Designated School Official

Anderson University; United States; Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Supportive Christian university environment

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Anderson University’s International Graduate School is looking for a full‑time Designated School Official (DSO) who will primarily support F‑1 international students. The DSO's key roles include maintaining SEVIS records, processing Forms I-20, and advising on visa regulations and educational compliance.

The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree, two years of relevant experience, and a strong grasp of F-1 regulations. This hybrid position entails approximately 30% travel to various instructional sites.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of experience in international student services or immigration advising.
• U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident as required by federal regulations.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
• Capacity to manage multiple priorities and work effectively with diverse individuals.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate SEVIS records and issue/transfer Forms I-20.
• Authorize Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and recommend Optional Practical Training (OPT).
• Advise students on visa regulations and compliance inquiries.
• Assist students with Social Security and DMV documentation.

Skills

F-1 student visa regulations

SEVIS

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Student information systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

Tools

Banner

Workday

Terra Dotta

Sunapsis

VIA

Job description

Designated School Official (DSO)

Anderson University’s International Graduate School seeks a full‑time Designated School Official (DSO) who will serve as the primary contact for F‑1 international students. The DSO maintains SEVIS records, issues and transfers Forms I‑20, authorizes CPT, recommends OPT and STEM OPT extensions, and processes program extensions, reduced course loads, school transfers, and changes of educational level. The role also includes advising on visa regulations, status maintenance, employment authorization, travel, visa renewals, and other immigration concerns; assisting with Social Security and DMV documentation; monitoring enrollment to ensure compliance; responding to compliance inquiries; and collaborating with faculty, advisors, the Registrar’s Office, Financial Aid, and campus partners. Additional duties involve supporting orientations, workshops, and outreach programming to promote regulatory awareness and student engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate SEVIS records and issue/transfer Forms I‑20.
• Authorize Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and recommend Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT extensions.
• Process program extensions, reduced course loads, school transfers, and changes of educational level.
• Advise students on visa regulations, status maintenance, employment authorization, travel, visa renewals, and other immigration concerns.
• Assist students with Social Security and DMV documentation.
• Monitor student enrollment for ongoing SEVP compliance.
• Respond to compliance inquiries and collaborate with faculty, academic advisors, the Registrar’s Office, Financial Aid, and campus partners.
• Support orientations, workshops, and outreach programming for regulatory awareness and student engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum two years of experience in international student services, immigration advising, or a closely related higher‑education role.
• U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, as required by federal regulations.
• Working knowledge of F‑1 student visa regulations, SEVIS, and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, problem‑solving abilities, and capacity to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and student information systems; experience with Banner, Workday, Terra Dotta, Sunapsis, VIA, or similar systems preferred.
• Commitment to quality relationships, warmth, excellence, and Christ‑like service, and to the academic and Christ‑centered mission of Anderson University.

Benefits and Work Arrangements

• Hybrid position with approximately 30% travel to instructional sites and graduate intensives in South Carolina, Texas, Florida, and other locations as needed.
• Supportive, mission‑driven community in a Christian university environment.

EEO Statement

Anderson University does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age, religion, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other basis on which the University is prohibited from discrimination under the local, state, or federal law. The University, as a Christian institution, is entitled to certain religious accommodations under federal and state law, including Title IX of the Education Amendments Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.