Item 8.I-June 13, 2014
ADMINISTRATIVE FACULTY POSITION DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE
To expedite and facilitate the PDQ review process, please send the PDQ and Org Chart electronically to
marshag@unr.edu for discussion and for initial review before routing PDQ for approval signatures.
Questions - call UNR Faculty HR at 682-6114
INSTRUCTIONS: See http://www.unr.edu/vpaf/hr/compensation/placement.html for complete instructions.
Incumbent(s) Name (if applicable): vacant
Position #(s): 10742
Current Title: Assistant Director, Office of International
Current Range: 3
Scholars and Students (JCC:76979;3A;CM3534;CC200;E)
Department: Office of International Students &
College/Division: Student Services
Scholars (OISS)
Account #(s): 1201-105-0901; 1206-105-0903
Action Proposed: (check all that apply)
( ) New position: Proposed Range:
Proposed Title:
(X) Title Change, Proposed Title: Advisor, International Scholars
( ) Proposed Reassignment from Range
to Range
(X) Revised PDQ only (no change in range or title)
JCC (Current
( ) Line of Progression (show titles below)
or new HR
Range:
assigned):
I certify that the statements in this description are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.
____________________________________________________________
Employee’s Signature
__________________
Date
I/we have reviewed the statements in this form and they accurately reflect the job assignments.
____________________________________________________________
Immediate Supervisor’s Signature
Susie Askew, Director, OISS
__________________
Date
____________________________________________________________
Director/Chair/Dean Melisa Choroszy, Assoc Vice President, Enrollment
__________________
Date
Approved for Salary Placement Committee review.
____________________________________________________________
Pres / Vice Pres / Vice Prov Signature Shannon Ellis
Vice President for Student Services
__________________
Date
Action Approved by the Provost/President (Completed by Faculty HR):
67560 Range:
3
Pos #(s): 10742
JCC:
EEO: 3A
Eff: 6/1/2014
Approved Title: Advisor, International Scholars
Employee signs on “final” stamped approved PDQ and sends to HR for personnel file.
Employee Signature:_______________________________________________ __________________
Date
Printed Name: ____________________________________________________
Rev: 12/1/2008
Position Description – Advisor, International Scholars
Page 2
1. Summary Statement: State the major function(s) of the position and its role in the
university. Attach an organizational chart with positions, ranges, and names for the division
which reflects the position in it as well as those supervised in the department. (This section is
used for advertisement of the position.)
The Advisor, International Scholars, is responsible for advising international students and scholars on
immigration and personal issues. The incumbent serves as a designated officer for the United States
Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and as an alternate responsible officer for the
Department of State. The Advisor is responsible for providing support and guidance for visiting
scholars and proper work authorization (in the form of the J-1 or H-1B, or TN visa or Green Card) for
international staff and faculty. The individual conducts orientation meetings and programs, updates
pre-arrival and arrival handouts for scholars; coordinates immigration training for faculty and staff;
organizes international taxation workshops, and other programs. The position assists with creating
and revising publications and with evaluating and updating content pertaining to scholar services on
the OISS web site. The position reports to the Director, Office of International Scholars and Students
(OISS).
2. List the major responsibilities, including percentage of time devoted to each. Provide
enough detail to enable a person outside the department to understand the job (percentage
first with heading and then bulleted information).
60% - Scholar Advisement
 Advise international scholars and dependents on immigration, employment, and personal
issues
 Advise university departments wishing to hire international researchers
 Provide updates on scholar services to university community (J-1, H-1B, TN, and permanent
residence petitions (EB-2) for teaching faculty)
 Conduct check-in meetings and participate in orientation programs
 Maintain professional networks and information sources in order to keep up on changes in
regulations, policies, or procedures pertaining to scholar visa services
 Assist in updating OISS policies and procedures pertaining to scholar services
 Conduct annual review of scholar files
15% - Student Advisement
 Assist with international student advisement on visa status, work authorization, and regulations
pertaining to the F and J visa student status
 Advise international students and scholars on immigration and personal issues
10% - Communication
 Produce and revise office publications by pertaining to scholar services
 Update information pertaining to scholar services on the OISS web site
 Communicate updates and events through scholar listserv
5% - Intercultural Programming
 Initiate, evaluate, coordinate, and expand upon the programs offered by the OISS; programs
include immigration updates, tax workshops, community outreach programs, international
advocacy, and various programs aimed at improving intercultural communication and
awareness on the university campus and in the local community
Position Description – Advisor, International Scholars
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10% - Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS) Reporting
 Provide support for the reporting to SEVIS through updates and changes within the system
 Generate I-20/DS2019 when needed
3. Describe the level of freedom to take action and make decisions with or without
supervision and how the results of the work performed impact the department, division and/or
the university as a whole.
