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International Student Advisor
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Position Number: 3457126
Location: Worcester, MA
Position Type: International Programs

JOB TITLE
International Student Advisor

LOCATION
Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME
International Operations

DIVISION NAME
Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
The Office of International Student Life (ISL) coordinates services and support for WPI's 1,400+ international undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, and their dependents. ISL staff assist with issues related to employment, immigration, taxation, and personal and cultural adjustment, as well as serve as a source of general information about living at WPI and in Worcester, Massachusetts, and the United States. As WPI's representative for immigration concerns, ISL helps students obtain and maintain legal nonimmigrant status in the United States.

The International Student Advisor of ISL works as part of a team to provide international student services including student immigration advising, institutional compliance requirements for DHS/SEVIS and the Department of State, as well as other support for the WPI international community. They serve as liaison to various stakeholder departments at WPI and to various agencies of the federal government as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternative Responsible Officer (ARO.) They ensure that all activities and decisions are conducted in accordance with federal regulations and University policy. Applicants must have U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status to serve in the roles of DSO and ARO, per Department of Homeland Security and Department of State regulations.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Manage international students' data, ensuring that information in Workday and ISSM are updated in a timely manner.
Responsible for monitoring SEVIS alerts and taking corrective action or reporting issues to the director.
Serve as the primary advisor for WPI's undergraduate international student population.
Conduct the mandated SEVIS registration at the start of each semester.
Prepare initial I-20 Forms/DS-2019 Forms for incoming international students.
Help plan and implement international undergraduate student orientation activities as well as programs planned by the International Student Council (ISC) and other multicultural student groups.
Help coordinate International Education Month in November.
Provide immigration advice to international F-1 students, such as travel signatures, issuing of updated and new I-20 forms, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), OPT STEM extensions, reduced course load forms, etc.
Advise and counsel international students on a wide range of issues including, but not limited to, cross-cultural, financial, and personal matters. Facilitate referrals to other offices or service agencies when appropriate.
Work with other offices such as Undergraduate Admissions; Academic Advising; Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education; Student Activities; Health Services; Student Development and Counseling; Center for Wellness; and the Career Development Center on personal, cultural, and professional programming.
Provide basic non-resident alien tax filing assistance to international students.
In coordination with student workers, cultivate the social media platforms and other types of advertising for the Office of International Student Life including the website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and posters
Help provide front office coverage when needed. In the absence of the Director and Assistant Director, provide leadership and supervision for the office.
Support office operations such as purchase of supplies, paying bills, and maintaining FedEx accounts
Coordinate and schedule temporary housing at the International House
In conjunction with the Assistant Director and Director, help oversee student workers in the office, and coordinate their workload and daily tasks.
Participate in Division of Student Affairs activities. Serve on division or campus wide committees as appropriate. Serve as a member of the Administrator-On-Call group as coordinated through the Dean of Students Office.
Remain abreast of international student issues and concerns and changing government regulations
Perform other duties as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS OR DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in international relations/international education or related area required.
Basic knowledge of immigration regulations and a working knowledge of SEVIS is expected upon completion of appropriate training.
Must be a US citizen or permanent resident to serve as a DSO and ARO in the SEVIS system.
Computer knowledge, including Microsoft Office Products and understanding of social media platforms required. Proficiency in departmental immigration software programs (e.g. SEVIS, ISSM) is expected upon completion of appropriate training.
Knowledge of a foreign language and international experience is preferred
Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, and a strong commitment to DEI required.
Knowledge of current research and issues in international education is highly desirable.

Please include a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position.

WPI requires that all employees to be fully-vaccinated for COVID-19 and boosted. For additional information, please go to

https://www.wpi.edu/we-are-wpi/health-and-safety/vaccine-information

FLSA STATUS
United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. We are seeking individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity and collaboration, inclusion, problem solving and change making.

To apply, visit: https://wpi.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/WPI_External_Career_Site/job/Worcester/International-Student-Advisor_R0002133-1

About WPI
WPI is a vibrant, active, and diverse community of extraordinary students, world-renowned faculty, and state of the art research facilities. At WPI, we have competitive and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, long-term care, retirement, tuition assistance, flexible spending accounts, work-life balance and much more.

Diversity & Inclusion at WPI
WPI is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected; a place where every student, faculty and staff member can be themselves, so that they can study, live, and work comfortably, to reach their full potential, and make meaningful contributions in order to meet departmental and institutional goals. WPI thrives on innovative practice and welcomes diverse perspectives, insight, and people from diverse lived experiences, to enhance the community environment and propel the institution to the next level in a competitive, global marketplace.