ISSO Adviser

As an international student services office (ISSO) adviser, you will oversee all facets of SCAD's student and exchange visitor program (SEVIS). You will run Terra Dotta batch interface with SEVIS and SCT Banner systems and liaise with the SEVIS helpdesk on data fixes. You will also file all F-1 related applications/procedures like extensions of stay and change of non-immigrant status (COS), travel abroad and re-entry signatures/compliance, CPT, OPT, and off-campus work authorization. You will ensure a seamless transition of SEVIS records in Terra Dotta as they migrate from initial attendance records to active records. Your responsibilities will include the management of SEVIS I-20 transfer processes — such as acting as a liaison with other universities on the transfer process of prospective students — and the quarterly registration of SEVIS F-1 files to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). You will also manage all transfers for I-20 processing, liaise with admission to determine quarterly transfers, and terminate all non-active SEVIS records in Terra Dotta after the drop/add period.

In the role of ISSO adviser, you will assist with new international student orientations by creating and distributing student check-in lists for Atlanta and Savannah and locating "missing" students who do not attend check-in to ensure they have connected with ISSO. You will issue all initial attendance I-20s for F-1 students who have taken lengthy "leaves of absence" from SCAD and communicate if they need to apply for readmission. You will interpret U.S. immigration laws related to F-1 non-immigrant status international students, their dependents, and other family members, counseling them on maintaining their immigration status. You will coordinate with the Office of Career and Alumni Success (CAS) to meet student needs. You will also work with a senior ISSO adviser to ensure all information in Banner GOAINTL, Terra Dotta, and FSA is correctly maintained for accurate registration and enrollment audits. As an ISSO adviser, you will serve as a Designated School Official (DSO), report requirements to USCIS, file optional practical training (OPT) work authorization applications, and advise curricular practical training (CPT).

The successful candidate must know about changes in laws, rules, regulations, and administrative procedures concerning international students studying in the U.S. The candidate should be capable of managing Terra Dotta alerts and understand the batch processing registrations of F-1 student files to USCIS' SEVP database. The candidate must know about STEM-related career topics and other career-related needs. They should have excellent communication skills, experience in international student services, and the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. The candidate should be able to work accurately and meet deadlines.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• At least one year experience as a Designated School Official (DSO) or comparable international education knowledge and F-1 student visa regulation knowledge and experience designing/implementing events and workshops
• Experience in Banner, Terra Dotta, Salesforce, and App Extender

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree
• Fluent in a second language

Certificates, licenses, and registrations:

• U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency, as mandated by federal regulations
• Valid driver's license

Travel Required:

•   Less than 10%

Work Hours: The university work week is Sunday through Saturday. Most offices are open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. To accommodate business needs, employees may be assigned to other workdays and/or hours, including weekends and evenings.   

ADA Tag: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and minimum qualifications listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and/or meet the minimum qualifications.