Graduate Assistant, International Student Services & OPT

Avila University; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Avila University in Kansas City, MO seeks a dedicated International Student Services Graduate Assistant to support daily operations, process routine forms, respond to student emails, and guide international students with professionalism.

The role includes expanding CPT/OPT caseload, reviewing submissions for completeness, coordinating with the CPT/OPT Coordinator, and helping with appointments, workshops, and reminders while maintaining FERPA compliance.

Qualifications

• Must be admitted to and enrolled in an Avila University graduate program.
• Current Avila University student in good academic and conduct standing.
• Strong written and verbal communication and customer service skills.
• Excellent organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple requests and meet deadlines.
• Professional, dependable, patient, and comfortable assisting students from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to follow established procedures and refer complex questions appropriately.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, and electronic recordkeeping systems.
• Previous administrative, customer service, or student-support experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support the daily administrative operations of the International Student Services office.
• Review and process routine forms and service requests according to established office procedures.
• Review submissions for completeness and contact students regarding missing, incomplete, or incorrect information.
• Help students identify the appropriate form, resource, staff member, or university office for their needs.
• Provide general procedural guidance regarding required documents, submission instructions, university deadlines, and anticipated processing times.
• Monitor shared email inboxes and respond to routine inquiries using approved templates and established office guidance.
• Manage multiple official WhatsApp chats by answering general questions, sharing approved announcements and reminders, and referring case-specific matters to the appropriate staff member.
• Schedule appointments and direct students to workshops, webinars, live question-and-answer sessions, and appropriate university departments.
• Coordinate with other university departments, as directed, to assist with routine student questions and administrative matters.
• Support presentations, student outreach, document organization, special projects, and other office initiatives as assigned.
• Review CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT submissions for completeness and required supporting documentation.
• Notify students when forms, information, or supporting documents are missing, incomplete, or incorrect.
• Organize and route completed requests to the CPT/OPT Coordinator or another Designated School Official for review.
• Escalate complex, case-specific, or time-sensitive matters to the appropriate Designated School Official.
• Help students locate and complete the appropriate CPT, OPT, STEM OPT, employment update, validation, travel, address update, and other International Student Services forms.
• Assist with maintaining records related to OPT and STEM OPT employment updates, unemployment information, validation reports, required evaluations, and reporting deadlines.
• Send approved reminders regarding CPT renewals, OPT reporting responsibilities, STEM OPT validations, missing documentation, workshops, and important deadlines.
• Monitor incoming requests and identify matters requiring urgent attention or staff review.
• Enter and update information in university databases, spreadsheets, electronic files, and request-tracking systems.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and well-organized records and supporting documentation.
• Handle student information with discretion and professionalism.
• Protect confidential student information and comply with FERPA, university policies, and office communication standards.
• Performs additional job-related duties and responsibilities as requested.

Skills

Strong communication

Customer service

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Professional demeanor

Discretion with confidential info

Education

Admitted to and enrolled in an Avila University graduate program

Current Avila University student in good academic and conduct standing

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Teams

Job description

Avila University in Kansas City, MO seeks a dedicated International Student Services Graduate Assistant to support daily operations, process routine forms, respond to student emails, and guide international students with professionalism.

The role includes expanding CPT/OPT caseload, reviewing submissions for completeness, coordinating with the CPT/OPT Coordinator, and helping with appointments, workshops, and reminders while maintaining FERPA compliance.