Job Information
Pierce College International Education Advisor (Program Specialist 3) in Lakewood, Washington
The International Education Advisor (Program Specialist 3) provides coaching, guidance, and support to international students at Pierce College. The Advisor supports students from onboarding through their educational journey to completion and the university transfer process. This role is pivotal in promoting international student success by ensuring each student reaches key benchmarks throughout their academic program and engaging with faculty as mentors/advisors. The incumbent also advises Pierce College students on study abroad opportunities offered through the College and the Washington Community College Consortium for Study Abroad (WCCCSA).
The Advisor reports to the Manager of International Student Services and works closely with other staff in the International Education (IE) Team and the Intensive English Program (IEP) faculty. Regular and consistent attendance is vital to this role. The International Education Advisor (Program Specialist 3) will be responsible for the following, but not limited to: Assessment and Coaching
- Advises students in planning a program of study that achieves their education and employment goals and complies with F-1 student visa regulations.
- Assesses initial strengths and challenges in international students' academic, career, and personal pathways by identifying factors that enhance or prevent academic progress and examines alternatives based on changing goals, academic progress, and individual situations; and interprets analytics to guide and empower students to establish realistic academic and career goals.
- Coordinates, plans, designs, and leads sessions during quarterly New International Student Orientation.
- Refers students to faculty mentors/advisors and other campus and community resources for exploring careers, pathways, and basic health-related needs.
- Communicates with student advisees systematically, frequently, and intentionally through multiple methods, including e-mail, telephone, Microsoft Teams, and other college-supported technologies.
- Facilitates enrollment and registration processes; guides course offerings, prerequisite requirements, degree and transfer requirements, and college policies.
- Reviews and screens data for completeness and accuracy with special emphasis on registration. Researches and resolves student problems in conformance with rules and regulations.
- Responds to inquiries from students, faculty, and staff regarding services, college policies, and departmental procedures.
- Serves as Designated School Official (DSO) and advises students on compliance with F-1 visa regulations.
Retention Management
- Monitors students' academic progress by analyzing progress reports, determining eligibility and satisfactory progress toward degrees, identifying current and potential needs or problem areas, and helping students access college resources to increase self-sufficiency.
- Provides information, analyzes data, and generates written reports, as requested.
- Collaborates with the Intensive English Program Manager and the Manager of International Student Services to design focused interventions and implement the program.
- Collaborates with college personnel to identify creative solutions to enhance student's overall educational experience and ensure a seamless transition to faculty for academic mentoring through degree completion.
- Promotes student engagement through college life and campus involvement.
Assists with student activities and event planning and occasionally accompanies students on school-related trips.
Study Abroad and Advising
Advises students on study abroad opportunities offered by Pierce College and the Washington Community College Cons