International Student Advisor

Position Summary:

The International Student Advisor supports the recruitment, retention, and success of international students by providing expert guidance on immigration regulations, visa status maintenance, international travel, health insurance, employment eligibility and university policies. As a Designated School Official ( DSO ), this position maintains compliance with federal regulations and student records in government reporting systems.

The Advisor coordinates orientation and transition program, assists students with cultural and personal adjustments, develops educational workshops and intercultural programming, and collaborates with academic and administrative departments to enhance the overall international student experience.

Major Responsibilities:

Immigration Advising and Compliance:

• Serve as Designated Service Official ( DSO ), assisting Director in managing SUNY Cortland’s compliance with federal regulations and policies pertaining to F-1 students.

• Support administration of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program and perform Alternate Responsible Officer ( ARO ) duties, as designated, to ensure compliance with applicable federal regulations governing J-1 students and scholars.

• Advise students and scholars on immigration policies and procedures, such as employment authorization, status maintenance, visa applications, school transfers, and related compliance issues. Assist students in resolving status problems, if applicable.

• Maintain student records and process required updates in SEVIS , ensuring timely and accurate reporting in compliance with federal regulations.

• Monitor students’ immigration status and documentation to ensure continued eligibility and institutional compliance.

International Student and Scholar Arrival Services:

• Develop pre-orientation materials and pre-arrival webinars to assist students in preparing for their travel to the U.S. and Cortland. Provide information on university policies and procedures, academics, student life, SUNY health insurance requirements, and cultural adjustment.

• Manage the university’s incoming student exchange program, reviewing incoming student applications, course registration, responding to student inquiries, and arranging local travel for arriving students.

• Coordinate communication and support services for newly admitted international students and scholars from admission through arrival and enrollment.

Student Success, Engagement and Transition Support:

• Provide welcome experience and orientation program for all international students and scholars at beginning of each semester for social, cultural, and academic adjustment.

• Assist students and scholars with social security cards, employment procedures, understanding income tax requirements, visa issues, and department of motor vehicles ( DMV ) requirements through one-on-one advising, workshops, and print- and web-based materials.

• Develop and implement programs in support of students and campus internationalization.

• Monitor student adjustment and early alert academic progress. Provide consultation and referral as needed.

• Support international student academic support courses.

• Develop and implement assessment tools to evaluate international student and scholar experiences.

• Provide crisis support and referrals for international students experiencing academic, personal, cultural, financial, or immigration-related challenges.

• Collaborate with campus partners to promote student retention, engagement, belonging, and overall student success.

• Prepare reports and utilize assessment data to evaluate programs, services, and student outcomes and recommend improvements.

Exchange and International Partnerships:

• Serve as administrative liaison with partner institutions abroad on exchange and dual degree student processes and procedures, such as exchange student application procedures, immigration and visa documents, student inquiries and orientation, transmittal of transcripts, and student inquires.

• Support the ongoing administration, review, and maintenance of exchange and partnership agreements in collaboration with the Director.

Administration and Campus Collaboration:

• Assist the Director in implementing international initiatives and activities on campus, working with campus constituencies. Create, evaluate, and maintain international agreements and partnerships.

• Represent the office on campus committees and at professional meetings (e.g., NAFSA , SUNY CISSS ).

• Support other office initiatives, including study abroad program administration.

• Maintain accurate records, databases, and reports related to international students, scholars, and exchange programs.

• Collaborate with Admissions, Registrar, Student Accounts, Residence Life, Career Services, and Academic Affairs to support international student and scholar services.

• Develop and manage communications and outreach efforts, including website content, newsletters, and social media platforms.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree

• Experience working with international students, exchange students, study abroad participants, or culturally diverse populations

• Because this position requires serving as a Designated School Official ( DSO ) for SEVIS , the candidate must be either a citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States per

8 CFR 214.3(l)(1)*. *Legal citation from the Regulations page of ICE .gov.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree

• Significant experience working in an International Programs Office setting

• Knowledge of SEVIS functionality and Department of Homeland Security regulations governing F-1 programs

• Experience advising F-1 and/or J-1 international students and scholars.

• Experience developing and facilitating orientation, educational, or intercultural programs and events.

• Experience assessing programs and using data to improve services and student outcomes.