International Student Advisor

What if I told you it is possible to find a Company that lived to educate, inspire and empower others while creating a family atmosphere that truly appreciates and respects their team? Would you apply? What if I threw in strong Company values, outstanding benefits, and the opportunity for you to make a tangible impact and feel appreciated?

See below for a feel of what the Company culture is (REALLY) like. Hint: it's amazing.

At Westcliff, we are constantly striving to be the best while valuing each of our team members as human beings and succeeding together!

Westcliff is a leader in innovative global education. We are respected for our transformative, technologically advanced programs and initiatives with a focus on excellence, social responsibility, and diversity. Our tagline – “Educate. Inspire, Empower.” – is a summary of our Mission Statement. As it suggests, the main focus of our University is to strive to enhance the opportunities of our students and employees to enjoy success through empowerment, as a result of their education and hard work.

With diversity and inclusion at the forefront of Westcliff’s core values, we promote a culture that celebrates diversity and inclusiveness regardless of, but not limited to, race, gender, sexual orientation, family status, religion, ethnicity, national origin, physical disability, veteran status, or age. By joining the Westcliff team, you’ll be playing a significant role in our growth, having an opportunity to put your personal touch on Westcliff’s progress as we grow and succeed together!

Job Summary

The International Student Advisor (ISA) fulfills the crucial role of providing ongoing support to international students with specific regard to maintaining their status through a wide range of services including student advising, orientation, and related activities. Under the direction of the Dean of Student Affairs, the ISA provides accurate and relevant guidance to prospective and current international students on topics related to maintaining student status, employment, and cross-cultural adjustment. This role requires a detail-oriented individual capable of maintaining meticulous record keeping in various information systems. The ISA is a collaborative position that supports other departments, staff, and faculty. The position may include serving as a Designated School Official (DSO) to assure compliance with DHS rules and regulations. The ISA must be well-versed on university policy and procedure and regulations related to international students in order to properly advise students. Additionally, the ISA takes an active role in contributing to the desired university culture of inclusion, supportiveness, championing success, along with supporting other departmental projects and initiatives as assigned.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides advising and information to international students and the community regarding university policies, health insurance, cultural adjustments, and financial matters
• Provides accurate, timely, and relevant guidance to prospective and current international students on current event and topics related to maintaining status, including travel, annual vacation, and work authorization
• Holds one-on-one advising sessions with all continuing students as necessary to advise students on available benefits to international students including on-campus employment, off-campus employment, and CPT/OPT.
• Conducts ongoing reviews of student attendance and academic progress and assist with registering students
• Contact and support students who may fall out of status or be advise on the various benefits for international students
• Collaborates with other divisions/departments (i.e., Faculty, Student Services Division, Registrar, etc.) regarding at-risk students as it may affect their status
• Conducts meeting as needed with students who indicate their intention to withdraw from the program and/or transfer to another institution
• Contributes to a departmental repository of resources to aid students with regulations, acclimating to the U.S. and connecting students with those resources as needed (i.e., regulation updates, transportation, low-cost healthcare, mental health resources, etc.)
• Actively participates in the planning and execution of campus events designed to support international students, engagement, and success, including new student orientations, workshops, and social events
• Provides all necessary and appropriate documentation to ensure student statuses and records are accurate and up-to-date
• Accurately document student interactions and documents into the student information system
• Contributes to the overall success of the department by performing all other duties as required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Excellent oral, written, digital, and interpersonal communication skills suitable for a professional work environment
• Understanding of the benefits of higher education and methods of support and intervention that are effective in meeting the needs of college students, particularly international students and student athletes
• Commitment to supporting student success in higher education
• Capacity to effectively collaborate within and across departments to achieve goals and support the university mission
• Ability to multi-task and effectively manage time and priorities to meet deadlines ‘
• Flexibility and a willingness to volunteer for assignments
• Goal-driven and results-oriented
• Proficiency in MS programs such as PowerPoint, Excel, and Word
• Proficiency in G-Suite programs such as Docs, Slides, Sheets, Forms
• Ability to carry/lift loads between 25-50 lbs (occasionally)
• Some travel between campuses may be required

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Administration, Education, Counseling, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred)
• 1-2 years of experience providing excellent customer service required
• Study abroad or international living experience preferred
• Experience in intercultural communications and cross-cultural relations preferred
• Previous experience in post-secondary education strongly preferred
• Previous experience in the use of software platforms for online classes (i.e. Moodle, E-college, Blackboard, etc.) preferred

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis unless otherwise contractually bound.

Westcliff University is an Equal Opportunity Employer