Winona State University
**Job Description: International Education Perspective**
**Position Overview:**
Join the vibrant community at Winona State University, where a commitment to enhancing intellectual, social, cultural, and economic vitality drives our mission. We are seeking a dedicated professional to support international students and visiting scholars through regulatory advising, student retention, and exchange coordination. This role is pivotal in fostering a supportive environment for our international community and enhancing cross-cultural understanding.
**Role and Responsibilities:**
1. **Regulatory Advising and Compliance:**
– Serve as the Designated School Official (DSO) for WSU’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
– Maintain and update international student records in SEVIS, ensuring compliance with F1 visa regulations.
– Advise students on F-1 benefits including on-campus work, CPT/OPT/STEM extensions and more.
– Act as a liaison between WSU and federal/state agencies, ensuring international students receive necessary documentation like Social Security numbers.
– Stay updated on immigration changes and inform the international student body accordingly.
– Collaborate with other WSU DSOs and assist with I-17 updates and bi-annual recertifications.
2. **Visiting/Exchange Student Coordination:**
– Oversee course enrollment for incoming exchange students and ensure compliance with university policies.
– Serve as an academic advisor, helping international exchange students navigate WSU’s academic system and cultural environment.
– Address and support students facing cross-cultural or financial stress by connecting them to available resources.
3. **Student Advising and Retention:**
– Conduct new student orientation, assisting students in adapting to life in the U.S. and at WSU.
– Collaborate on registration and other student engagement events.
– Monitor academic progress and provide timely interventions to support international students’ success.
– Enhance student experiences by working with campus and community partners.
4. **Additional Responsibilities:**
– Actively participate in strategic international recruitment, professional development activities, and serve on various committees.
– Assist Career Services and contribute to institutional compliance reporting.
**Minimum Qualifications:**
– A Master’s degree plus one year of experience with SEVP, or a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with two years of experience as DSO/PDSO.
– U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residence, as required to fulfill DSO duties.
– Strong knowledge of federal F-1 immigration regulations.
**Preferred Qualifications:**
– Experience living or working abroad, providing a global perspective.
– Expertise in federal immigration regulations and cross-cultural problem-solving.
– Proficiency in SEVIS and familiarity with Minnesota regulations for international students.
– Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
**Application Advice:**
For international candidates or those with international experience, highlight your cross-cultural skills and any direct involvement with international educational programs. Illustrate your understanding of global higher education practices and how these can enhance WSU’s mission. Tailor your application to demonstrate your commitment to fostering a supportive international student community, and your ability to navigate complex regulatory environments.
As part of your application strategy, research Winona State University’s initiatives and showcase how your unique experiences can contribute to their mission of preparing students to lead and serve creatively in their communities and the global arena.
By emphasizing your global perspective and regulatory expertise, you’ll position yourself as a well-rounded candidate for this exciting role
To apply for this job please visit jobregistry.nafsa.org.