Job description
534816Morningside
Intl Students & Scholars Off
Full Time
Opening on: Mar 29 2023
Grade 13
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Job Type: Officer of Administration
Bargaining Unit:
Regular/Temporary: Regular
End Date if Temporary:
Hours Per Week: 35
Salary Range: $96,000 - $98,400
Position Summary
The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) at Columbia University is the primary office responsible for federal immigration compliance and the related immigration services offered to its non-immigrant international students, scholars & faculty throughout the University, a community that comprises the 3rd largest international student enrollment in the United States, and the 2nd largest international faculty and scholar population in the U.S. Technology infrastructure is critical to the federal compliance functions of ISSO, especially as this relates to the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which ISSO manages and maintains on behalf of Columbia University.
The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) currently serves nearly 17,000 international students and 3,000 international faculty members and research scholars; administers post-admission services to an additional 6,000 initial/incoming international students; and administers the ever-increasingly complex array of government regulations supporting the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s SEVIS system. The ISSO manages collection and entry of information into SEVIS for tracking foreign national students and scholars. The ISSO is a resource at all levels throughout the University on matters that touch on any topic having to do with holders of temporary non-immigrant visas including but not limited to enrollment, travel, and employment.
The ISSO Assistant Director for Compliance provides critical management and maintenance of the ISSO data system which ensures the University's regulatory compliance with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's “Student and Exchange Visitor Information System” (SEVIS). The incumbent acts as a Designated School Official (DSO) and as an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) to produce visa application forms (“Certificates of Eligibility,” ie: forms I-20 and DS-2019) for international students. Note: “DSO” and “ARO” are federal government designations that authorize individuals to act on behalf of the U.S. government and on behalf of the University related to U.S. immigration documents and processes . The incumbent advises international students as needed on their rights and responsibilities under the immigration laws of the United States; evaluates applications; approves or denies requests for extension of stay, transfer of schools, and enrollment adjustments to less than full-time. This position directly communicates with all newly admitted incoming international students (an additional 5,000 students) each year regarding initial visa documentation, visa acquisition, and entry into the United States.
Responsibilities
Administer Columbia University's international student visa compliance program according to Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) regulations; consult with the Director for Compliance on current federal regulations, policies, the Code of Federal Regulations, secondary references, and more complex immigration cases; work directly with the U.S. State Department and U.S. Department of Homeland Security on matters relating to non-immigrant international students. In cases of non-compliance, it is the responsibility of the Assistant Director to remove students from the SEVIS system; ensure regulatory information is up to date on the ISSO website; collaborate with CUIT to integrate compliance data criteria into University systems and ensure timely uploads; consult with the SEVIS Help Desk to resolve data interface problems; and fulfill registration reporting requirements for new and continuing students in SEVIS.
The incumbent will act as Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) in issuing required U.S. government documents for international students to obtain appropriate F-1 or J-1 visas; take appropriate SEVIS actions to assist clients to travel abroad and other benefits as appropriate; advise students of their opportunities, rights, and responsibilities under the law; advise international students on personal, cultural, financial, and immigration matters related to their stay at Columbia University; make referrals to other campus and community officials, services, or agencies as necessary.
The Assistant Director will collaborate with staff, schools, and departments to conceptualize and develop standard operating procedures (as appropriate) related to non-immigrant students and the schools enrolling them; participate in the development of educational and informational programs and webinars (applying for an I-20/DS-2019, visas, employment, transfer, bringing dependents to the U.S., change of status); serve as liaison to CU schools; stay informed of school policies and procedures as they affect international students.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree required.
Minimum four years of relevant SEVIS, DSO, and ARO experience; and experience with immigration regulations advisement and compliance in a Higher Education setting, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience teaching/training/presenting.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to communicate with people from different cultural backgrounds. Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
Must be able to communicate detailed instructions clearly.
Significant skill in word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
Preferred Qualifications
Extensive experience and knowledge of database management, especially Sunapsis.
Preferred: Fluency in foreign language and/or experience living abroad.
Master’s degree preferred.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.
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