International Student Counselor Onboarding Checklist

International Student Counselor Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new International Student Counselor starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Education onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new International Student Counselor, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample International Student Counselor onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

International Student Counselor Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new international student counselor attends an orientation session conducted by the human resources department. This session provides an overview of the company’s mission, values, policies, and procedures. It is typically conducted by HR personnel.

2. Introduction to the team: The new counselor is introduced to their immediate team members, including other counselors, administrative staff, and supervisors. This introduction helps foster relationships and promotes a sense of belonging within the team. The team leader or supervisor usually performs this task.

3. Familiarization with company systems and tools: The counselor is provided with access to various systems and tools used in the company, such as student management software, email platforms, and communication tools. They receive training on how to use these systems effectively. The IT department or designated trainers typically handle this task.

4. Understanding the counseling process: The counselor is given an overview of the counseling process, including the steps involved in assisting international students with their academic, personal, and cultural needs. This training is usually conducted by senior counselors or the counseling department head.

5. Review of student policies and regulations: The counselor is provided with a comprehensive review of the company’s policies and regulations related to international students. This includes information on visa requirements, academic expectations, code of conduct, and student support services. The counseling department head or a designated staff member typically performs this task.

6. Training on cultural sensitivity and diversity: The counselor receives training on cultural sensitivity and diversity to ensure they can effectively support students from various cultural backgrounds. This training may be conducted by the counseling department head, a diversity and inclusion specialist, or an external trainer.

7. Introduction to student support services: The counselor is introduced to the various student support services available within the company, such as academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services. They learn how to refer students to these services when needed. The counseling department head or a designated staff member typically performs this task.

8. Familiarization with academic programs: The counselor is provided with information about the academic programs offered by the company, including course offerings, prerequisites, and graduation requirements. This information is typically shared by the academic department head or a designated academic advisor.

9. Review of student records and confidentiality: The counselor is trained on the importance of maintaining student confidentiality and the proper handling of student records. They learn about the company’s policies and procedures regarding data protection and privacy. The counseling department head or a designated staff member typically performs this task.

10. Shadowing experienced counselors: The new counselor shadows experienced counselors to observe and learn from their interactions with students. This allows them to gain practical insights into counseling techniques, problem-solving approaches, and best practices. Senior counselors or designated mentors typically perform this task.

11. Introduction to key stakeholders: The counselor is introduced to key stakeholders within the company, such as academic department heads, admissions officers, and student affairs personnel. This introduction helps establish connections and facilitates collaboration. The counseling department head or a designated staff member typically performs this task.

12. Review of emergency protocols: The counselor is trained on emergency protocols and procedures, including how to respond to medical emergencies, natural disasters, or other crisis situations. This training is typically conducted by the company’s safety and security department or a designated staff member.

13. Professional development opportunities: The counselor is informed about professional development opportunities available within the company, such as workshops, conferences, and training programs. They are encouraged to continuously enhance their counseling skills and stay updated on industry trends. The counseling department head or a designated staff member typically performs this task.

14. Performance expectations and evaluation: The counselor is provided with clear performance expectations and informed about the evaluation process. They learn about the key performance indicators, goals, and metrics used to assess their performance. The counseling department head or a designated staff member typically performs this task.

15. Introduction to company culture and values: The counselor is introduced to the company’s culture and values, including its commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and student success. They learn about the company’s mission and vision, and how their role contributes to achieving these goals. The counseling department head or a designated staff member typically performs this task

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example International Student Counselor checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new International Student Counselor up to speed and working well in your Education team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.