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About the Role

The International Student Success Advisor (ISSA) serves as a dedicated guide and advocate for international students, providing holistic support from enrollment through graduation. This role promotes academic persistence, cultural adjustment, and long-term success by blending academic advising, immigration guidance, and student engagement.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate, timely, and compassionate guidance on academic progress, university policy, and general immigration regulations for F-1 status.
• Conduct individualized advising sessions covering course registration, academic goals, degree progress, and holistic well-being.
• Monitor student activity and academic performance to identify at-risk students and implement early intervention through outreach and success plans.
• Support students in understanding work authorization benefits (CPT, OPT, STEM OPT) and connect them to DSOs for SEVIS updates when necessary.
• Assist students with challenges related to cultural adjustment, health insurance, time management, and financial literacy, connecting them to resources.
• Conduct withdrawal and re-entry counseling to retain students and support their successful re-engagement.
• Collaborate with faculty, Student Affairs, and the Registrar’s Office to ensure alignment between academic progress and immigration requirements.
• Lead or support group sessions, workshops, and orientations on maintaining status, cultural transition, and academic success strategies.
• Participate in and occasionally lead student engagement initiatives, cultural programs, and networking events.
• Contribute to a shared repository of advising tools, success plans, and referral resources.
• Support departmental projects and data collection initiatives related to student retention, engagement, and outcomes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of U.S. F-1 student visa regulations and SEVIS processes.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive student cases with discretion, empathy, and professionalism.
• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends for events or time zone needs.
• Ability to lift/carry loads between 25–50 lbs occasionally.
• Some travel between campuses may be required.

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal, cross-cultural, and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Forms).
• Commitment to fostering student belonging, retention, and overall success in a diverse, global university environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and communicate effectively with faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Experience using student information systems or CRM platforms preferred.
• Prior experience advising international students strongly preferred.
• Previous exposure to SEVIS or F-1 compliance processes preferred.
• Study abroad or international living experience highly valued.
• Experience in intercultural communication, academic counseling, or student engagement preferred.

Location

• Hybrid

Work Type

• Hybrid

Experience Level

• Minimum 1-2 years of experience in student advising, international student support, or related higher education field.

Education Level

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Counseling, International Relations, or related field (Master’s preferred).

Benefits

• Outstanding benefits

About the Company

• Westcliff is a leader in innovative global education, respected for its transformative, technologically advanced programs and initiatives with a focus on excellence, and social responsibility.
• Our tagline – “Educate. Inspire, Empower.” – is a summary of our Mission Statement.
• The main focus of our University is to strive to enhance the opportunities of our students and employees to enjoy success through empowerment, as a result of their education and hard work.

Equal Opportunity

• Westcliff University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.