The Center for International Education – Graduate Assistant

Educational Objectives

To provide two graduate students with practical experience in the administration and development of a well-rounded office environment that focuses on student development, international education, study abroad opportunities, student leadership development, and personal and professional growth.

Salary & Appointment

Positions are appointed annually from mid-August through early May. An annual stipend of $8,000 is paid biweekly, along with a tuition waiver for 18 credits per year of SMSU graduate classes. Each graduate assistant will work 14-20 hours per week during the semester. Some summer work may be available depending on departmental and university needs.

The assistantship can continue into a second year if all parties are interested. An evaluation will be conducted after the first year to ensure all parties meet quality performance metrics before continuing the assistantship.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and admission and enrollment in a graduate program at SMSU.
• Must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above throughout the time of employment.
• Motivated individual with a positive attitude.
• Ability to work independently.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Basic familiarity with technological applications for promotion, organization, and communication.
• Demonstrated adherence to, or ability to adhere to, federal, state, and University confidentiality restrictions regarding student records, data, rules, and regulations.
• Prior experience working with international and/or culturally diverse individuals is preferred.

Specific Responsibilities

• Join a dynamic team that strives to be on the cutting edge of the administration and support of international education, international students, and study abroad.
• Understand local, state, national, and international trends in international education, international affairs, and study abroad.
• Learn the basics of F-1 international student visa matters, including various processes and regulations set forth by governmental entities.
• Assist professional staff in maintaining contact and student relationships with the international student population.
• Assist in the overall orientation of new and returning students to the SMSU environment, including occasional travel and overnight stays.
• Represent the interests of the Center for International Education at various on- and off-campus student fairs and recruitment events.
• Assist in programmatic efforts to promote and present study abroad opportunities to SMSU.
• Oversee the office front counter and monitor and respond to current student requests through personal visits, phone, online, and email communication.
• Serve as a role model for all students.
• Maintain flexibility in work hours due to special events, admission events, programmatic offerings, and travel.
• Assist in the execution of the annual International Spring Break trip, including attendance.
• Assist with website content development.
• Work on special projects and other reasonable duties as assigned.

1st Year Specific Responsibilities

• Serve as the graduate advisor to the International Student Organization (ISO).
• Assist with coordinating and executing fundraising opportunities and events for ISO.
• Under the direction of the professional staff ISO advisor(s), assist in developing and managing the ISO budget(s).
• Assist with the planning, development, and execution of all ISO and CIE programmatic and educational offerings.
• Coordinate communication methods to all CIE constituencies, including CIE's Global Express newsletter, liaison with the SMSU Communications & Marketing Office, social media updates, and related communications.

2nd Year Specific Responsibilities

• Serve as one of the main intake and contact representatives for international admissions for CIE, including correspondence, application processing, record maintenance, sending admission packets, and other associated admission duties.
• Help maintain communication with prospective students through various channels.
• Serve as a liaison between currently enrolled students and prospective students.
• Communicate with students from prospect status through on-campus enrollment, including during the application process.
• Assist in maintaining a functional, open, and inviting professional office area.

Clientele

International prospective students, current SMSU students, alumni, employers, SMSU faculty, staff, administrators, and community members.

Supervision

Supervision is shared among the Center for International Education professional staff at SMSU and depends on the task.

Application Information

Send a letter of application, resume, unofficial transcript(s), and the names and contact information of three (3) professional references.

Apply To

SMSU Center for International Education
1501 State Street
Marshall, MN 56258

For inquiries about the position, call (507) 537-6018. You may also apply or direct inquiries to ISS@SMSU.edu, but please make sure an open position is posted, usually in late spring each year.

University & Community

Southwest Minnesota State University is one of seven universities in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. SMSU prioritizes excellence in teaching and preparing students to be lifelong learners through quality undergraduate teaching and advising, and close student-faculty relationships. Its mission, dating back to 1967, is to provide access to university-level programs in liberal arts and professional studies. The University has a special commitment to the educational needs of the people in its service region, reflected in its curricula, cultural programs, diverse staff and student body, and cooperative relationships with the public and private sectors and regional institutions. The 216-acre campus encompasses 24 modern, interconnected, and accessible buildings. Marshall (pop. 14,000) is the hub of a rich agricultural area and offers a variety of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities.