Committee: International Student and Scholar Services Knowledge Community (KC ISSS)
Position: Network Leader, International Student Advising Network (ISTA)
Term Dates: Two-year term, renewable for one additional term (maximum of four years)
The International Student Advising Network (ISTA) supports the efforts of those who advise international students, including assistance with understanding immigration regulations, best practices for developing appropriate office policies and supporting internationalization on campus. The network leader provides oversight and coordination of the ISTA network, serving as a primary communication resource and tool for the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) Knowledge Community (KC) to disseminate information. The network leader adds value to the network through forum discussions and by connecting subscribers to resources.
Position updated August 2022
NAFSA is not currently accepting applications for this position. Visit NAFSA Volunteer Leadership: Open Positions to learn about available opportunities.
Major Functions and Responsibilities
Within the framework of NAFSA’s Strategic Plan, this position will:
- Manage and actively participate in the ISTA discussion forum.
- Create and coordinate high-quality, timely resources based on discussion forum topics.
- Monitor subscriber needs.
- Recruit effective volunteers to support resource creation.
- Connect the ISSS community to appropriate NAFSA resources.
- Collaborate with other network leaders on cross-network initiatives.
- Collaborate with the NAFSA staff partner to achieve these goals.
Sample Projects
In recent years, this position has coordinated projects such as:
- Webinar on unauthorized employment through the DSO/ARO lens
- Sharing OPT, RCL, CPT, AT form templates via the discussion forum
- Internal evaluation for ISSS offices on working with international students and scholars of all abilities
Commitment
- Assure NAFSA membership through the length of the leadership term.
- Confirm for a two-year term, renewable once, upon agreement with KC ISSS leadership, for a maximum term of four years.
- Prepare for and attend leadership meetings throughout the year. Most meetings are virtual.
- Support KC ISSS activities at the Annual Conference.
- Dedicate approximately four to six hours per month to the role.
- Foster an inclusive environment in alignment with the NAFSA Diversity and Inclusion Statement.
Qualifications
- Minimum of three years’ experience working in the ISSS field and currently working in the ISSS field.
- Previous volunteer/presentation experience with NAFSA.
- Demonstrated knowledge of F-1 and J-1 student advising and programming.
- Demonstrated experience and leadership in advising international students.
- An active interest in assisting colleagues with professional and leadership development.
- Ability to work effectively with a team in an outcomes-based environment.
- Willingness to adopt organization-wide perspectives.
Benefits and Appreciation
NAFSA appreciates its volunteer leaders with a strategy that develops, celebrates, and supports them throughout the year:
- Leaders in this role receive a discount on conference registration for the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo in appreciation of their service.
- Each year, leaders in this role receive complimentary access to two NAFSA e-learning courses, during quarter 1 and quarter 4.
- Leaders in this role are invited to an invitation-only appreciation reception at the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo.
- Leaders in this role are asked to attend online and onsite leadership community gatherings throughout the year, with themes focused on the NAFSA International Education Professional Competencies 2.0.
- Leaders in this role are recognized with special signage at the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo.
