Dean of Students-MSUAASF Range E

Job Description

The Dean of Students serves as a senior leader within Student Affairs, promoting student success, well-being, and engagement. This position provides strategic leadership for student conduct, crisis response, advocacy, and basic needs initiatives. This position continually recommends, develops, implements, and enforces policies and procedures in support of the institutional and divisional mission. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, student advocacy, student discipline, program planning, evaluation and assessment of learner outcomes, training, supervision, budgeting, and policy compliance. The Dean of Students ensures compliance with University, Minnesota State, and federal policies while fostering an inclusive campus environment. The role is highly visible and collaborative, working closely with Academic Affairs, Enrollment Management, and on and off-campus partners to support retention and holistic student development.

Responsibilities

Student Conduct & Policy Leadership

Administer and enforce the Student Code of Community Standards; serve as hearing officer for major conduct cases; oversee grievance processes; update policies in alignment with Minnesota State 3.6; serve as Deputy Title IX Coordinator. Maintaining a fair and consistent conduct process protects institutional integrity, ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, and fosters a safe, inclusive learning environment. This work directly supports accreditation standards and the University's commitment to equity and student success. Annually update the Statement of Student Responsibilities, Emergency Notification Procedures, and the resource list included in the Faculty/Staff Resource Guide. Oversee lay-out, organization, edits, printing, and distribution of the student handbook. Oversee development of graduate assistant materials for the division. Counsel and advise students on personal and academic difficulties. Offer support, options, and referrals. Arrange advocacy services for students reporting sexual harassment, assault, discrimination, and abuse. Facilitate reporting of all campus crime to University Security and local law enforcement agencies. Assist parents in locating missing students. Inform professors of student illness or death. Offer suggestions and resources to parents concerned about their student's grades, chemical abuse, or advising needs. Maintain referrals to Student Health Services for alcohol awareness workshops and chemical dependency assessments. Refer students with special needs to campus learning resources, Accessibility Resources, and other resources as needed. (30%)

Crisis Response & Student Advocacy

Lead the Husky Assistance and Care Team; coordinate responses for students in crisis; assemble Threat Assessment Team; serve on Emergency Operations Committee. Effective crisis management safeguards the University's reputation, minimizes risk, and ensures continuity of operations. By providing timely interventions, the institution demonstrates its commitment to student well-being, which is essential for retention and persistence. Advise faculty and staff through individual contact and department meetings responding to problems of academic dishonesty, disruptive classroom behavior, threats from students, inappropriate student behavior, computer abuse, psychological issues and mandatory reporting obligations. (25%)

Basic Needs Coordination

Co-chair Basic Needs Coalition; oversee Huskies Food Pantry; collaborate with health and counseling services; administer Student Emergency Fund; connect students to resources. Addressing basic needs is critical to reducing barriers to student success and meeting state legislative mandates. These efforts enhance retention, equity, and graduation rates, aligning with the University's strategic enrollment goals and social responsibility mission. (20%)

Student Success & Engagement

Implement Huskies First Four and Husky 101 programs; support parent/family engagement; promote DEI initiatives in collaboration with to support recruitment and retention. Engagement programs strengthen the student experience, improve persistence, and build institutional loyalty. Parent and family outreach enhances transparency and trust, supporting the University's brand and enrollment objectives. (15%)

Assessment, Planning & Leadership

Establish and assess unit goals using recognized standards and best practices; provide data for accreditation; represent the University on system committees. Provide consultation and on-going support to members of the University community on student life issues. Advise faculty and staff through individual contact and department meetings responding to problems of academic dishonesty, disruptive classroom behavior, threats from students, inappropriate student behavior, computer abuse, psychological issues and mandatory reporting obligations. Analyze broad trends in student needs and behavior to create long-term plans for student support, intervention, and resources. Data-driven planning ensures alignment with institutional priorities, accreditation requirements, and system-wide initiatives. This work informs strategic decisions that impact recruitment, retention, and overall institutional effectiveness. (10%)

Salary Range

$63,405 - $128,300/annually

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, College Student Personnel, or related field.
• Five years of advanced professional leadership experience in student affairs, including student conduct and student support/crisis response.
• Demonstrated knowledge of legal, policy, and regulatory issues affecting students and student affairs operations, including student conduct due process and student records/privacy requirements
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations impacting higher education.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and crisis management skills; ability to collaborate across divisions and communicate effectively with students, families, faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualification

• Knowledge of the policies and procedures set for SCSU by the Higher Learning Commission and the Minnesota State University system
• Broad knowledge of student development theory and ability to apply theory to professional practice, student advocacy, and educational interventions.
• Strong financial and resource management skills, including experience overseeing budgets, emergency funds, and/or grant-funded resources supporting student success initiatives.
• Experience collaborating with Public Safety/law enforcement and campus partners on student safety, threat assessment, and emergency operations.

Other Requirements

Please note that successful applicants must be eligible to work in the United States on or before the effective date of appointment. Eligibility includes being a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident, or a foreign national authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employer sponsorship. Employees must maintain work authorization without sponsorship for the duration of their appointment.

Required Documents Needed to Apply

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Unofficial Transcripts

Work Shift (Hours / Days of work)

Typically 8:00-4:30 Monday-Friday
Some evening and weekend hours will be required.