CLS & OISA: A Collaborative Approach
CLS partners with the Office of International Students Affairs to help ensure international students are well-informed and supported in their career development, especially when it comes to employment authorization and visa considerations. Always consult OISA for the most current immigration information.
International Student Affairs Staff


Dean of International Student Affairs & Exchange Visitors
Email: edwardsk@grinnell.edu
To see the staff in the Office of International Student Affairs, click HERE. Karen is Grinnell’s Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO). Her office is responsible for institutional compliance with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), and for teaching F-1…
Associate Director of International Student Compliance
Email: strong@grinnell.edu
Brenda’s main areas of responsibility are working on compliance for the Office of International Student Affairs (OISA). She serves as a Designated School Official (DSO) and an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for SEVIS compliance, a federal web-based system for Student and Exchange Visitor…
CLS Staff
Collaboratoin with CLS Staff – The CLS oversees the instruction of INT 300. INT 300 is for academic credit for the Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Amanda Pearce is the instructor for INT 300. For more information check out the INT 300 webpage.

Associate Director of Exploratory Career Communities
Email: pearceamanda@grinnell.edu
Amanda L. Pearce (she/her) joined the Center for Careers, Life, and Service (CLS) in June 2023 as part of the Employer Engagement team. She has transitioned to the Exploratory Career Community where she enjoys connecting with students as they reflect on their interests, values, and strengths while navigating questions about what comes next. She’s especially passionate about helping students explore opportunities and gain confidence in their own unique career journeys.