Level of Freedom:
The Advisor works closely with students, scholars, faculty, staff, and government agencies and
international organizations in carrying out the mission and goals of the OISS. The OISS issues visas,
procures work authorization, provides education on immigration issues, provides counseling on
adjustment issues, and facilitates the admission of international students. Thr position functions fairly
independently and works closely with the Director when the individual determines issues or problems
that may have a significant international, university, or community impact for the university.
Impact:
The judgments and decisions made by the Advisor directly impact international students and scholars
in regard to their immigration status (compliance with federal regulations) and their adjustment to the
U.S. and University community. The position is integral to all departments on campus since many
international researchers contribute to the research objectives of the university. Their ability to work is
contingent upon procuring the proper work authorization (in the form of the J-1 or H-1B, or TN visa or
Green Card). Programming is a critical component in helping international students and scholars to
adjust to U.S. culture and in promoting the goal of internationalization on the university campus. This
position is very visible to the public and therefore has a direct impact on the perception of the
university and its reputation.
4. Describe the knowledge, skills (to include cognitive requirement and verbal and written
communication), and abilities (to include task complexity, problem solving, creativity and
innovation) essential to successful performance of this job (in bullet format).
Knowledge of:
 Federal and state laws, regulations, and procedures relating to F-1, J-1, H-1B, and TN visa
categories and visa processes for procuring work authorization for international faculty and
researchers (H-1B and Green Cards for outstanding professors and researchers)
 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) (U.S. government tracking system)
 Federal law as related to position, i.e., Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Skills:
 Excellent verbal and written communication
 Organizational skills
 Proficiency in use of a personal computer and current software applications including but not
limited to Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and email), including
SEVIS
 Analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
 Interpersonal and human relations skills
Ability to:
 Organize intercultural programs and workshops
 Be sensitive to cultural and ethnic diversity issues and advise, counsel, and communicate with
people from a wide range of cultures
Position Description – Advisor, International Scholars


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Maintain confidentiality of information
Understand and interpret contractual language regarding scope of work and formalized
policies, guidelines, rules, and regulations
5. Describe the type of personal contacts encountered in performing the duties of the job.
Explain the nature and purpose of these contacts: i.e., to provide services, to resolve
problems, to negotiate.
Internal
International scholars and
students
UNR departments, faculty, and
staff
External
Federal and state agencies (US
Citizenship and Immigration
Service (USCIS), Department of
State, Internal Revenue Service,
Department of Motor Vehicles,
Social Security Administration,
Department of Homeland
Security, etc.)
Foreign and domestic
educational institutions
International organizations
(Association of International
Educators (NAFSA), Institute for
International Education (IIE),
Academy for Educational
Development (AED), the
Fulbright Association, Council for
International Exchange of
Scholars (CIES), etc.)
Reason for Contact
To advise and assist with visa issuance, work authorization, and
transition to the US. To conduct orientation programs, educate on
immigration laws, assist with adjustment to UNR community; to
advise on immigration matters and personal issues; to provide
counseling, engage in conflict negotiation, and generally serve as
an advocate for international students and scholars.
To assist with scholar issues, hiring, and general services and to
coordinate workshops and education on international issues,
intercultural awareness and advising international students
Reason for Contact
To serve as a designated officer (USCIS) and as an alternate
responsible officer (State) to resolve issues for international
students and faculty.
To facilitate the transfer of international students and faculty
To maintain professional networks in order to stay abreast of
changes in regulations, policies, or procedures. To conduct
international surveys required by IIE each year for the Open Doors
reports. To coordinate programs and resolve issues for students
and scholars.
6. Indicate the minimum qualifications which are necessary in filling this position should it
become vacant. Please keep in mind the duties/responsibilities of the position rather than the
qualifications of the incumbent.
a.
Minimum educational level, including appropriate field, if any.
Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution with emphasis or major in
international education or related field
Position Description – Advisor, International Scholars
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b.
Minimum type and amount of work experience, in addition to the above required
education necessary for a person entering this position.
Bachelor’s Degree and four years, or a Master’s Degree and two years, of related
professional experience; knowledge of and experience with F-1, J-1, and H-1B visa
regulations and procedures; experience with permanent resident processing for
teaching faculty (EB-2); experience in intercultural program development; and
involvement/development in international education; must be a US citizen in order to
have access to SEVIS
Preferred Licenses or Certifications: None
c.
Indicate any license or certificate required for this position.
None