Sponsored Student and Crisis Support

The Sponsored Student and Crisis Support Position is a role that will work across two related programs within International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), the central international office for the University of Minnesota system. The position involves managing support and cases to Sponsored Student Programs, as well as the Academic Counseling and Funding program.

Sponsored Student Programs serve international sponsored students and scholars who are funded by their home country government, the US government, or other international organizations and nonprofits. Sponsored students must complete additional requirements assigned by their sponsoring agency which requires case management to ensure they are in compliance with the added requirements. Sponsored Student Programs provide support for these students and scholars who have additional requirements during their academic tenure at the University of Minnesota, which can include academic counseling. This individual should be able to navigate complex problem solving by utilizing knowledge on how the University of Minnesota functions, as well as advocate and represent the international student client.

The Academic Counseling program provides academic counseling and support to international students on academic warning which often includes personal, family, financial, and career issues.

This position will receive training on cross-cultural, funding, and academic counseling, and on F-1 and J-1 visa regulations.

Required Hours:
14 hours/week.

Sponsored Student Support:
Provide support to professional staff in the sponsored student areas, to include:
Answer emails and refer them to the appropriate resources
Maintain and create content for emails and social media in partnership with the Global Gopher Influencers
Complete data entry in Google Suite, and Sunapsis. Use of APlus for student support may be needed. Training will be provided
Help with ISSS sponsored student events (dinners, drop-ins and other engagement events)
Assist in check-in for sponsored students, collecting and explaining release of information
Review student accounts and liaise with Third Party Billing for financial guarantees to be in compliance with MOU/sponsoring agreements
Other duties as assigned.

Academic Counseling Support:
Provide counseling to international undergraduate students, primarily to students on academic warning, suspension, or new to the University of Minnesota. Topics frequently include academic, career, health/mental health, financial, personal, and family issues.
Receive training on F-1 and J-1 visa advising which will be helpful in providing academic counseling. Observe advising appointments and drop-ins with other advisers.
Participate in individual supervision meetings with your supervisor. Attend ISSS general staff meetings and immigration adviser meetings, if schedule permits. ISSS staff meetings are Tuesday mornings.
Initiate contact with students through email about academic warning, suspension, academic challenges or as needs arise
Provide support to the ISSS Funding Program.

Required Qualifications:
Interest in counseling international students and/or previous related experience
Knowledge and understanding of student development and university culture
Effective oral and written communication skills
Basic technical skills to utilize Google suite
Flexibility and adaptability
Must be able to work on campus as an F1 or J1 international student
Bachelor's degree

Preferred Qualifications:
Previous counseling or related experience and/or coursework.
Previous student service experience
Cross-cultural or multicultural experience and awareness, including an understanding of the international student experience
Understanding of student account system at the UMN
Strong organizational skills
Familiar with student support resources on campus

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is dedicated to serving the University of Minnesota's international community.

Its primary mission is to assist international students and scholars in successfully accomplishing the goals that brought them to the University. ISSS supports the University's internationalization efforts by helping departments bring new foreign nationals into the community; by providing intercultural training for students, staff, and faculty; and by offering events that build links between the U.S. and international communities on campus. The office helps new international students transition to the University of Minnesota through Global Gopher Experiences, a series of virtual and in-person events, and convenes the International Student Advisory Board to ensure international student voices are represented on campus.

Pay Range: $21.52 an hour

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).