International Students

OISSS Student Staff

Office of International Student and Scholar Services - Student Staff

The Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS) team works with PSU international students. OISSS is looking for 3 motivated Student Staff to work in the Karl Miller Center (KMC) front office, supporting key immigration and student life objectives, and receiving and providing resources for international students, scholars, and other community members who may visit the office. Training for this role will begin in May.

We are looking for 3 individuals who:

  • have experience living, studying, or interacting cross-culturally,
  • are interested in providing and improving student services geared towards international students and,
  • possess creative/technical skills  

Student Staff are trained to understand immigration regulations pertaining to international students, scholars, and faculty. Student Staff will engage in projects as well as provide general reception.

Term of Employment: Minimum commitment of three academic terms with potential to be renewed indefinitely while enrolled as a student

Responsibilities and Duties

  1. Provide reception to people visiting the OISSS and Education Abroad offices.
  2. Respond to queries regarding immigration and student life-related matters in-person and through zoom, email, or phone.
  3. Connect students to the appropriate PSU resource, including referrals to resources outside of our department.
  4. Interact patiently with a diverse population, including many who do not speak English as their first language
  5. Become proficient in the use of various university and office databases (Banner and Sunapsis)
  6. Help with routine data entry
  7. OISSS Student Staff will also be asked to take on projects which may require:
  • Familiarity with digital software: digital design (Canva), audio and video editing (iMovie, GarageBand), curriculum development (Homebase), and newsletter platforms (Emma)
  • Supporting our office social media accounts (Instagram, LinkedIn)
  • Helping to plan, set up, and lead small group activities and events
  • Actively communicating and interacting with other campus resources and departments

Qualifications

Applicants for this job must be current PSU students. The Office of Human Resources requires undergraduate student employees to be enrolled for at least 6 credits each term; graduate student employees must register for at least 5 credits each term. Prior experience working in an office is preferred, though not required. Given the populations we serve, students who speak a language beyond English are particularly encouraged to apply.

Expectations

The OISSS has the following expectations of our Student Staff:

  • You will work 10-20 hours per week, be on time for your shifts, and work with your supervisor to cover any shifts that will be missed due to illness or other conflicts
  • You will work primarily in person
  • You may be expected to work during vacation breaks
  • You will provide friendly, efficient, and effective customer service to all who visit our office
  • You will be comfortable communicating by phone, email, in person, and on Zoom - especially with individuals for whom English is not the primary language
  • You will be detail-oriented and meticulous, completing tasks in a thoughtful and timely manner
  • You will maintain strict confidentiality with regards to student records and private matters which may be encountered in this line of student services
  • You will adhere to all PSU policies including policies on FERPA, Prohibited Discrimination and Harassment, Professional Standards of Conduct, and Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting
  • You will be committed to learning, growth, and professional development

OISSS Student Staff can expect the following:

  • An environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates diversity
  • Scheduling that takes into account the fact that you are a student first and an employee second
  • Careful attention will be given to your training and you will be given a high degree of responsibility in your work. Training will include:
    • Introduction to the Banner and Sunapsis systems
    • Basic introduction to F-1 and J-1 immigration rules and how they apply to students and scholars at Portland State University
    • Careful introduction and clarification of the various policies and procedures carried out in OISSS
  • A professional experience that will provide a strong foundation for your working life after graduation
  • Full integration into our Student and Scholar services team

Typical working hours

The OISSS team works from 9 am - 5 pm, Monday through Friday. The rate of pay for this position will be $15.95 per hour.

Application process

Please submit your resume and a cover letter to intl-services@pdx.edu with “Student Staff Position” in the subject line. Please write your cover letter in your own words, do not rely on AI to write it for you.

You must submit your complete application by April 25, 11:59pm to be considered.

Portland State University is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity institution and welcomes applications from diverse candidates and candidates who support diversity.