International Student Advisor

The mission of The University of Bridgeport is to promote academic excellence, personal responsibility, and commitment to service. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally diverse supportive learning environment prepare graduates for life and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.

Position Description Summary/Purpose :

The International Student Advisor serves as a Designated School Office (DSO) to advise international students on cultural and immigration concerns; manage SEVIS data base and process immigration applications. This position reports to the Director of International Center for Students and Scholars.

Essential Job Functions/Primary Responsibilities :

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Advise international students on various issues impacting them, including but not limited to immigration and adjustment to life in the US.
• Assume, as a primary responsibility, the duties associated with advising on federal regulations that impact international students. Serve as Designated School Official (DSO).
• Process all student applications and requests including but not limited to CPT, OPT, travel signature, I-20 extension, part-time permission, F-2 dependent, transfer-in/out, Economic Hardship and reinstatement.
• Assist with maintenance and supervision of international student records and database.
• Serve as liaison and mediator for international students with prospective employers in regard to CPT and OPT authorizations.
• Serve on inter-office committees/teams in collaborative efforts and continuous improvement.
• Other duties as required.

Other Functions :

• Assist with events organized by the office
• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.
• Continues professional development and training; keeps current with trends when budget permits.
• Assists other department staff as needed to promote a team effort.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill :

• Strong commitment to international education
• Experience working in an internationally focused organization/office setting
• Ability to priority tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Strong communication skills including public speaking skills
• Familiarity with the needs of the international community and/or international students
• Strong intercultural competency

Qualifications:

Minimum Required Qualifications :

Required :

• Bachelor's degree
• Command of immigration regulations on F-1 students and experience with SEVIS;
• Detailed orientated and good organizational skills;
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others in a fast-paced environment;
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral); Ability to comprehend and communicate technical information effectively and diplomatically; Ability to effectively communicate with individuals of various origins;
• Computer knowledge and experience (including word processing, database management and spreadsheets);

Preferred:

• Master's degree
• bilingual preferred, 1-2-year DSO experience.
• Experiences with advising and training;
• Preferred experience with a database; spreadsheets, electronic mail. Knowledge of University programs and procedures;
• Experience in program development, academic or related services;
• Bilingual; speaking and editing skills;
• Have knowledge in:
  • Travel endorsements
  • I-20 forms
  • OPT and STEM OPT extension
  • School transfer to or from UB
  • Program extensions
  • Change of program
  • Dependent documents
  • Part time study authorization
  • Economic necessity employment authorization
  • Deferred entry
  • Reinstatement to legal status
  • Change of status

Special Requirements :

• Strong ability to analyze immigration status related matters to ensure students and the institution are fully in compliance with immigration regulations.
• Detailed orientated and good organizational skills

Physical and Mental Requirements :

Work Environment None Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3
Outdoor Weather Conditions X
Work with fumes or airborne particles X
Work near moving mechanical parts X
Risk of electrical shock X
Vibration X

Physical Activity None Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3
Standing X
Walking X
Sitting X
Talking & Hearing X
Using hands/fingers to handle/feel X
Climbing or balancing X
Bending, pulling, pushing X
Driving X

Lifting Requirements None Under 1/3 1/3 to 2/3 Over 2/3
Up to 10 pounds X
Up to 25 pounds X
Up to 50 pounds X
Up to 75 pounds X
Up to 100 pounds X
Over 100 pounds X

Vision Requirements:

X Close vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 inches or less)

Distance vision (i.e. clear vision at 20 feet or more)

Color vision (i.e. ability to identify and distinguish colors)

Peripheral vision (i.e. ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or

left and right while the eyes are fixed on a given point)

Depth perception (i.e. three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and

spatial relationships)

___ No special vision requirements

Full-Time Employee Benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• 401k employer match
• Employee & dependent life insurance
• Great tuition benefits for employee, spouse & dependents
• PTO program
• Flexible work schedules

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between The University of Bridgeport and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)