International Student Adviser and SEVIS Compliance Specialist - Military Veterans

Job Description

1. Regulatory Advising and Compliance. Serve as Designated School Official for WSU?s participation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Maintain institutional records, routinely update each international student's information within the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and interpret immigration regulations for F1 non-immigrant status. Advise students on F-1 benefits such as on-campus work, CPT/OPT/STEM OPT extensions, SSR, Economic Hardship, Cap Gap, etc. as outlined in regulations, process I-20, and complete reporting requirements. Collaborate with the Social Security Administration to ensure international students working on campus are issued social security numbers and advise students on their rights and responsibilities. Advise students and scholars on international travel and re-entry into the U.S. and assist students in collecting proper travel documentation. Provide letters and supporting documentation as needed for travel or verifications for home institutions. Serve as liaison with other federal and state agencies regarding nonimmigrant student issues such as Social Security, DMV, etc. Serve as a campus expert on immigration compliance, F-1 regulations, policies and practices. Support and, and coordinate with other WSU Designated School Officials (DSOs). Inform international students of changes in immigration regulations. Coordinate tax filling support for international students. Collect and analyze data for fiscal and administrative reports: ex. Open Doors reports. Assisting with I-17 updates and bi-annual recertifications as needed by Principal Designated School Official.
2. Visiting/Exchange Student Coordinator. Coordinate course enrollment for incoming visiting and exchange students post I-20 as outlined in Regulatory Advising and Compliance. Communicate information across WSU about the incoming exchange program, track enrollment trends, and maintain knowledge of university agreements and exchange balances. Disseminate detailed admission criteria to partner institutions, including advising exchange partners on admission requirements, major restrictions, and all other components. Determine if partner nominations comply with university guidelines and procedures and judge which applications require special consideration. Identify inbound exchange students experiencing cross-cultural, personal, or financial stress, and assist students with accessing appropriate community services and resources to help prevent and mitigate those issues. Function as a designated academic advisor for international exchange students, assisting them in gaining an understanding of and adhering to university policies and procedures.

3. Student Advising and Retention. Provide new student orientation to welcome and assist students in Winona and Rochester with settling into life at WSU. Collaborate on and participate in registration days and other new student events. Assist students with registration for first semester courses in collaboration with other advisors. Advise and assist international students on various issues impacting them, including but not limited to visa regulations, adjustment to life in the U.S., academic programs, degree progress, and options after graduation. Monitor the academic progress of international students to provide early and proactive intervention. Assist suspended and returning students. Collaborate on initiatives to enhance international student experience. Correspond with campus units on other international student related policies, such as providing lists to Health and Wellness Services for Minnesota State required health insurance enrollment. Collaborate with academic departments, other campus units, and community partners about issues related to international students. Collaborate with EIE to support international student involvement in Cross-Cultural Scholarship program and other campus events.

4. Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the smooth functioning of the Warrior Success Center and maintain the reputation of Winona State University, including but not limited to providing assisting Career Services, participating in strategic international recruitment and enrollment planning; collecting and analyzing data for fiscal and administrative reports to ensure timely institutional compliance with Federal regulatory reporting requirements; participating in external outreach, networking, and professional engagement activities; attending local, regional, and national conferences, and serving on committees and boards as appointed; serve as specialist and advisor for other state and regional campuses.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master?s degree plus one (1) year of professional higher education experience with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) - OR - a Bachelor?s degree in international relations, global education, higher education, or related field and two (2) years of professional experience which includes serving as a Designated School Official (DSO) or Principal Designation School Official (PDSO).
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal F immigration regulations for non-immigrant students
• Position requires proof of U.S. citizenship/legal permanent residence to serve as a Designated School Official (DSO), per Department of Homeland Security

Preferred Qualification

• Experience living, working, or studying abroad
• Experience interpreting and applying federal immigration regulations to student cases.
• Experience solving complex problems in cross-cultural contexts.
• Experience in higher education student advising and programming.
• Knowledge of Minnesota regulations pertaining to international students and scholars.
• Knowledge and experience with Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with a wide range of diverse constituents.
• Skills with Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel Access, and Outlook.
• Excellent organizational and oral and written communication skills.
• Flexibility, ability to work independently, and eagerness to work in a team environment in a fast-paced office.

Other Requirements

• Must be able to travel independently
• Some overnight travel
• Some evening or weekend assignments occur.
• Light work. Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. For example, items that must be occasionally transported include boxes of materials, flags and flag poles, and large directional signs and posters.

Work Shift (Hours / Days of work) 100% (40 hours/week) 2 weeks prior to classes thru Friday of faculty's last duty day week & 60% summer.

Telework (Yes/No) No

About Winona State University: Founded in 1858, Winona State University is a regional public university and the oldest member of the Minnesota State system. Offering more than 200 majors and programs, Winona State has the #1 Student Success Rate in the Minnesota State System with 92 percent of WSU graduates being hired in a field related to their degree. With campuses in both Winona and Rochester, Winona State offers the best of both worlds. Widely known for its stunning natural setting, the Winona campus is nestled between picturesque bluffs and the Mississippi River - meaning rock climbing, paddle-boarding, hiking, and kayaking are within a mile of campus. WSU?s Rochester campus is located in Minnesota?s third largest city - a dynamic hub for industry, arts, and culture, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. Winona State University's mission is to enhance the intellectual, social, cultural and economic vitality of the people and communities we serve: a community of learners improving our world. For more information, visit winona.edu.