Primary Purpose |
This position provides leadership for the College's immigration and visa-processing functions. The Director of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is responsible for the management of the College's involvement in the government's Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and the efforts and initiatives to support our international population of students, scholars, faculty, staff, and visitors. The Director develops and implements College policies and processes as they relate to the international population and the federal immigration and employment regulations as well as SEVIS requirements. The Director is responsible for ensuring the institution's full compliance with the regulatory requirements of SEVIS, as mandated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
As a member of the Office for Institutional Planning & Diversity Team, the Associate Dean/Director of ISSS helps to advance the College's planning and diversity efforts. The Associate Dean works closely with the Vice President for Institutional Planning & Diversity to support offices, departments, and members of the College community to develop policies and initiatives to achieve the College's goals. The Associate Dean represents the Vice President in various internal and external venues.
The Director of ISSS is responsible for maintaining the accuracy, integrity, and security of international student and scholar records. The Director oversees all aspects of the work of International Student and Scholar Services. ISSS coordinates the application process and issuance of appropriate government documents for our international population to obtain necessary visas or U.S. immigration status, allowing them to pursue their goals at the College. ISSS also assists with the transition of new international people into our community, in terms of handling required immigration document processing as well as providing orientation sessions related to the international person's status in the U.S. In addition, ISSS provides programs and services to support the international population during their time at Middlebury.
The Associate Dean of Student Affairs/Dean of International Student and Scholar Services reports to the Vice President for Institutional Planning & Diversity. The Director oversees a staff of regular full-time employees, as well as student employees, and also manages a significant budget. The Director and the ISSS staff work closely with the academic administration, faculty, and staff members within the Student Life Division and the Commons. The Director participates in various standing and ad hoc committees at the College. The Director communicates frequently with internal and external audiences, including U.S. government officials, parents, alumni, our international population, faculty and staff at the College, as well as members of the local community. Primary Purposes: 1. Direct International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). This involves determining policy and overseeing programs, services, and support for our international students and scholars.
2. Serve as the appointed Principle Designated School Official (PDSO) and the Responsible Officer (RO) in the government's Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and responsible for institutional compliance.
3. Provide leadership and handle duties as an Associate Dean in Institutional Planning & Diversity.
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Responsibilities |
Works cooperatively with others and accepts direction from supervisors.
1. Leadership of International Student and Scholar Services:
Serve as the appointed Principle Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO) for the Department of Homeland Security in overseeing the Colleg's student and scholar programs in the government's Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Responsible for College's participation in SEVIS; oversee the training and support of Designated School Officials (DSOs) and Alternative Responsible Officers (AROs) on campus.
Lead International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) function forward to continually improve services and programs to enhance the academic and overall experience for international students, exchange students, teaching assistants, and faculty for all College programs.
--Determine and implement policy and processes for international students and scholars.
--Design and conduct programs and workshops for our international population.
--Advise international students regarding personal, academic, social, and immigration issues.
Responsible for compliance with federal immigration regulations for the College:
--Uphold institutional accountability to the government's
immigration services as well as integrating federal regulations with College policies.
--Provide direction for the issuance of immigration and visa-related documents for College's international population.
Integrate international services into the broader community; provide information and expertise to Commons Deans, the Dean of Faculty Office, the Curriculum Committee, the Assistant Controller, the Student Employment Office, Admissions, Financial Services, and other professionals on campus to address international student/scholar issues and concerns. Serve on College committees.
Hire, evaluate, coach and train staff and student workers.
Manage significant International Student and Scholar Services budget. Oversee College's program to pay SEVIS Fee on behalf of the international people who come to work and study here.
Provide support to Middlebury College's United World College (UWC) Davis Foundation program by assisting the students, communicating with sending high schools once students are admitted, and participating in UWC events on campus.
Alert college community members about major events and issues affecting international students; facilitate and build cultural awareness on campus; serve as a campus resource on cultural issues in various training programs for students, faculty, and staff.
Advise the International Students' Organization (ISO), one of the largest student organizations.
Serve as a resource person to U.S. citizens from non-US high schools and to U.S. Legal Permanent Residents, especially those who have recently immigrated.
Responsible for international and external communications from our office, including our Web site. 2. Institutional Planning and Diversity:
Works closely with Vice President for Institutional Planning & Diversity to advance the College's institutional planning and diversity efforts and initiatives.
The Associate Dean works closely with the Vice President for Institutional Planning & Diversity to support offices, departments, and members of the College community to develop policies and initiatives to achieve the College's goals.
Collaborates/communicates with key members of IPD to guide, promote, and support the division's mission.
Advises students on academic, social, personal, financial, and other matters as needed or requested.
Perform other duties as assigned.
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Education & Training |
Master's degree in higher education or related field required.
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Experience |
7-10 years related experience in a liberal arts college or similar environment; 3-5 years in an international student and/or scholar services role of considerable responsibility preferred.
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Knowledge |
Excellent leadership and supervisory skills as well as effective interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) required.
Must have significant knowledge of immigration policies and procedures and employment issues affecting international students and scholars.
Must be able to manage many competing tasks successfully and to think creatively and solve problems effectively during periods of intense activity.
Experience working successfully with students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Ability to work well with people from a variety of cultural backgrounds and experiences.
Must handle confidential information in a discreet manner.
Must be able to manage many competing tasks successfully.
Technical experience with Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and student information systems expected (SCT Banner experience strongly preferred).
Skills and experience with counseling/advising and conflict resolution required.
Competency in a foreign language or overseas experience preferred.
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Other |
Must be a U.S. citizen or a U.S. Legal Permanent Resident per federal regulations governing who can serve as a PDSO/DSO or RO/ARO.
Active involvement with NAFSA and/or other appropriate professional associations and interest in policy development in international education is expected.
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