International Student Advisor

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) within the Office of the Vice Provost for Global Affairs (OVPGA) supports the academic and research mission of the university through the processing of immigration case work for international students, faculty, researchers, and visiting scholars. ISSS is the sole immigration services office serving all the UNC Chapel Hill campus. ISSS serves as the principal administrative, advising and programming office for all international students, faculty, and academic staff at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH). ISSS is the designated signature authority (DSO) and the only unit on campus recognized by the federal government on immigration cases for UNC Chapel Hill. ISSS has the final word on approving international hiring decisions and approving international student applications for admittance to Carolina.

The Office of the Vice Provost for Global Affairs has primary responsibility for shaping and implementing the University's global strategy while supporting global activity across campus. The Office of the Vice Provost for Global Affairs includes Global Education, Global Partnerships, Global Research Institute, International Student and Scholar Services, Communications, Duke-UNC Rotary Peace Center, and the UBC/Shared Services Business Office.

The International Student and Scholar Advisor advises international students and scholars in the areas of immigration, employment, tax obligations, and other government regulations, personal and financial matters, and serves as Designated School Official for the F-1 program and Alternate Responsible Officer for the J-1 program. The Advisor assists with orientation and other ISSS cross-cultural programming events and helps to manage the technology needed to support the operation of ISSS.

Duties are to: Review and organize admissions documentation and issue initial certificates of eligibility, Forms I-20 and DS-2019, for incoming international students; update pre-arrival information, assist admissions offices with questions, revise financial forms each year and manage correspondence with incoming students. Process and sign immigration documents for F-1 and J-1 international students and scholars (including extensions of stay, applications for employment authorization, changes of status, and school transfers); keep accurate records of advising encounters and help to maintain immigration status records of non-immigrant students and scholars served. Assist in managing data to ensure compliance with federal regulations associated with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) including running reports from PeopleSoft, ISSM and the new Sunapsis records keeping system; process, monitor and take actions on alerts and assist in testing SEVIS, ISSM, Sunapsis and PeopleSoft upgrades and releases. Assist in developing processes to monitor and ensure data integrity and collaborate and consult with Information Technology (IT), other campus departments and ISSS staff regarding interface with PeopleSoft, ISSM and Sunapsis. Provide information to UNC staff, faculty and community members on regulations governing international students and scholars. Evaluate emergency loan applications and approve in coordination with the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid. Prepare appeals and special requests to government agencies. Assist in maintaining the ISSS website, including preparing and updating online forms. Keep current with government regulations and international events that affect foreign students and scholars and continue to develop cross-cultural advising skills.

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent educational or instructional activities associated with the delivery and/or management of student support functions, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and at least 1 year of relevant experience in substitution.

Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident as required by federal regulations to be designated as an authorized signatory for student and scholar immigration documents and for access to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Thorough knowledge of federal regulations regarding international students and scholars and the applications and procedures for nonimmigrant classifications for international students and scholars, including F-1 and J-1 Exchange Visitors. Ability to learn complex regulations and to provide information to UNC-Chapel Hill departmental staff, faculty and community members on regulations governing international students and scholars. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Sensitivity to other cultures. High level of organization, accuracy and attention to detail. Skills with data entry, database tools and technology. Ability to work in a group environment.

Master's degree preferred, particularly in relevant field such as education, counseling, or international studies. Experience using SEVIS in a batchfile environment with PeopleSoft/PASS and/or ISSM. Experience with website maintenance. Experience living and/or working outside of the United States.

Three years advising experience with international students and scholars in a college or university setting.

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.

This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.