Director of International Student and Scholar Services

WHITMAN COLLEGE

Located in the historic community of Walla Walla, Whitman’s vibrant and beautiful tree-lined campus is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, welcoming and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty serving approximately 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe. With exceptional students, accomplished faculty and staff, and a fiercely loyal and growing number of engaged alumni, Whitman College continues to build on its national reputation for academic excellence as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.  

 

Whitman College is cultivating a community built on inclusion and belonging. We recognize the value of those who can offer historically underrepresented perspectives and encourage applications from those whose background, knowledge, and insights from lived experience can add to the college’s working and learning environment. Whitman College is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EEO).

POSITION PURPOSE

The Director of International Student and Scholar Services takes the leading role in ensuring Whitman College's institutional compliance with federal regulations related to F-1 international student enrollment and J-1 visiting scholars. The Director provides ongoing support to approximately 300 international students and scholars annually, advocates for their needs across the college, and facilitates international student engagement with the broader community.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Federal Immigration Compliance (40%)

• Oversee and maintain institutional compliance for the College as a School and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified administrator, including management of all SEVIS records for F1 students and J1 scholars.
• Produce EVP annual reports, re-designation and SEVP recertification applications, and updates to the College’s Form I-17.
• Serve as the liaison for reviews with the College’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Field Representative.
• Keep current on all regulatory and procedural changes from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), US Department of State (DOS), and other government entities. Work with campus offices to ensure the College’s compliance and develop new policies and procedures as needed.
• Provide recommendations to college leadership on immigration and undocumented student policies.

 

Support for International Students on Campus (30%)

• Provide one-on-one support and group workshops to advise international students about immigration and employment regulations, and the various resources available on campus.
• Partner with departments across campus (Admission, Student Affairs, Registrar, etc) to ensure understanding of and compliance with immigration regulations, and support for international students and scholars.
• Maintain health insurance enrollment for all eligible international and dual-citizen students. Educate international students and scholars regarding the coverage provided by the college-sponsored health insurance. Periodically review the health insurance policy in collaboration with the Welty Health Center to ensure that the College is purchasing an optimal comprehensive and affordable policy.
• Serve on the College’s Retention Committee, monitor issues that may negatively impact our international students, and collaborate with others on campus to find solutions to help with retention.
• Inform international students regarding regulations related to employment on and off campus on an F-1 visa.
• Assist students in obtaining permission for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). Mentor other Whitman staff who advise students on CPT and OPT regarding the federal guidelines.
• Organize workshops for students on topics such as cultural adjustment, tax compliance, financial literacy, and the College-provided medical insurance plan.
• Supervise and mentor the Assistant Director of ISSS, including issuance of I-20s, coordination of the Friendship Family program, and planning special activities during breaks when the College is not in session.