure smooth operation of the Warrior Success Center and uphold Winona State University’s reputation, such as assisting Career Services, engaging in international recruitment and enrollment planning, and collecting data for compliance with Federal reporting requirements. Participate in external outreach, networking, and professional activities, attend conferences, and serve on committees and boards as needed. Act as a specialist and advisor for other state and regional campuses.

**Minimum Qualifications:**

– A Master’s degree plus one year of professional experience in higher education with SEVP participation, OR a Bachelor’s degree in international relations, global education, higher education, or a related field, along with two years of experience serving as a DSO or PDSO.
– Demonstrated understanding of federal regulations for non-immigrant students.
– U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency required, in line with Department of Homeland Security requirements for a DSO.

**Preferred Qualifications:**

– Experience living, working, or studying abroad.
– Experience applying federal immigration regulations to student cases.
– Aptitude in addressing complex problems in cross-cultural settings.
– Background in student advising and programming in higher education.
– Familiarity with Minnesota regulations for international students and scholars.
– Experience with SEVIS.
– Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with diverse constituents.
– Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook.
– Strong organizational and communication skills.
– Flexibility, independence, and teamwork in a fast-paced environment.

**Mission Statement:**

Winona State University is dedicated to enhancing the intellectual, social, cultural, and economic well-being of the communities we serve. We offer undergraduate and graduate programs rooted in the arts and sciences, tailored to meet the needs of the Upper Midwest. We prepare our graduates to serve generously, lead responsibly, and respond creatively to the challenges they face in their work, lives, and communities. Together, we are a community of learners improving our world!