Coordinator of International Student Advising

About this role

Job Title: Coordinator of International Student Advising
Reporting Relationship:AD Student Affairs - International Student Programs
Unit: National & Global
Department: International Recruitment-IWU National & Global
Campus Location: Online/Remote
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. This position is designated as remote; however, preference will be given to candidates who reside within commuting distance of Merrillville, Indiana, or Forney, Texas. The individual selected for this role will be expected to maintain a consistent in-person presence at ISP residency events held at these educational centers.

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

Uses AI tools to support daily work activities, enhance output quality, and improve efficiency within defined processes and guidelines

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.
Education

Bachelor's Required

Master's Preferred

Experience
Three (3) years of experience in higher education and preference given to those with focused advising experience of F-1 International Students
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

IWU Kingdom Diversity Statement
IWU, in covenant with God's reconciling work and in accordance with the Biblical…