What are the responsibilities and job description for the International Student and Scholar Services Coordinator position at University of Central Arkansas?
The University of Central Arkansas is currently seeking an International Student and Scholar Services Coordinator to work in the Center for Global Learning & Engagement. The ISSS coordinator is responsible for planning and organizing all activities in support of UCA’s international student population. The successful candidate will have demonstrated commitment to international education in support of the university’s mission to prepare all students to live and work in local, national, and global communities. With an international student population over 300 students, this position plays a key role in ensuring a positive student experience. The ISSS Coordinator communicates with all relevant campus offices to prepare for the arrival of international students and plan and prepare all required start-of-term orientations. The ISSS Coordinator will act as a Designated School Official (DSO) for F-1 students and Alternate Official (ARO) for J-1 students and scholars. Finally, the ISSS Coordinator participates in the Office’s international recruiting efforts by traveling occasionally both within and outside the United
States. The Center for Global Learning & Engagement will not sponsor applicants for work authorization.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
I. Global Welcome (International Student orientation required by SEVP)
In preparation for a successful Global Welcome program:
In preparation for a successful Global Welcome program:
- Plan the schedule of Global Welcome events and activities, including:
- Activity rotation schedules
- Shuttles for airport pick-up, shopping, and general transportation
- Welcome Breakfast/Dinner
- Welcome Sessions
- Check-In times
- Coordinate Evening activities with campus organizations
- Tour times
- Advising appointments
- MMR shots and T-Spot tests
- New student IDs and PO boxes
- Accuplacer testing
- Intensive English Program (IEP) placement testing
- Reserve space, communicate set-up information, and place catering orders for:
- New student check-in
- Bank and cell phone fair
- International Welcome Breakfast/Dinner
- Evening activities
- Coordinate with a variety of UCA departments and offices to offer tours and presentations on the services UCA provides, including:
- Campus tours led by Student Ambassadors
- Information sessions on Student Life, the Advising Center, the Counseling Center, Student Accounts, insurance, immigration and employment, UCAPD and Academic Success
- Update the office website to reflect important information regarding the Global Welcome program to incoming and prospective students
- Continually communicate via email important details regarding the Global Welcome program:
- Arrival information (shuttle times, host families, hotel and taxi options)
- Housing and meal plans
- Tuition payment
- Advising
- Expected expenses
- International Friendship Organization (IFO) host families
- ACT/SAT scores and Accuplacer test
- Common questions and concerns
- Coordinate with IFO to arrange host families for early arriving students
- Interview, train and supervise Global Welcome student worker
- Coordinate Zoom session with incoming students on housing, student accounts and arrival
- Recruit, interview, prepare, schedule, and coordinate Global Welcome volunteers
- Prepare materials such as name tags, t-shirts, folders, paperwork
- Troubleshoot issues and situations throughout the Global Welcome program
- Coordinate promotion of the Global Welcome program through social media accounts
- Follow up on all aspects of the Global Welcome program after its ending for continual improvement
II. Student Services
In providing student services and support:
- Maintain partnerships with organizations that assist students with tax preparation:
- Promote tax preparation events
- Reserve rooms for students to meet with students
- Respond to student questions and connect student appropriate support as needed
- Act as a Designated School Official, updating students’ SEVIS records and advising them on the
- On-campus Employment and work authorization
- I-20 program extension
- Transferring institutions
- International travel
- Student enrollment requirements
- Assist assistant director in processing CPT and OPT applications
- Answer a variety of questions regarding the UCA collegiate system, such as:
- Housing
- Scholarships & financial aid
- Advising, registration, and course loads
- Career services
- Tuition payments
- Student involvement
- Volunteer opportunities
- Communicate with students, faculty, and staff through:
- Newsletters
- Printed materials
III. International Student Engagement (Supporting International Student
integration on campus and in the local community):
Maintain and increase planned activities and interactions for international students with all students, offices, departments, and community partners as appropriate.
- Within Center for Global Learning and Engagement (CGLE)
- Collaborate with colleagues in CGLE to hold regular information meetings for students
- Create and email student services surveys
- Communicate with students through email, newsletters, and social media
- Actively engage students on social media
- Address individual students’ questions and concerns
- Assist with preparations for International Education Week
- Promote Team Global and serve as the advisor for this Registered Student Organization
- Highlight opportunities for international students to be engaged in wider UCA events and program
- Between our office and other UCA offices and departments:
- Communicate and coordinate with Recognized Student Organizations to plan, schedule, and advertise events, programs, and activities
- Advocate for international student needs in all areas on campus
- Work with the Intensive English Program office to coordinate the Conversation Partners Program
- Attend and represent CGLE at UCA campus events
- Be able to answer immigration questions posed by different offices and departments
The successful candidate will
- Have strong organizational and planning skills
- Have strong customer service skills
- Possess excellent written communication and public speaking skills in English
- Have proven experience in multitasking and demonstrable attention to detail
- Have expertise with computer applications such as Slate, Terra Dotta, Google Suites
- Be knowledgeable of department operations and applicable policies, procedures, laws and regulations Be able to organize and conduct meetings and workshops
- Knowledge of the organization and administration of higher education.
- Knowledge of state, federal, and university rules, regulations and procedures.
- Ability to work in a diverse and dynamic environment.
- Ability to work collaboratively and independently with common goals as a part of a team.
- Ability to make sound judgments.
- Effective interpersonal communication, writing, and organizational abilities.
- Civility in all interactions.
- Demonstrate effective follow-up.
Bachelor’s degree and related work experience.
Preferred Education and/or Experience
- Previous experience in a multicultural, international, academic environment
- Previous experience in non-immigrant student visa compliance
- Ability to speak a second language at the intermediate level or higher
- Experience living or studying abroad
Thank you for your interest in employment at the University of Central Arkansas.
Founded in 1907, UCA has an enrollment of more than 10,000 students and employs over 1,300 full-time employees. The university offers more than 85 undergraduate and 59 graduate certificate and degree programs, including doctoral programs in five disciplines. UCA is proud of its tradition of teaching excellence and its contributions in research, scholarship, and creative activities.
Desired start date 09/16/2026
Founded in 1907, UCA has an enrollment of more than 10,000 students and employs over 1,300 full-time employees. The university offers more than 85 undergraduate and 59 graduate certificate and degree programs, including doctoral programs in five disciplines. UCA is proud of its tradition of teaching excellence and its contributions in research, scholarship, and creative activities.
Position Summary and Qualifications
License(s)/Certifications
Physical Demands Checklist
Sitting, Kneeling, Standing, Lifting/Carrying, Walking
Physical Exertion
Administrative Work - Exerting up to 10 pounds
Posting Detail Information
Background Check Statement
This position may be subject to a pre-employment criminal, sex-offender registry, financial history background check and drug screening. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication and/or adverse financial history alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background checks and drug screening information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.