International Student Counselor Job Description

St. Olaf College commits to incorporating a global perspective.  Each year about 30-40 students from 20 countries join the St. Olaf College community, as well as about a half dozen American students who grew up outside of the U.S.  International Student Counselors make the very first impressions on our new international students – and so their enthusiasm is essential. 

International Student Counselors enjoy a unique position of leadership on the campus.  They will most likely find they gain a whole new world of friends and enjoy multicultural experiences right in their own rooms.  For someone who cares and shares, who is curious and willing to help others, being an International Student Counselor is an opportunity that will help the Counselor grow in sensitivity and global perspective. 

A person serving as an International Student Counselor should possess the following qualities.  These qualities are essential to fostering individual and community development. 

  1. The position of International Student Counselor is a full-year, time-consuming position  — highly demanding of personal motivation, self-discipline, and maturity.  At least two of the four counselors must be on campus during the Interim. 
  2. The International Student Counselor is expected to abide by all college policies and regulations. 
  3. The International Student Counselor must have a working knowledge of all aspects of St. Olaf College to appropriately assist, advise and serve as a liaison between students and other members of the St. Olaf community. 
  4. There must be a sensitivity and concern for others as individuals and a personal and professional commitment that goes beyond outlined responsibilities. 
  5. There must be demonstrated emotional maturity necessary to cope with day-to-day decisions involved in maintaining healthy living conditions within the residence hall and on the floor. 
  6. The International Student Counselor must be committed to continued growth and development as a counselor, as well as personal growth, taking care to budget personal time for study, work, and relaxation. 
  7. The International Student Counselor is a leader in the residence hall and throughout the campus community.  The position demands integrity, responsibility and a positive attitude.
  8. International Student Counselors must be in good academic standing.  If, during the year, an International Student Counselor is placed on academic probation, his/her status as a counselor will be reevaluated to determine whether the position has a detrimental effect on his/her academic performance. 
  9. An individual may be terminated from the International Student Counselor position for failing to meet the expectations of the position as described below or if his/her actions conflict with the policies of the Residence Life Staff and/or St. Olaf College.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Development

  • Helping to develop an atmosphere in the residence hall in which students have a concern and respect for each other.
  • Working toward developing a positive personal relationship with each international student as quickly as possible. 
  • Helping international students be aware of fire and safety regulation and precautions. 
  • Establishing and maintaining open communication with the Residence Hall Director and other members of the Residence Life Staff.

Peer Advising

  • Making an effort to be aware of student attitudes, academic difficulties and health problems and
    developing helping skills to assist in the resolution of student concerns.
  • Within the limits of training and capability, advising and counseling students on academic, personal, and social matters and making referrals when appropriate.
  • Being sensitive to existing or potential individual and/or group problems.

Role Modeling

  • Acting as a role model in academics, personal habits and general areas of community living.
  • Personally abiding by College policies and regulations. Failure to do so is considered a serious breach of the International Student Counselor responsibilities and may result in being removed from the position.
  • Being committed to personal growth and self-improvement, allowing ample time for study, work and relaxation in personal schedules.

Resources

  • Acquiring a working knowledge of campus referral services for students in need of specialized help (including the Health Service, Food Service, Counseling Center, Financial Aid, Academic Support Center, the Dean of Students Office, Center for Experiential Learning, International Student Office, Academic Advisors, etc.) and encouraging students to use these resources.
  • Working with College resource personnel, including the International Student Advisor, Associate Deans of Students, Residence Life Administrators, Counselors, Pastors, Nurse, etc.

Programming

  • Writing letters during the summer to new students. (This task will be shared between the four counselors and would, therefore, involve writing to about ten students.)
  • Assisting with the arrival of new international students.
  • Helping students throughout Week One orientation sessions.
  • Planning and hosting social activities for international students. These activities may be in cooperation with the Residence Hall Council or the International Student Organization.

Staff Member

  • Being available to assist students by being in the residence hall a reasonable amount of time, especially when students are apt to be in their rooms.
  • Attending monthly meetings with the International Student Advisor.