International Student Advisor
Job Description:
The International Student Advisor plays a crucial role in providing specialized support to international students and scholars. They are responsible for offering comprehensive advising services in areas such as immigration, academics, professional development, personal well-being, and mental health. This includes proactively reaching out to students who are facing academic and personal difficulties. The International Student Advisor also actively promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion by assisting international students in acclimating to the university environment and celebrating their unique cultures through event planning and leadership mentoring. In addition to this, the International Student Advisor oversees and supports the retention of first-year international students, continuing to provide guidance and maintain relationships with them until graduation and beyond, inspiring, motivating, and assisting them in completing their degrees on time.

Date of first consideration: 07/20/2023

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Holistic Advising:
2. Act as the primary contact for international students and scholars, building relationships and connecting them with university services, resources, and programs essential for their success in and outside the classroom. Address cultural adjustment, educational planning, and academic/personal concerns or difficulties. Provide front-line mental health support and guide them to appropriate resources.
3. Conduct educational outreach to disseminate information on immigration, academics, mental health, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and other topics relevant to international students and scholars. Emphasize student retention.
4. Student Support:
5. Maintain detailed records of student interactions and establish follow-up processes.
6. Utilize technology, student interactions, and proactive data analysis to provide targeted support for immigration maintenance and student success.
7. Oversee assigned student success alerts and outreach for International Student and Scholar Services.
8. Prioritize student retention.
9. Immigration Maintenance:
10. Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternative Responsible Officer (ARO) for F and J visa holders. Interpret and enforce US Department of Homeland Security and US Department of State regulations while maintaining immigration records.
11. Maintain institutional records, 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 policies.
12. Collaborate with other DSOs and AROs to ensure consistent protocols and actions.
13. Course Instructor:
14. Teach one or more sections of the mandatory 2.0 credit Acculturation FYE course.
15. Create engaging course design, assignments, and assessments using best practices and available technology.
16. Monitor trends and gather feedback to update and improve the curriculum based on international student needs.
17. Prioritize student success, acculturation assistance, and retention.
18. Programming and Leadership:
19. Advise the 50-member International Student Ambassador (ISA) organization.
20. Lead ISA and designated initiatives to support retention efforts and foster cultural sensitivity on campus.
21. Coordinate weekly ISA meetings and provide professional development training.
22. Coordinate and oversee programming and service initiatives such as involvement and morale activities, service projects, outdoor excursions, weekly shopping trips, and cultural events.
23. Develop educational material and activities with expected learning outcomes for ISA members and event attendees.
24. Coordinate campus, social media, and digital marketing campaigns.
25. Arrival Services and Orientation:
26. Coordinate and oversee arrival services and related arrangements (e.g., housing, registration) for new international students and scholars.
27. Provide targeted pre- and post-arrival student support communication.
28. Assist in planning and implementing orientation programs for new international students and scholars.
29. Collaboration:
30. Coordinate, provide direction, and regularly consult with college faculty, staff, external departments, administrators, and other colleagues and partners across the campus to address immigration maintenance, enrollment, retention, completion, cultural awareness, advocacy, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as student support initiatives.
31. Coordinate student outreach across different departments.
32. Participate in various division and university committees as needed.
33. Cultural Competency:
34. Demonstrate and promote cultural competence when interacting with students, faculty, and staff.
35. Emphasize international student advocacy and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Education and Experience Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Applicants must be a citizen of the United States or a lawful permanent resident to serve as a DSO and/or ARO.
2. A bachelor’s degree is required.
3. A master’s degree in a related field is preferred.
4. Experience using and comfort with technology, including basic office programs, student information systems, higher education software, etc. Willingness to learn new computer-based programs quickly.
5. Familiarity with the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP), SEVIS management, and US Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations for F and J visa holders.
6. Working knowledge of the Banner Sungard student information system.
7. Ability to interpret and apply complex guidelines, rules, and regulations. Strong problem-solving skills are essential due to the complex nature of immigration regulations.
8. Excellent communication skills, including public speaking, professional presentation, technical writing, and interpersonal communication. Patience, persistence, empathy, and cultural awareness are necessary for effective intercultural communication, considering students and scholars who have English as a second language.
9. Strong organizational and prioritization skills to manage multiple tasks and competing demands.
10. Ability to collaborate with colleagues and work independently to support individual, institutional, and department goals.
11. Ability to obtain an unrestricted driver’s license and operate a motor vehicle safely.

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, preferably in student advising, counseling, student involvement & leadership, or teaching.
2. Previous experience as a DSO and/or ARO, including interfacing with SEVIS, and organizing and managing institutional records for international students and scholars.
3. Experience in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
4. Experience in coordinating programs and events.

Documents Needed to Apply:

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

Southern Utah University is dedicated to maintaining a community that respects and values the worth and dignity of every person. The university fosters tolerance, understanding, and mutual respect among its members, while encouraging personal responsibility and rights. In its pursuit of academic excellence, the university seeks to develop and nurture diversity, believing that the various backgrounds of its members strengthen the institution, stimulate creativity, promote the exchange of ideas, and enrich campus life.

Southern Utah University does not discriminate against any member of the university community on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, veteran status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related condition, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law, in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or any other university benefits or services.

To apply, visit https://suu.applicantpro.com/jobs/296