International Student And Scholar Advisor

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Department Summary:

The International Center, a unit within the Division of Student Life, focuses on student learning and the development of the whole student in an inclusive campus community. In collaboration with its campus partners, the International Center serves the international population, facilitates intercultural and international education, and works to foster a global campus community. The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) team, housed within the International Center, primarily assists F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors on the University's Ann Arbor campus.

Please see the following link for more information about the International Center: http://www.international center.umich.edu/.

Position Summary:

International Student and Scholar Advisors (ISSAs) serve as Designated School Officials (DSOs) and Alternate Responsible Officers (AROs) for the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's F-1 and J-1 programs. They use their expert knowledge of federal immigration regulations related to F-1 and J-1 status to independently advise and educate F-1 international students, J-1 exchange visitors, dependents, and academic units on matters directly related to federal immigration regulations.

They evaluate, analyze, and compare various courses of action F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors may take, and have the authority to make independent decisions on matters of significance, free from immediate direction, within the scope of their responsibilities. ISSAs exercise considerable independent judgment and discretion when officially representing the University of Michigan to the Department of Homeland Security (SEVP, USCIS, CBP, etc.)

and the Department of State. They help formulate, implement, and maintain institutional policies, business procedures, and information systems that relate to F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors. ISSAs also make independent decisions when advising on academic support resources, adjustment issues, personal and family concerns, and emergency situations. They develop, conduct, and evaluate educational presentations, workshops, programs, and activities related to immigration regulations, cultural adjustment, and intercultural competency.

ADVISING INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS & SCHOLARS (50%)

• Represent the University as an authorized Designated School Official (DSO) for U-M's F-1 visa program, and as an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for U-M's J-1 visa program.
• Advise and educate F-1 international students, J-1 exchange visitors, dependents, and academic units on federal immigration regulations using expert knowledge of relevant federal statutes, regulations, and sub-regulatory guidance.
• Judge and assess the needs of F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors while advising on academic support resources, academic issues, personal and family matters, social and cultural adjustment, emergency situations, etc.
• Use expert knowledge, independent decision making, and discretion to advise F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors on complex scenarios that may involve immigration, personal, and cultural issues.
• Process immigration documents for F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors accurately and efficiently.
• Assist F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors with immigration applications, such as requests for employment authorization, change of status, reinstatement, etc.
• Review and approve requests for Certificates of Eligibility (Forms I-20 and DS-2019) for U-M Admissions Offices and Academic Departments.
• Formulate, implement, and maintain institutional policies, business procedures, and information systems related to F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors (in partnership with other U-M offices when necessary).
• Develop and maintain relationships with schools and colleges regarding their F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitor populations.
• Participate in U-M committees as an expert on the international student population and experience, and on immigration regulations affecting F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors.
• Communicate U.S. immigration…