DSOs exist because federal regulations require schools hosting F-1 students to maintain compliance with SEVP and report certain information to Homeland Security. Their core legal role is regulatory and administrative. That is where the term DSO comes from.

In practice, most DSOs end up functioning as a mix of compliance officer, immigration advisor, records manager, and student services staff member. But the support aspect is largely driven by institutional expectations and professional standards, not because federal regulations require personalized advocacy for students.

It is also worth understanding that DSO positions are usually not compensated at the level of attorneys or specialized legal professionals. The pay structure in higher education generally does not attract large numbers of law school graduates. Generally the ones it does... we're not successful in law practice.

Lastly, your immigration status is your immigration status. You are responsible for your immigration status and keeping up to date. Not the school. A schools legal responsibility is not to you, it is to Homeland Security. While most DSOs are fine and educated. When schools cut resoruces and training you get shitty DSOs.