Graduate Assistant - International Student Services

Position Summary

The International Student Services Graduate Assistant supports the daily operations of the International Student Services office by processing routine forms, responding to student emails, and providing general guidance to international students. This position requires strong organization, professionalism, attention to detail, and the ability to handle confidential student information.

 Responsibilities:

• Review and process routine student forms and service requests according to established office procedures. 
• Check submitted forms for completeness and follow up with students regarding missing information or documentation. 
• Respond to general student emails accurately, professionally, and within established response times. 
• Provide general information about office procedures, request forms, required documents, processing timelines, and important deadlines. 
• Direct complex immigration, SEVIS, CPT, OPT, STEM OPT, and status-related questions to a Designated School Official. 
• Assist students with identifying the correct form or university office for their needs. 
• Enter and update student information in university databases, spreadsheets, and tracking systems. 
• Maintain accurate electronic records and organize supporting documentation. 
• Monitor shared email inboxes and route messages to the appropriate staff member or department. 
• Assist with appointment scheduling, student follow-up, workshops, presentations, and other office projects. 
• Protect confidential student information and comply with FERPA and university policies. 
• Performs additional job-related duties and responsibilities as requested.

 Qualifications:

• 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, recognize when a question must be referred to a DSO or another staff member, and refer complex questions appropriately.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, and electronic recordkeeping systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise appropriate judgment, and comply with FERPA and university policies.

Previous administrative, customer service, or student-support experience preferred.

Successful candidates should showcase their work and experience in contributing to a climate that supports a diverse student body, serves first-generation college students, multilingual learners, and contributions to equity and social justice through their work.

The Community:

Kansas City, a two-state metropolitan area with a population of nearly two million, offers a wide variety of cultural, educational and social life opportunities.  Avila University, a Catholic university founded and inspired by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, provides undergraduate and graduate education in the liberal arts and professional studies, preparing lifelong learners who make meaningful contributions to the global community.

Additional Employment Information:

Avila University is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of, sex, race, religion, age, color, sexual orientation, disability, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran's status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.  

You must be at least 18 years of age to be employed by Avila University.

All new employees will be required to complete an "Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9)” and produce requested documentation after employment.

In compliance with the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, the university's annual security and crime statistics report is available at https://www.avila.edu/campus-resources/campus-safety. A copy of this report is available upon request from the Campus Safety Office in the Whitfield building any weekday between 8am and 5pm.

Avila University requires the successful completion of a background check as a condition of employment.