International Student Services Coordinator/Advisor

Staff

20171059

Full Time

Regular

07/29/2021

Chapman University’s International Student Services (ISS) is dedicated to providing current international students with continuing enrollment support. International Student Services is seeking a Coordinator responsible for all activities of ISS including the maintenance of international student records and files, programming for current students, new student orientation, compliance with immigration regulations, providing specialized student advising, serve as a resource to faculty and staff related to international student issues, and providing guidance on student employment opportunities.

An important component of this position is the responsibility for improving the international student experience and engagement on campus, as well as promoting faculty engagement in international initiatives and developing strategic partnerships across campus. The Coordinator will assist the international student population in integrating to Chapman, and understanding the U.S. educational system. This position serves as the designated school official (DSO) and resource for immigration matters related to Chapman’s F visa program.

The Coordinator will ensure compliance of immigration regulations through SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) reporting as required by Department of Homeland Security by maintaining considerable up to date knowledge of immigration rules and regulations. Perform additional duties as necessary.

This position works in the Office of Admission.

DSO duties

• Independently interprets complex federal immigration regulations
• Under supervision of the Associate Director, manage day to day advising on immigration regulations, policies, and procedures for F visa holding students
• Issue I-20 forms (continued attendance and change of education level, change of status, reinstatement), transfer I-20 records, extend/shorten programs
• Maintain accurate and timely reporting to comply with immigration regulations
• Register students in SEVIS each semester
• Prepare and submit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services forms for OPT and STEM OPT
• Keep current with immigration law and local laws as they pertain to international students
• Provide support for current students as they work with issues related to their immigration status, including: Department of Homeland Security, Social Security, concurrent enrollment, etc.
• Stay up to date on knowledge of federal immigration regulations to lead policy and advise international students on immigration regulations as a DSO
• Propose, develop and refine policy and procedure to maintain compliance and provide timely services/messaging to international population

• Serve as the initial contact for ISS by managing daily operations of ISS department: i.e. receiving and responding to students emails and phone calls
• Advise and communicate with F students regarding academic support resources, university resources, adjustment issues, personal and family concerns, and emergency situations
• Facilitate student appointments and walk-ins
• Collaborate with various departments consistently regarding student needs and information (Business Office, Registrar, Career Professional and Development, Academic Advising, etc)
• Maintain data integrity within University systems
• Organize and report on statistics and data pertaining to the international student population
• Coordinate and manage International Ambassador Program
• Create and update content for website
• Supervise student worker position

• Lead, participate in, and assess the value of educational presentations, surveys, workshops, programs, and activities related to new student orientation, immigration regulations, cultural adjustment, and intercultural competency
• Ensure collaboration with key university stakeholders, engaging with the University community to promote the importance and needs of the international population
• Develop initiatives to support international student retention
• Promote and organize logistics for all events
• Other Duties as Assigned

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3+ years experience advising F visa holders and maintaining SEVIS records.
• Able to write well and compose official letters and business correspondence.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to problem solving.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Sensitivity to, and understand of, the needs of students from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a diverse group of individuals at all organizational levels.
• Demonstrated ability with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Approachable demeanor and strong customer service skills.
• Skills to prepare basic financial forms and reconcile expenses.
• Experience to schedule and coordinate logistics for meetings, workshops, and events.
• Commitment to supporting international student needs.
• Ability to prioritize duties when faced with interruptions, distractions, and fluctuating workload.
• Ability to formulate and communicate logical conclusions and recommendations.
• Ability to follow and apply regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate tact and diplomacy.

• Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Communications, Business or related field.
• Experience scheduling and coordinating logistics for presentations and events.
• Experience working with SEVIS.
• Excellent problem solving skills.
• Experience with Slate, Campus Solutions and ImageNow.
• Experience working with Student Information System
• Working knowledge of University policies and procedures that pertain to the duties of this position.