#United States #Chapel Hill #International Education #Terra Dotta #Staffing Models

The Importance of Staffing and Operational Support in International Education

In the face of evolving regulatory requirements and increasing scrutiny on international student enrollments, a recent survey conducted by Terra Dotta sheds light on critical operational aspects of international education at U.S. higher education institutions. The survey, titled 'Voice of the Professionals,' gathered insights from over 150 International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) professionals, highlighting significant gaps in staffing, compensation, and resources necessary for effective service delivery in the international education sector.

Current Landscape and Survey Insights

The backdrop for this survey lies in the challenges U.S. universities face concerning international education due to political fluctuations and changing immigration policies. Results show that, on average, only 10% of student populations at U.S. institutions are international, with private entities reporting higher numbers at 14%. It is noteworthy that over 80% of these international participants hold F-1 student visas; employment-based scholars constitute only 6% of the total.

According to Travis Ulrich, Senior Vice President at Terra Dotta, the contemporary educational environment is at a turning point. “International student enrollments are under intense scrutiny, regulatory demands are shifting, and ISSS professionals are being asked to do more with less,” he stated. This commentary underscores the report's findings that emphasize essential operational frameworks required to nourish competitiveness and compliance in the higher education landscape.

Staffing Ratios and Operational Needs

One key takeaway from the survey is the stark disparity in international student-to-staff ratios across different institutions. For instance, liberal arts colleges report approximately 21 international students for every operational full-time equivalent (FTE), while public universities face a challenging ratio of 197 students per FTE. Such discrepancies can critically impact service quality and compliance, making it imperative for institutions to rethink their staffing models.

More than half of the survey respondents from public colleges expressed concerns of being under-resourced, which can hamper the delivery of nuanced support services required for international students. Such staffing dynamics have direct implications on whether institutions can meet compliance regulations and provide robust, personalized support for their international student populations.

Compensation Concerns and Retention Challenges

The survey also found that ISSS professionals experience turnover rates that exceed the average staff turnover in higher education by 25%. One of the primary reasons for this high turnover is low compensation, particularly for roles that are crucial for visa compliance, such as International Scholar Advisors and SEVIS Coordinators. Entry-level positions in international education often fall short of market demands, creating compliance risks that can affect institutional integrity and operational efficacy.

Institutional Support is Key

Respondents indicated that factors like inadequate professional development opportunities and lack of institutional backing exacerbate turnover rates, ultimately diminishing offices' productivity and knowledge base. With a quarter of ISSS staff having turned over in the past three years, as identified in the survey, it reinforces the urgent call for institutions to address compensation structures and promote job retention strategies.

Operational Technology Gaps

An alarming finding from the Terra Dotta survey is that 20% of the responding offices do not utilize any structured software to assist in managing SEVP compliance. Furthermore, about one-third of institutions reported gaps in their preparations for SEVIS compliance, highlighting a significant need for operational support technology.

While many respondents affirmed their readiness to address the current requirements of international education, a mere one-third indicated they were prepared for increased international enrollments—a crucial element as the global landscape continues to shift.

Conclusion: The Way Forward

The results of this inaugural survey from Terra Dotta illuminate the urgent need for reformed staffing approaches, retention strategies, and improved technological investments within international education. As Ben Psillas, CEO of Terra Dotta, highlighted, “This not only focuses on meeting today's needs but also on creating sustainable and resilient programs capable of facing future challenges.”

Institutions must prioritize creating environments that nurture their international frameworks—where efficient staffing models, fair compensation, and technology-driven operational processes will establish a flourishing international education landscape that supports diverse student experiences.

To access the full report of the Voice of the Professionals survey conducted by Terra Dotta, visit here.

About Terra Dotta

Terra Dotta is recognized as a leader in global engagement solutions for higher education. Serving over 700 universities and colleges, their platform facilitates cross-cultural experiences across more than 85 countries, ensuring comprehensive safety and compliance in international education practices.