Tahani Zughayer
Tinley Park,IL
Summary
Compassionate International Student Advisor known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Specialize in cultural integration, recruitment, academic counseling, and immigration regulation compliance. Excel in communication, collaborations, and problem-solving to support student success in unfamiliar environments. Utilize active listening and adaptability to address student needs and foster inclusive community engagement.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
International Admissions/Pathway Coach-SEVIS Designated School Official
Joliet Junior College
2021.11 - Current
- Responsible for overseeing pre-admission advising, outreach, and support for all prospective international students while communicating admissions requirements to students and sponsors
- Serve as a Designated School Official (DSO), interacting with SEVIS, SEVP, and related government agencies
- Provide accurate record keeping/updates related to immigration matters
- Provide assistance and recruit prospective refugee, asylee, and other visa status students, while staying updated on relevant research and regulations
- Collaborate with the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) and other DSO, faculty, and staff as needed
- Advise international students concerning USCIS regulations
- Certify international admission documents, including financial documents, test scores, and transcripts
- Assist the Admissions frontline staff in fielding questions about non-U.S
- Citizen residency and help applicants determine the proper type of application to complete
- Recruit and represent the college at prospective international fairs, both virtually and abroad
- Provide guidance and support to the Muslim Students Society Club by organizing and overseeing educational initiatives
- Support the Director in planning, communicating, and implementing procedures for the admission of students to the college, as well as calendar management
- Assist in facilitating Peace Circles, fostering a supportive environment for constructive dialogue and promoting positive communication within the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Department
- Coordinate large-scale events, including the National Arab American Month celebration, by meticulously planning logistics, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring seamless execution
- Served on various hiring committees bringing in talented individuals who aligned well with the institutions goals and values.
Assistant Director and Program Manager
Read & Ascend Learning Center
2019.01 - Current
- Support effective implementation of daily operational procedures while managing and fulfilling special assigned side projects
- Supervise event planners and assistants, while hiring support staff, caterers, and other contract workers as necessary
- Prepared necessary paperwork and administered all invoices on spreadsheets, and maintained records of all documents
- Created marketing designs such as flyers, brochures, and pamphlets
- Oversee payroll process including review of timesheet sand computing pay
- Prepare monthly youth leadership programs throughout the year
- Founder of the Read and Ascend Girls Youth club
- Advise students on fundraising ideas and campaigns, and help them develop their leadership abilities.
Billing Associate
Advanced Urgent Care
- 2018.05
- Collected and processed medical bills, updated patient medical records, and answered billing questions
- Transformed medical records from Med2000 to eClinicalWorks system
- Created motor vehicle accident and workers compensation reports
- Dedicated to delivering exceptional customer experiences through effective communication, problem-solving skills, and a customer-centric approach
- Provided patients with accurate and efficient billing information and assisted in ensuring their comprehension of the details.
Student Advisor/SEVIS Designated School Official
The Language Company
2011.11 - 2015.08
- Processed applications and created I-20's, developed transcripts/letters, and maintained student files
- Communicated with prospective and enrolled students and academic advisors/agents
- Performed immigration advising and academic counseling
- Created academic transcripts and confirmation letters, as well as translated documents
- Maintained student files and information systems records.
Intern
The American Red Cross
2009.05 - 2009.08
- Assisted Executive Director in special developmental projects
- Provided Arabic translation services to incoming refugees
- Conducted 'in-house' disaster casework
- Updated Chapter Outreach/DFRAP and media plans and contacts
- Conducted fire safety for children at schools, daycares, and community organizations.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Integrative Professional Studies
Davenport University
05.2009
Skills
- Academic Coaching/Support
- Pre-Admission Advising
- Retention Improvement
- Large Event planning
- File/Records Management
- Student Support Services
- Hiring Committee
- Regulatory Compliance
- Cultural Diversity/Awareness
- Partnership and Collaborations
- Community/Student Relations
- Key Relationship Building
- Strategic Planning
- Program Coordination
- Operations Management
- International Recruitment
- Effective Performance Management/Evaluation
- Student Advocacy
- Policy & Procedure Development
Affiliations
- NAFSA, the Association of International Educators (since 2015)
- International Education of Illinois (IEI) (since 2022)
Additionalskillsachievements
- Fluent in Arabic
- Beginner in Korean
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
- Core Value Award, Joliet Junior College- 2023
- Diversity, Equity and inclusion dedication Award- 2023
- Developed and drafted a proclamation celebrating Arab American Heritage Month, which was approved by the board of Trustees, Joliet Junior College- 2024
Certification
Yale Course Certificate – The Science of Well-Being
NLP Diploma – ILLAFTrain
Time Management Diploma - ILLAFTrain
Accomplishments
· Core Value Award, Joliet Junior College- 2023.
· Diversity, Equity and inclusion dedication Award- 2023.
· Developed and drafted a proclamation celebrating Arab American Heritage Month, which was approved by the board of Trustees, Joliet Junior College- 2024.
Languages
Arabic
Native/ Bilingual
Korean
Elementary
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
International Admissions/Pathway Coach-SEVIS Designated School Official
Joliet Junior College
2021.11 - Current
Assistant Director and Program Manager
Read & Ascend Learning Center
2019.01 - Current
Student Advisor/SEVIS Designated School Official
The Language Company
2011.11 - 2015.08
Intern
The American Red Cross
2009.05 - 2009.08
Billing Associate
Advanced Urgent Care
- 2018.05
Bachelor of Business Administration - Integrative Professional Studies
Davenport University
Yale Course Certificate – The Science of Well-Being
NLP Diploma – ILLAFTrain
Time Management Diploma - ILLAFTrain
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