Summary of Position: The Coordinator of International Student Advising is a critical position within the advising team within the International (F1) Student Program (ISP) division. The coordinator will oversee and provide exceptional student care, advising, and support to the ISP (F1) students after initial enrollment through graduation and post-graduation activities for ISP students (i.e., OPT and the OPT-STEM extensions). They will assist in developing ongoing advising policies and procedures with the entire ISP advising team. This position helps address the overall ISP student experience to guide the students in degree completion and post-completion options. In addition, the position will manage registration changes for ISP students to manage their student schedules. This position will also assist the Graduation team with unique issues with the ISP student population. This position will ensure that the F1 students receive high-level customer service and problem-resolution to their unique challenges. The position will strive to balance advocating for the students, reinforcing the university’s standards, and maintaining SEVP guidelines. This position will help to establish an online international community climate that reflects the values and practices of IWU’s National and Global mission of learning, loving, praying, and sharing.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Demonstrates a Christian worldview and upholds the University's Christ-centered mission in interactions with students, faculty, and staff
- Assists the advising team in the development of policies and procedures related to ISP student advising and support
- Provide a high level of individual and general student care
- Engage students by individual and group contacts via various methods: in-person, phone, email, video conferencing, instant chat, etc.
- Problem-solving as needed when students encounter issues and problems that present roadblocks in their academic pursuits
- Collaborate with other divisions of the university as needed to resolve issues
- Notice common student needs and develop appropriate supports and activities to proactively assist students and be their advocate
- Refer students to supportive services such as tutoring services, career development, pastoral care, personal counseling, etc.
- Assist students who are at-risk
- Assist students in developing an academic plan for completion of their desired degree or certificate
- Be proficient (or willing to learn) in the use of various databases found in the university student information system in order to access needed student information
- Assists in maintaining current students’ I-20 and administering SEVIS activity for students as a Designated School Officer
- Provides general academic advice/assistance regarding immigration/visa regulations and university policies related to completing degree requirements, academic probation and disqualification, major/course selection, leave of absence, graduate school admission, and other educational issues and goals
- Assist in the development and oversee the ISP students for the processing and management of the graduated students that remain in the US for Post-Completion OPT and the STEM OPT extensions
- Liaison/advocate for students with campus departments, other educational institutions, and community and government agencies. Works to resolve high-pressure immigration with relevant parties on and off campus
- Attend and assist as needed with student face-to-face residencies
- Advises, assists and refers for further assistance international students and their dependents on matters about campus and federal regulations (U.S. visa processing, maintaining immigration status, compliance with SEVIS regulations, employment authorization, change of non-immigrant status, an extension of status, reinstatement to student status, etc.), and financial and legal issues
- Performs other duties as assigned
Qualifications: According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.
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Education
- Bachelor's Required
- Master's Preferred
Experience
- Five (5) years of significant higher education teaching, curriculum development, or management experience
Required Skills
- Demonstrated skills in team building and collaborative leadership
- Record of strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Leadership experience, including responsibility for operational functions in a complex organization
- Demonstrated ability to develop and efficiently manage operational and capital budgets
- Possesses a strong Christian commitment consistent with Wesleyan principles and adheres to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement
Has a strong working knowledge of the development/delivery of non-traditional adult higher education programs in the online environment specific to International Students
- Demonstrates strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Conveys an empathetic and caring attitude toward students and their needs
- Models excellence in human relations skills
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Diversity Statement
IWU commits to create a community that reflects kingdom diversity. We will foster an intentional environment that exhibits honor, respect, and dignity. Acknowledging visible or invisible differences, our community authentically values each member’s earthly and eternal worth. We refute ignorance and isolation and embrace deliberate and courageous engagement.
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LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER
As a religious educational institution operating under the auspices of The Wesleyan Church, Indiana Wesleyan University is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (42 U.S.C., Sections 2000e-1 and 2000e-2).
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.
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