International Student Advisor For Intensive English Language And Retention Programs

Official Title: International Education Advisor Business Title: International Student Advisor for IntensiveEnglish Language and Retention Programs Employment Class: Non-Instructional Academic Staff FTE: 1.0 Compensation: 45,000-50,000 FLSA Status: Exempt Terms of Employment: Annual Fixed Term-Renewable Position Summary:

UW Oshkosh provides a competitive benefits package for all benefit-eligible positions. Click for more details.

Advises domestic students on opportunities, academic policy, and requirements for international study for academic credit. Advises students in support of the goal of preparing them for the global and interconnected world. Assists in providing guidance for International Students on navigating institutional and academic policy and requirements.

Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities

The following examples of duties and accountabilities illustrate the general range of tasks assigned to the position but are not intended to define the limits of required duties. Other essential duties may be assigned consistent with the general scope of the position.

30% Implementation of Intensive English Language Programs

Coordination

• Design, develop, write English for Academic Purposes curriculum for, and implement the Intensive English Program, offering coursework to traditional EFL and ESL learners and to cohorts of EFL and ESL learners in specific degree programs at UWO.
• Secure classrooms and equipment;
• Manage the host family program, including recruitment, application, a formal evaluation & vetting, and orientation; all designed to ensure the health & safety of program participants and host family members;
• Integrate participants into extra-curricular activities and events on the UW Oshkosh campus whenever possible and appropriate;
• Research and arrange opportunities for participants to learn more about U.S. culture and U.S. education, specifically at UW Oshkosh, for all J visa holders (as per federal regulations) and for all other participants as appropriate;
• Assist participants in developing sustainable student-to-student relationships, as appropriate;
• Collaborate with department Chairs or master's program Directors to ensure curriculum and communication that is responsive to program, Program Director, and program faculty needs when designing English for Academic Purposes coursework for a cohort in a specific degree program.
• Institute ongoing review and development of all program elements, curriculum, program policies, and operating procedures;
• Effect changes to programs and curricula when appropriate;

Development and Supervision of Curriculum & Instruction

• Maintain proficiency in professional practices of English as a Second Language and English for Academic Purposes learning;
• Develop and oversee curriculum for programs that incorporate English for Academic Purposes or English for Specific Purposes;
• Assess participant English language skills through, for example, initial placement testing and end-of-program assessments;
• Provide in-service workshops for instructors;
• Manage student transition from the Intensive English Program through matriculation as a degree-seeking student;
• Maintain policies and procedures according to the American Association of Intensive English Programs in anticipation of future potential accreditation;
• Lead future UW Oshkosh Intensive English Program accreditation processes, if eligible;
• Ensure Program compliance with all federal regulations governing Intensive English Programs, as they relate to the University's ability to issue immigration paperwork (F student visas and J Exchange Visitor visas) for Program participation.

30% Professional English Language Tutoring

Facilitate learning as a guide and coach to increase and enhance mastery of concepts or applications of a specific course of study. Integrate effective study and learning strategies to maximize the client's potential for academic progress.  The tutor is not responsible for correcting papers or teaching content. 

• Respond to concerns communicated by course instructors about individual International Students; reach out to students when appropriate and advise and assist course instructors in assessing cultural or language challenges;
• Assess students' language abilities and write letters in support of student requests for accommodation, such as extended testing time, only when criteria for a recommendation are met; Develop tools or identify formal assessment instruments for diagnosis;
• Guide students one-on-one, in small groups, and through workshops on the improvement of reading levels and of writing, research, presentation and discussion skills related to a variety of academic disciplines;
• Assist students in taking greater responsibility for their own development;
  • Identify web- and computer-based resources to help students develop skills in problem areas;
  • Develop handouts and other instructional materials;
• Select and adapt methods and materials to meet the academic and linguistic needs of diverse students;
• Maintain a caseload of students;
  • Document and report students' need for service and academic successes. 
  • Maintain timely and accurate records of tutoring sessions, including contact logs, case notes and evaluations;
• Regularly advise students within the Intensive English Program, Intensive English Program students transitioning to degree programs, and conditionally admitted undergraduate students on such issues as progress and performance; incorporate retention strategies and activities into Intensive English Program programming and advising;
• Maintain currency on and apply techniques for increasing retention and graduation on International Students and other non-native speakers of English;
• Monitor and evaluate the progress and performance of degree-seeking students who are using English language tutoring services and incorporate retention strategies into advising;
• Develop/employ strategies that can help faculty, staff and service centers better understand and meet the needs of English as a Foreign Language and English as a Second Language students;
• Develop and implement student evaluations to improve services. Evaluate services provided through the Intensive English Program, tutoring, and Customized Programs with the goal of developing and implementing short and long-term goals, objectives and benchmarks;

