International Student Advisor

Job Posting Title:

International Student Advisor

Job Description:

Overview:

The International Student Advisor is a key resource and primary contact for international students, providing comprehensive support and guidance in immigration-related matters and holistic support inside and outside the classroom through their academic experience at KGI. This position ensures institutional compliance with U.S. federal regulations governing international students, maintains accurate records, and offers detailed advising on visa statuses, employment authorizations, and student holistic well-being. The advisor will serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) for the F-1 visa program and work closely with various departments to address international students' academic, social, and administrative needs.

Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) was founded in 1997 as the first higher education institution in the United States dedicated exclusively to education and research related to the applied life sciences. KGI offers innovative postgraduate degrees and certificates that integrate life and health sciences, business, pharmacy, engineering, and genetics, focusing on industry projects, hands-on industry experiences, and team collaborations. KGI employs an entrepreneurial approach and industry connections that allow students to become leaders in healthcare and the applied life sciences.

Located in beautiful Claremont, California, KGI is a member of the Claremont Colleges, a consortium of five undergraduate liberal arts colleges, two graduate institutions, and The Claremont Colleges Services, which provides shared institutional support services. Each nationally recognized college has its own campus, students and faculty, and distinctive mission, and each offers top-notch curricula, small classes, distinguished professors, and personalized instruction. The Claremont Colleges consistently place at the top of national college rankings, including Forbes, Money and U.S.  News and World Report, and the Princeton Review.

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor’s degree is required, and a minimum of 2+ years of experience working in an institution of higher education, with at least one year of experience advising international students as a Designated School Official (DSO).

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:  Individuals must possess knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the essential function of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions may be performed, with or without, reasonable accommodations, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

Designated School Official (DSO) Responsibilities and Advising (60%):

Under the direction of the Director of Admissions;

• Serve as the institution's DSO and ensure compliance with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations.

• Provide detailed and accurate advising to international students on F-1 visa regulations, ensuring compliance with federal immigration policies.

• Communicate regularly with students, prospective students, and applicants via email, phone, and in-person meetings to address questions and provide guidance.

• Provide advising and support in all admissions and recruitment activities related to international students.

• Prepare and issue I-20, update and distribute documents, and ensure accurate student records.

• Assist students with processes related to employment authorization, including Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and other applications.

• Advise students on health insurance requirements, immunization requirements, institutional policies, and federal deadlines.

• Conduct federally mandated government reporting by compiling and submitting data through SEVIS and other required systems.

• Utilize CRM and SIS systems for tracking international students, updating records, and submitting reports.

• Monitor alerts and notifications related to international students’ immigration status and take appropriate actions as needed.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date student records, ensuring compliance with all SEVIS requirements.

• Conduct audits and data reconciliation to ensure accuracy, resolve discrepancies and prepare for SEVP site visits.

• Stay current on changes to SEVIS regulations and emerging trends related to international students in the U.S., ensuring the institution remains compliant with evolving federal policies.

International Student Programming (20%): Under the direction of the Dean of Students;

• Collaborate with academic departments and other c