International Student Advisor - Office of Global Affairs

The Office of Global Affairs at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for an International Student Advisor.

About the Opportunity

The International Student Advisor position provides immigration advising and support services to international students in non-immigrant visa classification, including F-1 and J-1 EV, at the university and provides guidance to relevant departments on the proper interpretation and adherence to a range of federal policies and procedures pertinent to specific nonimmigrant visa classifications. This position, reporting to the Associate Director, serves in the official federally authorized capacities of Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

• Processes I-20'S for F-1 international students admitted to WVU and DS-2019s for J-1 students.
• Serves as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) with federal agencies for West Virginia University.
• Develops and maintains an accurate International Student database; prepares regular electronic communication to students regarding SEVIS updates and compliance issues.
• Responds to electronic communication from students, departments, and other constituents regarding immigration issues in a timely manner within personal and shared office email accounts.
• Retains and provides expert knowledge to F-1 visa students and departments about off-campus work authorizations such as OPT and CPT while processing requests for each accordingly.
• Assist office student workers with day-to-day responsibilities and questions and helps coordinate support for questions and issues received by front desk and student support staff.
• Serves as liaison with USCIS and EDS/SEVIS/ICE regarding SEVIS regulation updates, audit or information verification needs.
• Maintains relevant records and statistics of F-1 and J-1 students.
• Review SEVIS records accordingly in order to prepare good standing letters requested by students for the DMV, social security office, and outside agencies. Issue letters to students in a timely fashion.
• Understands and keeps current with immigration regulations as they pertain to the SEVIS program and effectively communicates regulatory changes and updates to international students, ISSS staff and relevant WVU Departments.
• Coordinates and resolves the handling of SEVIS events resulting from data errors.
• Works as a team with other staff members to interpret and make decisions regarding the application of complex DHS and DOS rules and regulations in relation to the SEVIS program, as well as formulation of institutional guidelines compliant with these regulations.
• Communicates SEVIS policies and procedures to other ISSS advisors and staff.
  Acts as mediator and advocate for international students and scholars with government immigration offices.
• Designs and presents workshops on SEVIS and other immigration issues to students, scholars, and other campus staff.
• Serves as SEVIS liaison with other campus offices and satellite campuses.
• Presents SEVIS regulations during orientation programs for new international students and J-1 exchange students.
• Assists with planning and implementation of information sessions to students and departments on CPT and OPT every semester and as needed.
  
• Participates in and organizes cultural programs as needed.
  
• Prepares and presents intercultural workshops for academic departments, WVU Graduate Council, and Graduate Teaching Assistants.
  
• Participates in and prepare materials for cross-training of ISSS staff members. Engages in on-going professional development and continuing education in the field of student visas.

• Master's degree in Education, Counseling, International Studies, or other related field such as Law/legal studies preferred.
• A minimum of one (1) year of experience preferred but not required.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• The ability to multi-task, be well organized, possess a strong attention to details, be analytical, and demonstrate a positive and creative problem-solving outlook to manage high volume and complex cases.
• Display excellent intercultural communications skills and the ability to be compassionate when explaining difficult issues.
• Must be able to critically think through complex issues and show discretion when working on complicated or sensitive immigration matters.
• Enthusiastic about helping students and scholars with a dedication to providing exceptional service and support to internal and external customers.
• Extensive cross-cultural experience working with students with varying language abilities
• A proven ability to work effectively with students, scholars, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members who represent a broad range of cultural backgrounds and perspectives.
• Work well under pressure in a fast-paced office setting while effectively balancing competing priorities. Professional conduct is essential in serving students interfacing with various departments and offices both within and outside West Virginia University.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively as a team member to support colleagues, changes in policy, and office and university initiatives.
• Strong computer skills utilizing Microsoft office programs and a familiarity with Banner, Terra Dotta, and the Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

• U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Residency required pursuant to J-1 Federal regulations for J-1 Responsibility Officer (RO) and Alternate Responsibility Officer (ARO).

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.