University of Northern Colorado Looking for International Advisor and SEVIS Compliance Specialist Full Time

Job Summary:
Job Summary:

Complex immigration regulations and ever increasing enforcement efforts have created need for high touch specialized labor to ensure that international students and scholars maintain valid immigration status and that their host universities maintain regulatory compliance. This position focuses on the needs of individuals participating in the F- Student and J Exchange Visitor categories to ensure that the information for scholar, student and university in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is accurate and current. This person also maintains knowledge of the current interpretation of immigration regulations and serves as liaison among university, student/scholar, and the agencies of the federal government that oversee immigration: USCIS, ICE, DHS, and DOS as well as Social Security & Driver’s Licenses Offices. The position provides direct support to international students and scholars with a focus on strengthening the pipeline from admission to enrollment as well as retention of students, and which may outlast a given student’s enrollment at UNC by an additional three years, based on regulatory requirements for STEM practical training support.

Duties and Responsibilities

• 50% International Student and Scholar Immigration Compliance – Serves as Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), maintaining accurate reporting and data Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and all related requirements with the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and State (DOS). Using TerraDotta ISSS software, collects required documentation prior to issuing immigration support certifications (I-20s and DS-2019s), organizes SEVIS data processing and reporting under the regulatory guidelines, including mass registration, and maintains data and quality control management. Provides accurate immigration information to international students and scholars, monitors, and tracks student immigration status, and maintains appropriate records within TerraDotta and SEVIS. With Director of International & Student & Scholar Services, researches, interprets, and applies federal and institutional rules and policies to the specific situations of international students and scholars in F- or J- non-immigrant status . Advises students and exchange visitors on complex immigration requirements, benefits, petitions, and applications and provides students with appropriate guidance and options as well as documentation and authorizes specific benefits allowed by regulation, including practical training authorization, reduced course loads, changes of status, medical leave, and economic hardship employment authorization. Functions as immigration liaison with outgoing and incoming transfer institutions; refers students to appropriate college, community, and university contacts to assist with the transfer process; processes incoming and outgoing transfers of SEVIS records. Serves as a resource for requirements and regulatory changes and updates to international student laws and procedures.

• 40% International Student & Scholar Support and Retention – Develops and presents new student orientations and immigration workshops (including OPT and CPT) – in coordination with the ISS Director and Cross Cultural Graduate Assistant. Provide active case management to an assigned caseload of students; Provides direct, comprehensive, and culturally sensitive advising to international students and scholars in regards to complex issues not only related to immigration, but also related academic, logistical, financial, health, travel, cultural adjustment, and career development issues.. Functions as a designated academic advisor for international exchange students, assisting them in gaining an understanding of and adhering to university policies and procedures. As appropriate, serves as a student advocate in matters related to grievances, grading issues, tuition appeals, and special financial arrangements.Assist students and scholars in adjusting to life at the university and in the U.S. including advising on campus academic and personal support resources, clubs and organizations. Generates letters for special situations: i.e., Social Security number applications, driver’s license applications. Evaluate and approve international insurance waiver requests. Assist with administration of non-immigrant tax software. Serve on international scholarship evaluation committee. Other campus integration and service as assigned.

• 10% Other duties necessary including:
• Work as the point person between ISSS and International Admissions to ensure smooth transfer of SEVIS records and assist with any Slate/Banner/TerraDotta issues, immigration and regulatory questions that may arise. Participate in cross cultural engagement events as available, including occasionally driving student participants when necessary.
• Advocate for international students and scholars on campus as appropriate.
• Provide training and guidance to campus constituents as needed to support international students and scholars, facilitate campus integration, and ensure positive interactions.
• Develop, plan, and conduct workshops delivered in person or via other methods to educate on current U.S. immigration regulations and compliance as well as matters integral to the success of international students and scholars on campus such as but not limited to intercultural differences.
• Develop and maintain relationships with schools and colleges regarding the immigration requirements for their international students and exchange visitors.
• Act as a liaison for international students and scholars with the Bursar’s Office, Office of the Registrar’s, Office of Human Resources, and other units on campus as needed.
• Note: Some evening or weekend assignments occur.

  Additional information:

• Proficiency with computer software including spreadsheets, data bases, and presentation software; attention to details;
• Research in immigration and compliance related areas
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations
• Excellent organizational, human relations, and communication skills.
• A combination of education, experience, and training that would produce the required knowledge and abilities could be considered. Individuals with overseas travel or living experience, along with those from historically underrepresented groups, are encouraged to apply.

Minimum Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Valid Colorado driver’s license (or other U.S. driver’s license with a requirement to obtain a Colorado license on relocation)
• U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent residence of the United States, as required by Department of Homeland Security, and experience serving as a PDSO or DSO.
• Clean driving record.

Preferred Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:

Additional information:

• Preference will be given to individuals with experience as a Designated School Official (DSO), Alternate Responsible Officer/Responsible Offer (ARO/RO), or who have worked in some capacity with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Familiarity with the Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS) and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is strongly preferred.
• Preference will be given to individuals familiar with TerraDotta ISSS software (Classic or New Student Experience/ISSS – Student), and those who have completed NAFSA Association of International Educators F or J CEP workshops.
• International experience a plus

Special Instructions to Applicants:
Please include:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• List of References including contact information for the recommender to submit a reference letter

Salary and Benefits:
Salary is $45,500. Benefits available include health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, as well as a selection of several defined contribution retirement plans. Dependents and spouses of UNC Employees who are employed at 0.5 FTE or above are eligible for undergraduate dependent tuition grants of up to 50%. These tuition grants will cover in-state tuition charges. Further requirements may exist. Other benefits may be available based on position.

Additional Requirements and Information:
Satisfactory completion of a background check, educational check, and authorization to work in the United States is required after a conditional offer of employment has been made. The successful candidate must submit original transcripts within one (1) month of hire.

Required Notice: In compliance with the Clery Act, the most recent University of Northern Colorado Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online (https://www.unco.edu/police/clery/security-report.aspx) and a paper copy can be requested at the UNC Police Department. This report contains crime statistics and policy statements related to safety, conduct processes and Title IX investigations.

AAEO Employer

Satisfactory completion of a background and education check, receipt of original transcripts within one month of hire, and authorization to work in the United States are required after a conditional offer of employment has been made.

Federal regulations require that the University of Northern Colorado retain all documents submitted by applicants. Materials will not be returned or copied for applicants.

The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) is a Doctoral/Research University enrolling approximately 13,000+ graduate and undergraduate students. The University, founded in 1889, is located in the City of Greeley, which has a growing population of 100,000. Greeley is situated an hour north of Denver and about 30 miles east of the Rocky Mountains. Further information about UNC and Greeley is available at http://www.unco.edu.

This position is contingent on funding from the Colorado State Legislature, approval by the Board of Trustees, and subject to the policies and regulations of the University of Northern Colorado.

The University of Northern Colorado is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer that is committed to a culturally diverse staff, faculty, and student body.
The University will not engage in unlawful discrimination in employment or educational services against any person because of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Veteran status and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. It is the University’s policy to prohibit discrimination in employment or educational services on the basis of sexual orientation or political affiliation. The University will likewise take affirmative action to ensure that student applicants and enrolled students are treated during the enrollment at the University without regard to race, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability or veteran status. Such affirmative action shall include, but not be limited to the following: employment, upgrading, demotion or transfer, recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff, retirement, or termination; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; and selection for training, including apprenticeship. Furthermore, the University will post in conspicuous places, notice setting forth the provisions of this University’s Equal Opportunity Policy.