About the position
The International Student and Scholar Advisor (ISSA) at Northeastern University plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive advising services to international students and scholars holding F/J non-immigrant status. This position operates under the supervision of an Associate Director or Director within the Office of Global Services (OGS). The ISSA is responsible for ensuring that international students and scholars maintain their non-immigrant status while navigating various aspects of their academic and personal lives in the U.S. This includes advising on employment authorization, cultural adjustment, and academic integration. The ISSA serves as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), utilizing the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to manage student records, process necessary documentation, and comply with federal regulations. The role requires a deep understanding of federal regulations, SEVIS procedures, and Northeastern's academic policies to provide timely and accurate guidance to students and academic departments. In addition to advising, the ISSA is tasked with creating and maintaining student records in SEVIS, liaising with government agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services, and delivering training on regulatory matters. The ISSA also collaborates with various departments to enhance the international student experience through programming and support services. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all international students and scholars at Northeastern University.
Responsibilities
- Advise, counsel, and assist F-1 students, J-1 students, and J-1 scholars to ensure maintenance of their non-immigrant status, employment authorization, acculturation, academic, social, personal adjustment, etc.
- Create, update and maintain student and scholar records in SEVIS (Form I-20 and DS-2019) to include reportable events as required by federal regulations.
- Maintain up to date knowledge of federal regulations, SEVIS procedures, Northeastern academic policies, and OGS policy and procedures to provide timely and comprehensive advising.
- Provide guidance to NU academic departments and key contacts on regulatory requirements, institutional policies, and OGS policies and procedures.
- Advise students on logistical matters including obtaining a social security number and applying for a U.S. driver's license/state ID.
- Liaise with relevant government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), the Department of State (DOS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) regarding student requests, data fixes, and travel.
- Design and/or deliver regulatory training for students, scholars, and relevant colleagues.
- Communicate with academic and co-op/career advisors to support comprehensive international student advising.
- Collaborate with OGS academic services and programming support team on orientation programming as it pertains to immigration compliance and the initial review of F and J regulations with new students.
- Actively contribute to developing, designing, and implementing programs and systems needed to support and enrich the international student and scholar experience at Northeastern.
- Provide consistent on-ground advising support and represent OGS on the Boston campus, including attending meetings and assisting with on-campus events.
- Serve within the DSO on-call rotation.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree
- One to three years' experience as a DSO/ARO working directly with SEVIS to process documentation, maintain records and comply with regulatory reporting requirements
- U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency are required to be a DSO/ARO
- Knowledge of F-1 and J-1 regulations and professional experience working with international student (and scholar) populations throughout all parts of the international student experience (pre-arrival, enrollment, post-completion employment)
- Ability and willingness to multitask and develop systems of organization for managing a high-volume caseload
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment as a contributing member of a high-functioning team
- Knowledge of privacy laws and ability to utilize discretion and confidentiality when advising students/scholars.
Nice-to-haves
- Knowledge of various computer software systems and applications including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and web-based applications
- Familiarity with batching systems such as SUNAPSIS
- Strong intercultural communication and interpersonal skills
- Prior study/work abroad or other living experience overseas
- Knowledge of a second or third language
- Prior experience with academic advising
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Vision insurance
- Dental insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition assistance
- Wellness programs
- Life insurance
- Retirement benefits
- Commuting and transportation assistance
