International Student Academic Advisor

Job Description

Reporting to the International Student Services Manager, the International Student Academic Advisor will, within established College policies, be primarily responsible for academic advising, immigration guidance for academic studies, and facilitating transfer credit evaluation for international students.

Liaison with all schools and departments within the Education and Student Services Division is an important aspect of this position.

External liaison on an ad-hoc basis with other post-secondary institutions and government agencies is also required. Travel between campuses as well as overtime during busy periods is required.

TYPICAL DUTIES

International Student Academic and Educational Planning

• As point of contact supports and / or guides students preparing educational plans that are appropriate, realistic and consistent with their educational and career goals;
• Promotes the use of advising and career exploration tools and resources, and refers to counsellors as appropriate;- Assists students in the use of various online education planning tools;
• Identifies the need and arranges for assessment testing and incorporates placement decisions into the preparation of educational plans including up-grading as appropriate.
• Reviews student transcripts with the intention of providing advice on the potential for transfer of credits towards a Camosun College program- Liaises with admissions offices at post-secondary institutions in Canada regarding the transfer of international students to and from the college;
• Providing students with current accurate information about programs, courses and services provided by the College, other post-secondary institutions, and other agencies;
• Reviews students’ graduation status and confirms / provides feedback on progression to graduateImmigration Guidance for Academic Studies- Provides relevant and up to date immigration information as it relates to students’ academic studies at the college;
• Prepares and submits the required compliance report to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as required by law;
• Responds to inquiries from IRCC and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) about students’ enrolment status;- Acts as a resource for the College about international student immigration related issues as relevant;
• Contacts Canadian immigration officials regarding new regulations, the status of applicants, and regulation clarification;
• Develops and provides presentations to inform and support students about IRCC permit application requirements and processes including visa regulations and student immigration regulations;
• Liaises with federal government officials on matters pertaining to international student study, work, and graduate permits;
• International Student Advocate and Support- Monitors students’ progress, collaborates and / or refers students to the International Student Experience Advisor (ISEA) as applicable;
• Makes recommendations regarding strategies for at risk students or failing students. Provides information to international students about related support services, including making referrals as appropriate;
• Performs campus outreach with students, faculty and staff across both campuses to create an awareness of services available to international students- Understand and provide clarification on related college policies and procedures, as well as Camosun International procedures.
• General- Maintains a thorough understanding of the College’s programs and courses including credit, vocational, and continuing education;
• Contributes to the development of policies and procedures of Camosun International by identifying persistent problem areas;

makes recommendations about their resolution;- Maintains a thorough knowledge of college’s integrated database systems including components that support the admission and registration and advising process.

• Participates on college committees associated with international education or academic student advising;- Provides information, upon to request, regarding international student interest and demand for specific programs and courses;
• Works cooperatively with other divisions and departments of the college to assure that the needs of international students are being addressed, as relevant to the advisor role;
• Ensures that staff within Camosun International are kept informed of activities and developments related to international students;
• provides support and guidance to ISEAs as applicable;- Serves on appropriate College committees and retains membership in appropriate associations or organizations;
• Maintains student files, statistics, and other records as appropriate;- Performs other related duties similar in scope and complexity.
• Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree in the Social Sciences, Education, or International Studies, including coursework in human development, intercultural communication and interpersonal communication, Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) certification and three years of experience directly related to educational and career planning activities or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Proven experience using Colleague or another integrated computer-based student registration system;- Excellent listening and succinct communications skills, a supportive, problem-solving orientation to interpersonal relations, a respect for cultural differences, patience, and a demonstrated ability to communicate with non-native speakers of English;
• Demonstrated knowledge of immigration rules and regulations as it relates to international students;- Able to work efficiently and effectively in a high volume, time sensitive, fast paced environment, with attention to detail and accuracy;
• A high level of proficiency in both spoken and written English as well as is the ability to communicate comfortably with students both in person and through written documents, in one other language;
• Demonstrated ability using MS Office suite. Supporting Truth & Reconciliation Commission's Recommendations Capabilities The core capabilities are required for all positions at the college.

Focus on Students and Their Success (Core)

We all have a role to play in promoting and supporting students directly or indirectly contributing to their success, education and transition as they build their path to the future.

Cultural Alignment (Core)

Inclusion and respect align with Camosun’s traditions of lifelong learning and positive, supportive experiences for all.

We examine our individual and institutional cultures and, through indigenization, consider other ways of knowing (thinking), being (approaches), doing (acting), and relating.

Fostering and Nurturing Relationships (Core)

• Fostering and nurturing relationships is at the core of everything we do. Successful workplace relationships take time to develop and include building trust, engagement and collaboration.
Il y a plus de 30 jours