Designated School Official

Designated School Official (DSO)

- Responsibilities:

1. Maintain and update SEVIS records for international students, ensuring compliance with federal regulations. This includes verifying full-time enrollment, updating address and contact information, tracking CSI programs, employment status, school transfers, leaves of absence, program extensions, and program completions.
2. Register students' records in SEVIS at the beginning of each academic quarter, ensuring timely and accurate updates.
3. Review students’ files. Issue and sign Form I-20 for F-1 students and dependents, ensuring that all information is accurate, up-to-date, and compliant with federal regulations.
4. Provide guidance on maintaining students’ visa status and employment regulations for CPT and OPT, traveling, and re-entering the US processes.
5. Assist students in applying for work authorization, including issuing Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization in SEVIS and supporting Optional Practical Training (OPT) applications. 
6. Advise students on a wide range of issues related to their F-1 status, such as obtaining new visas, work permits, reinstatements, changes of status, medical leaves, employment, and reduced course load authorizations. Also, provide guidance on personal, financial, enrollment, and travel matters.
7. Report changes to SEVIS such as student transfers, changes in the student’s program, and failure to comply with F1 requirements.  
8. Analyze and resolve complex immigration issues to support students' statuses while studying in the United States.
9. Contact the SEVIS Help Desk for corrections/questions.
10. Function as liaison with external agencies, including the Social Security Administration, Department of Motor Vehicle, and transfer institutions.
11. Collaborate with internal departments, such as Admissions, Registrar, Business Office, Student Affairs, and Academics, to provide holistic support for international students.
12. Participate in new student orientations, and conduct immigration-related workshops for students.
13. Possess and maintain an understanding of changes in immigration laws and policies.
14. Participate in professional development opportunities.

- Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree in related field is required.
• At least 1 year of DSO experience is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and in the use of Zoom technology is required.
• Ability to communicate effectively within a diverse population of students, faculty and staff.
• Successful applicants must possess organizational skills and have the ability multi task and prioritize tasks assigned.
• Bilingual in English and other languages is preferred.

             MUST BE A CITIZEN OR A LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

- Benefits Offered: 

• Health Insurance.
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401K
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off (Vacation & Earned Sick Time)
• Employee Discount Program