Liberty University Lynchburg , VA 24501
Posted 2 weeks ago
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
To accomplish these two mission-critical functions, the position must:
International Student Advising (70%)
Keep current with US Federal Regulations and established industry procedures related to international students on F-1 non-immigrant status
Keep abreast of other non-immigrant and immigrant statuses on which students may attend the university
Send and answer emails. Make and receive phone calls. Meet one-on-one and with individuals and small groups
Support university compliance with the U.S. Department of State's Student and Exchange Visitors Information System (SEVIS) regulations
Coordinate the International Student and Scholar Management (ISSM) system with both SEVIS and university operations
Register students on SEVIS each semester/term, using both real-time SEVIS and 'batch registration' using ISSM
Assist with the bi-annual SEVIS re-certification process of the university by maintaining the university's I-17 master document on file with SEVIS
Interface with Ellucian, Liberty University Network Operations, and other entities as needed to maintain smooth functioning of ISSM
Advise international students one-on-one & in groups about all matters pertaining to their Student (F-1) status (Optional Practical Training, Curricular Practical Training, Internships, off- and on-campus employment, etc.)
Develop and maintain procedures to ensure international students enjoy full range of benefits associated with their F-1 status
Develop and maintain regular mass communication with international students to apprise them of the regulations and benefits associated with their status, including recent changes in government policies or procedures
Anticipate and prevent problems impacting international student satisfaction, their legal status, and their ability to receive the benefits of their F-1 status
Ensure timely and accurate processing of US Citizenship and Immigration Services (US CIS) and other government-related documents
Respond in a timely manner to government inquiries pertaining to particular students
Conduct new student orientation discussing a full range of issues (Social Security, Department of Motor Vehicle, international student insurance, F-1 regulations, employment, etc.)
Coordinate efforts with other student service offices (Financial Aid, Student Accounts, Student Advocate Office, Admissions, Internship Office, CASAS, Academic departments, Registrar, Student Housing, etc.) to ensure that international students have the information and service needed to support their success at the university
Develop programs and workshops as needed to enhance functionality and/or improve student services or understanding
Maintain accurate records of student enrollment/arrival-departure/retention/ etc.
Student Retention (20%)
Assist with new student orientation each fall and spring semester
Contact current students by phone, email, or in person, reminding them to register and complete Financial Check-in for upcoming semesters and helping them to work through any issues preventing them from returning the following semester
Provide personal and caring assistance to students who are having financial, academic, or personal difficulties that impact their likelihood to return
Contribute to a welcoming atmosphere at the International Student Center
Participate in special events, both social and official, which support international students
Advocate for international students as needed across the campus to ensure timely resolution of problems
Other Duties (10%)
Maintain and update Office of International Student Services current student web pages
Provide office support for the International Student Center as needed
Participate in team meetings, special events, intentional student excursions
Constantly scan the horizon and alert supervisors of issues that may negatively impact customer service, the university's brand and image, and student safety and well-being
Report enrollment, retention, and related data on a semester-by-semester basis
Educate other departments on either a one-on-one or group basis about the special circumstances and/or requirements of international students
Attend Regional NAFSA Conference
Assist the director in overseeing student workers
QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS
US Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident with completed bachelor's degree (graduate degree preferred)
Understands federal regulations governing non-immigrant visa holders and able to implement them in relationship to individual students and to the university as a whole
Strong IT experience and abilities with Banner, ISSM, SharePoint, Xtender, MS Office)
Experienced with international student services in academic context
Possesses excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills (bi-lingual and/or international travel experience preferred)
Knowledgeable of 8 CFR 214.2(f) and 214.3 Federal Regulations and SEVIS procedures (Batch and Real Time Interface)
Creative problem-solving skills: ability to analyze complex problems and derive workable solutions that serve both the university and the student's needs
Excellent oral and written communication skills, enjoy staying in touch with students
Team-player with self-motivation and demonstrated ability to work independently of close supervision
High degree of flexibility, responding well to change and maintaining a positive attitude
Ability to multi-task in a challenging, fast-paced environment
Ability to maintain accurate records by carefully documenting notes from student meetings
Education and Experience
ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB
Communication and Comprehension
Demonstrated ability to communicate policies, procedures, and regulations governing admission to institution of higher learning, including public speaking.
Ability to use and manage a range of communication and social networking platforms.
Bilingual cross-cultural experience a very strong plus.
Problem Solving
Liberty University