Under the supervision of an Assistant Director for International Student Services, the International Student Adviser I advises on basic rights and responsibilities under the immigration laws of the United States; advises international students on immigration matters related to their stay at Columbia University; acts as Designated School Official (DSO) to issue required U.S. government documents to international students; assists in streamlining and improving ISSO processes and services; collaborates with staff, schools, departments and outside organizations (including vendors) to plan and coordinate collaborative events as needed. Performs all other duties as assigned
Responsibilities
Advise and provide guidance to F-1 students about their rights and responsibilities under immigration regulations and university policies
As Designated School Official (DSO), process and issue immigration documents (I-20 reprints, change of major, update employer information) and related documents such as social security and certification letters
Complies with federal SEVIS reporting and record keeping requirements
Manage assigned caseload in addition to assisting with case assignments
Consult with the SEVIS Help Desk to correct SEVIS record errors by processing SEVIS Corrections and data fixes
Triages incoming inquiries/requests by email and/or phone and responds as needed to general and specific questions from new or current international students and their academic departments
Presents at various school-specific orientations and immigration workshops
Assist in streamlining and improving ISSO processes and services
Assists with office policy development and modification of standard operating procedures
Collaborates on student advising team projects
Maintains current knowledge of US immigration regulations, policies and procedures
Cultivates a customer service atmosphere when serving as the first point of contact in person and by email or phone
Refers students to the appropriate campus and community resources as needed
Manages ISSO email account as well as day-to-day influx of applications for benefits
Helps to ensure regulatory information is up to date on the ISSO website
Cultivates a professional presence on campus and in the field through local and national partnerships and associations
Participates as requested in regional and national international education conferences
Performs related duties & responsibilities as assigned/requested
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree (in Liberal Arts, Management, Communications, or Education) and/or equivalent related experience
Two years??? experience as DSO in a higher education setting advising on federal F-1 immigration regulations and SEVIS
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and written and oral communication skills
Ability to communicate effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds
Strong computer literacy and familiarity with web-based applications
Preferred Qualifications
Master's Degree in international education, higher education, cross-cultural communication, intercultural counseling, area/cultural studies, foreign language, or TESOL
Experience with Sunapsis and in customer service
Fluency in at least one foreign language
Experience living abroad
Completion of NAFSA F-1 Professional Development Program
Other Requirements
Federal regulations require Designated School Officials to be U.S. citizens or Legal Permanent Residents.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.
Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.
