General Summary

The Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) is seeking a qualified graduate student for the position of OISS Peer Advisor and Front Desk Supervisor for the fall 2019 academic semester. Under the guidance and supervision of the professional staff, the graduate assistant is to primarily serve as a general peer advisor to the international student community. In a supervisory role, the graduate assistant will oversee and improve the efficiency of front desk operations and procedures, train and supervise student employees, and assist with other OISS initiatives.

The Staff Graduate Assistant receives a stipend and tuition waiver subject to federal tax.

Appointment: 100% (20 hours a week)
% of appointment devoted to: Teaching 0%, Research 0%, General Administrative Support 100%

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Be a knowledgeable initial contact for international students requiring assistance (via e-mail, over telephone and in-person at the OISS front desk).
• Provide basic non-immigrant advising to F-1 and J-1 students based on OISS, EMU, and federal policy and regulation.
• Assist professional staff in the development and implementation of the new student arrival process, including orientation and SEVIS check-ins.
• Manage front desk statistics and evaluate the effectiveness of front desk processing and operations.
• Oversee forms and procedures, while maintaining and updating front desk manual as needed.
• Assist professional staff with various project related to student data management.
• Represent the OISS at special cultural functions (some evening and weekend events required).
• Train and supervise student office employees.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Ability to work up to 20 hours per week is required.
• GPA of 3.0 or higher is required.
• An earned Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.
• Acceptance into a Graduate Program at Eastern Michigan University. This position is best suited for graduate students pursuing a degree in Educational Leadership, or Communications.
• Maintenance of a 67% course completion is required.
• Enrollment in at least 6 credits for Fall and Winter semesters is required (8 credits required for International Students).

Department Required Skills:

• Sensitivity to cultural differences required.
• Strong communication skills, especially with non-native English speakers.
• Demonstrated attention to detail.
• Ability to sit for long periods of time at the computer; job requires heavy concentration.
• Ability to work under pressure in busy, stressful environment.
• Ability to learn quickly and efficiently.
• Experience with computer software including Microsoft Office and Google Apps (Mail, Drive, Calendar, Etc.)
• Previous experience working in a professional environment.
• Previous experience in customer service.
• Familiarity with geography of EMU campus.
• Knowledge of some EMU departments and offices.

Department Preferences:

• Bilingual or multilingual applicants preferred.
• Previous experience working in a higher education institution highly preferred.
• Previous experience working in a supervisory role preferred.
• Ellucian Banner experience preferred.
• Ellucian ISSM (International Student & Scholar Management) experience preferred.
• Appointment Plus experience preferred.
• Knowledge of some immigration regulations preferred.
• Knowledge of university policies and procedures preferred.

Supplemental Information

• Applications will be accepted from March 21, 2019 through April 12, 2019.
• This position officially begins on August 25, 2019, however applicant must be available to start training in the month of May 2019 (up to 10 hours a week) through the duration of the summer.
• Required commitment of 20 hours a week (including finals week) during academic semesters.
• Must be available to work during orientation, SEVIS check-ins, and IEP orientation.
• Graduate assistant is to follow the EMU's Student Code of Conduct and conduct themselves in a safe, productive, and ethical manner.
• Graduate assistant is to follow the OISS student employee manual.
• Funding is for the Fall 2019 term. Position may be extended to Winter 2020.
• Any applicant whose primary language is not English must meet specific English language proficiency requirements to be considered for a graduate assistantship.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Applications without the required supplemental documents will not be considered.

** Required supplemental documents to be submitted **

• Resume
• Cover letter (including anticipated graduation date)
• One letter of recommendation from a U.S. source (or a letter of recommendation from the past year in English)