Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Coordinator
- Title: Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Coordinator
- Class: Academic Professional
- Exempt Status: Exempt
- Grade: 3
Job Summary
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Coordinator and Designated School Official (DSO) provides specialized student support to international students. Incumbents in this job classification are responsible for providing F-1 student visa advising services, orientation, trainings, and implementing retention strategies and programming to meet the needs of the international student population. The SEVIS Coordinator/DSO position problem solves a variety of complex issues requiring considerable knowledge of F-1 student visa rules and regulations. Incumbents work independently and with others in the Office of International Student Services and across the College, with decisions impacting students’ educational goals.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities
- Serves as the Designated School Official (DSO), maintaining the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and all related certification requirements. Organizes SEVIS data processing under Department of Homeland Security (DHS) guidelines and maintains data and quality control management.
- Responsible for staying current with regulatory and legislative rules, regulations, and updates affecting international students on F-1 visas and maintaining and complying with the Office of International Students Services (OISS) immigration policy manual. Provides accurate visa maintenance information to international students.
- Monitors, maintains, and tracks student F-1 visa status, and updates records in the SEVIS database, college software and platforms, and OISS-internal databases.
- Advises students with petitions, applications, and other standard issues related to F-1 visa status. This may include new F-1 visas, work permits, reinstatement, change of status, medical leaves, employment and/or reduced course load authorization. Advises on other personal, financial, enrollment, health insurance, travel, taxes, and scholarship/grant matters.
- Provides active case management supporting international students experiencing cross-cultural, family, personal, economic or other crises which may impact academic performance. Helps students to access appropriate College and community services and resources.
- Functions as liaison with transfer institutions; and refers students to appropriate College, community and university contacts to assist with the transfer process.
- Coordinates and develops programming and retention strategies that support the unique needs of F-1 international students. Assists with website and social media monitoring and updates to ensure effective communication with the international student population.
- Designs and/or delivers orientation programs, trainings, and online training modules. Plans and delivers other trainings for students and colleagues on regulations and updates.
- Participates in professional development, OISS, and college meetings. Serves on committees and maintains a relationship with professional organizations.
- Assists with the department’s on-call emergency response system, as related to international students.
- Stays abreast of changes in federal rules and regulations and supports the department’s continuous improvement efforts.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements
Work is performed in an office environment. Occasional evening or weekend hours required. Incumbents may travel to businesses or college fairs requiring the use of a personal vehicle. Occasional lifting of boxes of catalogs and/or other college material which may weigh up to 25 pounds.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in International Studies, Social Science, Liberal Arts, or related field. Relevant experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis. Must be a US citizen or permanent resident.
Two years of experience in intercultural communication and working in a post-secondary environment advising international students.
One year of experience working as a Designated School Official (DSO) for a college or a university.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:
- Current F-1 student visa rules and regulations;
- Policies and procedures relating to admissions, registration, testing, and placement;
- Community services and resources for appropriate referrals.
Skills in:
- Researching and locating information related to internal and external organizations using online and other sources;
- Evaluating transcripts and graduation petitions;
- Delivering classroom and public presentations;
- Operating a computer and various supporting software packages.
Ability to:
- Learn about, and connect students with Portland Community College programs;
- Exercise independent judgement;
- Prioritize and manage multiple tasks;
- Effectively work with students and staff of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds;
- Diffuse and emotional or tense situation and offer viable solutions;
- Operate a variety of office equipment;
- Effectively communicate in oral and written form.
New: 6/2020