30% International Student Support and Retention

Identify and guide students through any/all additional needed/determined related academic or non-academic assistance or intervention programs required to complete the academic curriculum, primarily at the Oshkosh and Fond du Lac campuses.

• Provide guidance for inbound International Students on navigating institutional and academic policy and requirements
• Identify and refer students to appropriate institutional resources and follows-up on referrals
• Support students who need academic or non-academic interventions based on self-reporting, instructor communication, early alerts, suspension/probation lists etc.
• Help develop strategies and student plans for identified "at risk" or "probation/suspension" students in efforts for the student(s) to achieve academic success and maintain international requirements for travel and study; guide students through the appeals process
• Facilitate students' integration into campus and community life including cultural adjustment
• Coordinate with others on the International Student support team to make sure students are fully admitted and matriculated
• Coordinate review and accuracy of placement testing milestones for math and writing with appropriate department faculty
• Help students with NetID passwords, Canvas, Titan Web, Navigate, and other necessary systems and applications used at UWO
• Collaborate with University of Wisconsin departments and external vendors to help resolve students facing life and living issues on basic needs that arise including housing, wellness, transportation, finances, etc.
• Identify and reach out to students who appear on early alert lists and on probation/suspension lists, or are known to be in danger of academic probation or suspension or low academic performance; advise on and connect them to services, reiterate messaging on how to appeal suspensions;
• Collaborate closely with other UW Oshkosh units, including the Dean of Students Office, Counseling Center, Student Health Center, University Police, tutoring & writing centers, etc. on International Student welfare, academic success, and Retention.

10% Other Responsibilities

• Remain up to date on developments in second language (L2) theory and practice and on critical issues surrounding the assessment of language, literacy, and academic development for English Language Learners;

 

 

Qualifications   Required:

• Bachelor's degree
• Ability to serve as Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for F & J student programs (U.S. citizen or permanent resident, per federal regulations).
• Demonstrated experience in intensive English program development, management and supervision; methods of assessing English proficiency; curriculum development; and implementation of learning experiences that enhance critical thinking and metacognition;
• Significant EFL/ESOL-related teaching experience and demonstrated ability to guide reading, writing, grammar and discussion and to utilize techniques that can assist in providing successful learning experiences for EFL/ESOL students;
• Ability to fluently read, write, and speak in English; excellent verbal and written skills;
• Excellent listening and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact diplomatically with a diverse group of individuals, to develop rapport quickly and to communicate clearly and effectively with non-native speakers of English, all in a service-oriented environment;
• Initiative and ability to work independently without close supervision;
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks, performing successfully and with composure;
• Ability to independently address & solve complex issues through teamwork and consultation;
• Ability to make decisions with potential impact on International Students and the University's ability to fulfill federal mandates;
• Commitment to record-keeping, documentation and data management;
• Intermediate or Advanced proficiency in MS Office 2000 (Word, Excel, Access); ability to learn additional software packages as required;
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Preferred:

• M.A. in applied linguistics, ESL, TESOL or related area with formal preparation in models, methods, and major interventions developed for EFL/ESOL students;
• Significant experience teaching, living or studying abroad;
• Proficiency in at least one second language which is not a native language (this may be English);