Understanding Designated School Officials DSO and Alternate Responsible Officers ARO : Key Roles in Student Visa Management

Designated School Officials (DSOs) and Alternate Responsible Officers (AROs) are pivotal administrative roles within U.S. educational institutions, particularly regarding the management of international students. If you’re an international student or work within student services, understanding these roles is crucial for navigating the complexities of student visa programs, compliance, and support services.

Designated School Official (DSO): A DSO is an employee who is authorized by the school and approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to oversee F-1 and M-1 visa student processes. DSOs have the authority to issue and maintain important documents such as the Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status), advise students on regulations, and interface with government systems (SEVIS). Their duties cover reporting changes in student status, processing employment authorizations like Optional Practical Training (OPT), and upholding regulatory compliance to maintain the institution’s SEVP certification.

Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO): In contrast, an ARO operates within the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. While the Responsible Officer (RO) is the primary administrator for the J-1 program, the ARO assists and is also authorized by the U.S. Department of State. AROs can issue and maintain DS-2019 forms (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status), provide regulatory guidance, and report via SEVIS for exchange visitors. Their responsibilities are vital for supporting visiting scholars, professors, researchers, and students under the J-1 program.

As both a designer and content writer, I recognize the importance of structure and organization in managing these roles within an institution. Similarly to crafting an ergonomic workspace, schools benefit from clear, well-designed systems that help DSOs and AROs collaborate and streamline processes for international student support. For example, integrating a digital solution like an intuitive office layout planner allows student services to visualize workflow, optimize team collaboration, and even plan for confidential meeting spaces dedicated to advising international students. This “design thinking” approach promotes compliance, efficiency, and student success by putting people and processes at the forefront.

Tips 1:

For institutions, regularly train your DSOs and AROs on regulatory changes and enhance communication through periodic meetings and shared digital tools to facilitate seamless support for international students.

FAQ

Q: What is the main difference between a DSO and an ARO?

A: DSOs manage F-1 and M-1 visa programs for students, while AROs support the J-1 exchange visitor program for scholars and students.

Q: How does one become a DSO or ARO?

A: Generally, an institution nominates staff who then undergo SEVP or Department of State training and certification processes.

Q: What documents do DSOs and AROs issue?

A: DSOs issue the Form I-20 for F-1/M-1 students; AROs issue the DS-2019 for J-1 exchange visitors.

Q: Can a person serve as both a DSO and an ARO?

A: Yes, in some institutions one person may hold dual roles if they manage both student and exchange visitor programs.

Q: Why is SEVIS important for DSOs and AROs?

A: SEVIS is the online system used to manage, track, and report data on F, M, and J visa holders, ensuring compliance with federal regulations.