SEVIS Records Coordinator & Student Engagement Advisor

About the role

The SEVIS Records Coordinator and Student Engagement Advisor supports the International Programs office by serving as a Designated School Official (DSO) and providing guidance to newly admitted and continuing F-1 students.

This position is responsible for communicating with students, collecting and reviewing required documentation, and overseeing the issuance of the Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20) and completion of initial SEVIS registration.

This role interprets and applies F-1 immigration and enrollment regulations to advise students on maintaining status, navigating complex situations (such as visa delays, SEVIS transfers, or change of status applications), and planning for timely enrollment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) providing proactive guidance and support to new F-1 students from admission through initial enrollment.
• Interpret and communicate immigration and enrollment regulations to help students understand their specific circumstances (e.g., visa issues, SEVIS transfers, Change of Status applications).
• Provide tailored advising within established institutional policies and procedures, recognizing when to elevate complex or unique cases.
• Coordinate with other F-1 advisors to ensure consistent and compliant communication across the International Programs team.
• Develop and deliver information sessions and communications that help students plan for timely enrollment, maintain status, and successfully transition to campus life.
• Maintain accurate student and program data in systems such as Salesforce and PeopleSoft to support I-20 issuance and regulatory compliance.
• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate international student events and activities, including orientation, International Education Week, and workshops designed to support student adjustment, engagement, and success.
• Provide guidance and advising to international students on F-1 regulations, cultural adjustment, and academic life as part of event planning and delivery.
• Develop and present educational sessions, or coordinate presenters, on topics related to F-1 compliance, academic success, and cultural transition.
• Design and update workshop and event content to align with best practices in international student engagement, student development, and intercultural learning.
• Encourage and mentor international students to participate in campus activities and leadership opportunities, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
• Collect and analyze data on student participation and feedback to inform program improvement.
• Serve as the primary contact for the Global Excellence Scholarship for international students, collaborating with university staff and the Director to support award recipients.
• Maintain awareness of current trends, regulations, and resources relevant to international student programming and engagement.

Requirements

• The equivalent of two (2) years of professional experience in one of the student services program areas or in a related field.
• A master’s degree in a job-related field may be substituted for one year of professional experience.
• Knowledge of federal immigration regulations governing F-1 international students (SEVIS, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of State requirements).
• Principles and practices of student development, cross-cultural communication, and international student support.
• University administrative processes related to admissions, enrollment, and student engagement.
• Event planning, program development, and assessment methods in a higher education setting.
• Database systems such as SEVIS, PeopleSoft, and Salesforce, or similar student information systems.

Qualifications

• Experience should give evidence of competence and indicate the potential for further growth.
• Professional experience working with F-1 visa holders or in an international programs office within higher education.
• Demonstrated ability to design and deliver student programming focused on intercultural engagement, retention, or transition support.
• Experience using CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and student data systems (e.g., PeopleSoft).
• Knowledge of second-language acquisition, intercultural communication, or global education practices.