Associate Director - Office of Student Conduct

About WCU:

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Including:
2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC systems westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary:

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).

The Associate Director of Student Conduct reports to the Director of Student Conduct and is responsible for supporting the administration, coordination, and continuous improvement of the Universitys student conduct process, with a primary focus on case management, education, and campus collaboration. The role manages a personal caseload of conduct matters involving both individual students and student organizations, including minor and serious violations, formal hearings, and resolution agreements. The Associate Director is one of two (2) individuals within the department to hear conduct cases where the outcome may be University suspension, and cases that allege non-Title IX sexual misconduct. The position serves as the primary hearing officer for cases involving student organizations and regularly presents cases before hearing boards in accordance with institutional policy and applicable law.

The position supports the educational mission of the Office of Student Conduct by developing and delivering training, presentations, and outreach to students, faculty, and staff regarding the Code of Student Conduct, student rights and responsibilities, and related procedures. The role may supervise and train graduate assistants and serves as a key operational contact in the absence of the Director.

The Associate Director contributes to the ongoing review, assessment, and refinement of the Code of Student Conduct and related processes to ensure compliance with federal and state law, as well as alignment with institutional priorities. Responsibilities include assisting in the preparation and distribution of reports consistent with legal and policy requirements (e.g., Clery Act reporting obligations), participating in departmental assessment and strategic planning, and serving on University and Student Affairs committees.

As a primary liaison to campus departments as needed/assigned, the position provides guidance on organizational conduct and accountability. The role also collaborates with campus partners on matters related to student behavior, safety, and community standards.

The Associate Director maintains current knowledge of emerging trends, legal developments, and best practices in student conduct administration, case management, and student rights. Additionally, the role supports the ongoing development and communication of the Office of Student Conducts initiatives and identity. Other duties may be assigned as needed to support departmental and divisional goals.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Legal authorization to work in the United States without the need for current or future employment sponsorship.
• Masters degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education Administration, Counseling, Education, or a closely related field.
• At least two (2) years of professional experience in student conduct, behavior adjudication, investigations, or a closely related area.
• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive situations and facilitate complex or high-conflict conversations with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Working knowledge of applicable federal and state laws and regulations, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Title IX, and the Clery Act.
• Exceptional oral/written communication skills (reports, case notes, rationale, public presentations).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two (2) or more years of full-time, professional experience specifically in student conduct administration.
• Experience working with residential communities, fraternity and sorority life, and/or student organizations in a conduct or advisory capacity.
• Familiarity with student development theory and established best practices in student conduct administration.
• Experience running investigations involving sexual misconduct, organizational abuses, and hazing/harassment.
• Demonstrated ability to use data to evaluate the effectiveness of processes and advocate for policy/procedural changes.

Position Type:

Permanent Full-Time