Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

International Student Advisor

• Title: International Student Advisor
• Class: Academic Professional
• Exempt Status: Exempt
• Level: 3

Nature and Scope of Work

The International Student Advisor provides specialized student support to international students. Incumbents in this job classification are responsible for providing academic and immigration advising services, career counseling, and new student orientation to meet the needs of the international student population. The International Student Advisor problem solves a variety of complex immigration issues requiring considerable knowledge of immigration rules and regulations. Incumbents work independently with decisions impacting students’ educational goals.

Principal Accountabilities (includes some or all of the following):

1. Serves as the Designated School Official (DSO), maintaining the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and all related certification requirements. Organizes SEVIS data processing under the guidelines provided by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and maintains data and quality control management.  Establishes, updates and tracks SEVIS files on a quarterly basis.
2. Provides accurate immigration information to international students, monitors and tracks student immigration status, and maintains appropriate files.
3. Advises students with immigration petitions and applications to include processing for new F-1 visas, work permits, reinstatement, and reduced course load authorizations, change of status, medical leave and economic hardship employment authorization.
4. Coordinates and plans programs that support the unique needs of F-1 international students including the development and implementation of retention strategies and new student orientation program. Teaches College Survival and Success credit courses and workshops, monitors at-risk students and provides customized intervention services.
5. Provides active case management to an assigned caseload of students.  Supports international students experiencing cross-cultural, family, personal or economic crisis, which may impact academic performance.  Helps students to access appropriate community services/resources.
6. Coordinates and provides academic advising services to international students to include evaluating student academic history, developing academic and career goals, and outlining appropriate classes and resources needed to achieve these goals. Conducts information degree audits, evaluates placement test scores and serves as student advocate in matters related to grievances, grading issues, tuition appeals and special financial arrangements.
7. Assists international students with processing applications for work permits, reinstatements, extensions of stay and other immigration related matters.
8. Serves as student advocate in matters related to grievances, grading issues, tuition appeals and special financial arrangements.
9. Works with international students on academic probation and suspension to develop an improvement plan; monitors progress and identifies specific areas for tutoring assistance.
10. Functions as liaison with transfer institutions; refers students to appropriate college, community and university contacts to assist with the transfer process.
11. Works collaboratively with program faculty and management to support the development of strategies to enhance student retention.
12. Oversees peer advising program; Recruit, train and counsel student workers as needed.
13. May assist with Study Abroad Program by providing classroom presentation/informational sessions; responding to inquiries and advising students and staff about the program and how it fits into the educational plan.
14. Participates in training and maintains a relationship with professional organizations to keep abreast of changes in federal rules and regulations.
15. Reviews student admissions form. Refers and schedules student for testing. Enters new student information into college database system.
16. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Work is performed in an office environment. Occasional evening or weekend hours required. Incumbents may travel to businesses or college fairs requiring the use of a personal vehicle.

Physical Requirements

Physical exertion is not a normal requirement of this position.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Social Science, Liberal Arts, or related field. Relevant experience may substitute for the degree requirement. Must be a US citizen or permanent resident.

Demonstrated experience in intercultural communication and working in a post-secondary environment advising students. Experience researching and interpreting complex rules and regulations. Experience reviewing or evaluating transcripts and placement test scores.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Considerable knowledge of current immigration rules and regulations.
• Considerable knowledge of Portland Community College programs.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures relating to admissions, registration, testing, and placement.
• Knowledge of community resources for appropriate referrals.

Skills in:

• Skill in evaluating transcripts and graduation petitions.
• Skill in delivering classroom and public presentations.
• Skill in operating a computer and various supporting software packages.

Ability to:

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to effectively work with students of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to diffuse and emotional or tense situation and offer viable solutions.
• Ability to operate a variety of office equipment.
• Ability to effectively communicate in oral and written form.

Reviewed: 12/2018

• Revised: 5/2009
• New: 7/2003