Dean of Students

Asian University for Women

Reports to: Vice Chancellor

Contract Type: Contractual

Location: Chittagong (BD)

Founded in 2008 under a Charter from the Parliament of Bangladesh, Asian University for Women (AUW) is a leading independent regional liberal arts and sciences institution located in Chittagong, Bangladesh. AUW seeks to establish itself as the educational destination of choice for talented women from across the Asian continent and beyond, irrespective of their socio-economic background. AUW has a special mission to serve women from communities that have been historically disenfranchised or whose lives have been abruptly disrupted by civil war or political upheavals, and to offer them an excellent education. Its admissions and financial assistance policies are framed in such a way as to provide every opportunity for those who demonstrate outstanding academic and leadership potential. An extensive foundation program provides support and training to ensure that all AUW students, regardless of their prior access to educational opportunities, are fully prepared for academic success. In the later stages of their studies, students carry out their own research projects and frequently publish research papers, independently or with their professors. As an antidote to the rising trend of narrow identity politics and nationalist exclusivity, AUW has since its foundation educated women from 22 countries across the region, representing over 35 linguistic groups and diverse religious traditions. Its undergraduate programs offer degrees in (i) Politics, Philosophy, & Economics; (ii) Economics; (iii) Environmental Sciences; (iv) Public Health; (v) Bioinformatics; (vi) Humanities; and (vii) Computer Sciences. Graduate programs include a two-year Master of Arts Program in Education, and a Master of Science in Apparel and Retail Management. AUW is chartered by the Parliament of Bangladesh and is in the process of advancing its application for accreditation with the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). AUW has sent more graduates to leading universities around the world than any other university in Bangladesh. A state-of-art the two million square feet of campus, including a wide range of modern laboratory, classroom and residential buildings, is under construction on a 140-acre plot. The campus includes sustainable ecological features and has been designed by leading architect Moshe Safdie to provide a modern, sustainable and attractive environment for learning.

Position Overview:

The Dean of Students is responsible for acting as a focus for student support and the provision of academic and personal development across the University. The Dean will report to the Vice Chancellor and work closely with the Heads of Operations and Heads of Programs and other members of the Faculty to ensure their students academic progress and physical and mental well- being.

Position Particulars:

1. To develop an effective strategic and operational approach to academic and personal student support and guidance across AUW and to promote student progression and success.
2. To lead the program of student orientation.
3. To enhance and oversee a program of student extra-curricular activities that range from sports to the performing arts to debates and more.
4. To support students with the resolution of student inter-personal conflicts and grievances.
5. To work on the development and operation of university policies and procedures, regulations and the provision of standard information relating to student life and conduct.
6. To serve as a contact point for student emergencies as defined within university procedures.
7. Other duties:
   1. Keep senior staff appraised of significant developments and issues relating to student life.
   2. Prepare reports and plans and share with the Registrar and the Vice-Chancellor.
   3. Perform other duties as designated by the Vice Chancellor.
8. Work Closely with the following offices:
   • Office of Student Activities: The Office of Student Activities strives to meet the personal development and social needs of Students through co-curricular and extra-curricular activities including Student Clubs and Organizations, events, student publications, and supporting the work of the Student Government.
   • Office of Residence Life: The Office of Residence Life is responsible for the wellbeing and management of residential students on campus, overseeing the dorm facilities in coordination with the maintenance team. The group of Residential Assistants ensure a safe, secure and comfortable stay for residential students.
   • Student Integration and Solidarity Building Program Design: Oversee the team to ensure data is gathered from the community research and needs assessments to understand, develop and conduct inclusive programs that meet the needs of all students. Work collaboratively with the UG and Pathways Director to design and implement programs that would create a positive, inclusive and safe environment to better integrate students from intersectional backgrounds.
   • Awareness Raising and Training Oversee awareness building around inclusive policies and procedures of the university through campaigns and training. Oversee compliance reporting and student care processes. Oversee awareness building around different cultural, regional norms, identities including ethnicities to support transformation of norms to support integration of different populations at the university. Oversee training, workshops, and seminars for staff and students on gender sensitivity, sexual harassment prevention, and inclusive practices.
   • Mental Wellness:
     1. Work collaboratively with the Wellness Program that is culturally sensitive, innovative, creative, forward looking, and based on models of resilience, cultural pluralism, trauma mastery, and female empowerment.
     2. The Wellness program also needs, together with existing university medical center members, to develop group and individual trauma and mental health treatment for students whose current well-being and future thriving requires more individually focused interventions. This would include a capacity to assess students at risk and provide protective care.
     3. Work closely with the Director of Wellness Program, school Deans, Faculty and with the existing medical center to implement the Wellness Program to interface with existing university structures, educational imperatives and developing goals.

Qualifications and Experiences:

• Postgraduate degree in a field taught at AUW
• Ideally, ten years and above experience in the relevant field
• Ability to plan student support strategically and operationally.
• Effective leadership management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Skill for working collaboratively across all parts of AUW
• Awareness of good practice and challenges in student support in higher education as well as in secondary schools.
• Cross-cultural awareness.

To Apply:

Interested applicants should send their resume along with a cover letter detailing how their qualifications, skills, abilities and experience meet the specific requirements of the role, as outlined in the job description. Attach a copy of educational certificates and names of at least 3 references. Applicant must enclose their CV (Name & Contact Information) via the 'Apply' button above (e:hrd@auw.edu.bd). Please mention the position applied on the subject line. The review of applications will begin immediately. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.