Department Summary

The Division of Global Engagement (DGE) works to make the University of Oregon a more global university. In 21st-century higher education, international engagement is not an optional extra: as noted in UO's Academic Plan, it is a core mission, essential to a thriving, socially salient, intellectually robust, academic community. It is part of the normal functioning of every school, college, department, and center. DGE works to support and integrate a wide range of international engagements, global-scale projects, and transnational partnerships launched and maintained in our many academic units. Units within OIA consist of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), Global Education Oregon (GEO), and Global Studies Institute (GSI).

The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) unit of DGE provides various advising services and programs to international students, visiting scholars, and international faculty regarding visa and immigration matters, academic support and success, and social and cultural adjustment. Core services include immigration document processing, federal compliance and reporting, non-immigrant visa and employment advising, holistic academic and personal support, social and academic integration, outreach and advocacy, and student retention. In addition, ISSS is a partner of the Friendship Foundation for International Students (FFIS), a local community organization that coordinates short-term homestays, cultural conversations, and friendship programs. ISSS also administers over $1.5 million in scholarships and financial aid to international students.

Position Summary

The International Student & Scholar Advisor works with a dynamic International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) team to support the UO’s international community and contribute to the Division of Global Engagement’s mission. This position reports to the Director of International Student & Scholar Services and serves as a Department of State, Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), and Department of Homeland Security, Designated School Official (DSO).

As an ARO, this position acts to ensure J-1 regulatory compliance pursuant to U.S. Department of State Office regulations; coordinates with academic department managers and deans as it pertains to meeting hiring needs and understanding immigration strategy; coordinates with academic department managers and deans, and international beneficiaries, to ensure institutional compliance and integrity; coordinates navigation of consular immigration processes for international scholars, employees, and student interns; creates and manages event programming under a specific framework pursuant to U.S. Department of State regulations; carries out recurring regulatory compliance audits of J-1 Scholar and Exchange Visitor program and ensures compliance with evolving regulations and processes under the U.S. Department of State and U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services; and advises J-1 exchange visitors on immigration, cross-cultural, and university matters.

In addition, the International Student & Scholar Advisor works with the International Employment Specialist to run data reports, provide administrative assistance for employment-based immigration services, update web and software content, assist with online e-forms and software project implementation, and assist with the overall operations of Scholar Services; coordinate document gathering and immigration strategy between ISSS and academic department managers; draft H-1B, E-3, and TN petitions on behalf of research and tenure-track faculty for USCIS adjudication, under oversight of the International Employment Specialist; carry out most administrative functions as it pertains to complex and high-stakes H-1B, E-3, and TN immigration processes.

As a DSO, this position acts to ensure F-1 regulatory compliance pursuant to U.S. Department of Homeland Security regulations; coordinates navigation of consular immigration processes; assists in managing the DHS/SEVP Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to maintain and take action on student immigration records; coordinates with academic advisors and department managers and deans to ensure institutional compliance and integrity with regard to students’ programs; creates and manages event programming under a specific framework pursuant to DHS regulations; carries out recurring regulatory compliance audits of internal policies and procedures to ensure compliance with F-1 regulations; and advises F-1 (and J-1 exchange students) students on immigration regulations, employment and career options, integration and retention, student success, and university culture and standards. This position works closely with a team of DSOs who collaboratively support, advise, and advocate for international students.

In addition, the International Student & Scholar Advisor works with the ISSS Associate Director to run data reports, update web and software content, assist with online e-forms and software project implementation, assist with the overall operations of Student Services; and contribute overall to the short and long-term strategic goals of ISSS.