International Student Advisor

Job Summary/Basic Function:
The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) at Teachers College, Columbia University, is seeking an International Student Advisor who will serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternative Responsible Officer (ARO) to deliver immigration support services to the international student community at Teachers College.

This is a one-year position with an end date of August 31, 2026.

BASIC FUNCTION

Reporting to the Assistant Director, the International Student Advisor will serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternative Responsible Officer (ARO) to deliver immigration support services to the international student community at Teachers College (TC). Specifically, the incumbent will advise international students by providing guidance regarding federal immigration regulations and procedures, and resources to support personal/academic/cultural matters to aid in the successful completion of their degree objectives. The International Student Advisor will also assist with the development and implementation of support services and programming for international students and the wider TC community.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

F-1 Tier 1,2, &3 Advising & Case Management: 

• Serve as Designated School Official (DSO) (F-1 student program) for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the U.S. Department of State's J Exchange Visitor Program
• Monitor and maintain student records in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information
  System (SEVIS) following all applicable rules and regulations
• Provide advising and immigration support for international students in graduate degree-seeking and non-degree programs; process all required documentation for international students and assist them with applications and procedures to remain in good standing
• Ensure the reliability of information related to international students and promptly disseminate information and make it easily accessible to stakeholders
• Serve as the primary advisor to lead workshops, advising sessions and maintaining advising contents online.
• Develop, maintain, analyze, and disseminate reports related to international students
• Serve as an advocate for international students on campus

F-1 Advising Manual and Policy: 

• Support the Assistant Director monitor federal regulations and policy updates from agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the Department of State (DOS) related to the F-1 visaShare timely updates and actionable insights with the team
• Assist with updating and maintaining a comprehensive F-1 manual in regards to the F-1 process and advising. This manual will guide the OISS team in outlining F-1 visa processes, policies, and advising protocols to ensure clarity and consistency in the support provided to international students.
• Assistant with regularly review and revise the manual to reflect the most up-to-date immigration regulations and procedural changes; monitor and provide comprehensive updates on immigration policies and regulatory changes related to the F-1 visa program
• Analyze new and existing regulations to assess their implications on F-1 student visa compliance and the advising process.
• Use the manual as a key tool to prevent compliance errors and mitigate risks associated with F-1 visa advising; guide OISS staff on applying these regulations effectively and consistently to maintain compliance.
• Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to incorporate feedback and ensure the manual remains accurate and user-friendly.

Collaboration: 

• Collaborate with various Teachers College offices and programs in areas that impact international student status to support academic progress, excellence, and student success
• Make referrals to and work cooperatively with other campus and community-based resources
• Maintain contact with other university departments, personnel, outside agencies and individuals as needed to advise international students

Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in education, international affairs/relations, higher education, or related field
• 2-4 years of relevant experience, including prior experience with SEVIS and/or batch systems, database development and management
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal immigration regulations and procedures related to
  F-1/J-1 international students and exchange visitors
• Demonstrated ability to problem-solve complex student immigration issues
• Ability