Residential College Dean

Overview

Every undergraduate student at Yale is assigned to one of fourteen distinctive and vibrant educational communities called residential colleges. Every college houses a Head (generally a tenured member of the faculty) and a Dean (a full-time staff member) who share responsibility for the operation of the college. Residential College Deans are the chief academic advisers in the residential college. They provide academic and personal advising to undergraduates, administer and participate in residential college functions, interact with faculty and families, respond collaboratively to student emergencies, serve on Yale College committees, and teach one course annually. 

As a job requirement, the Dean resides in an apartment within the college, has an office in the college and receives a meal plan in the college dining hall to encourage student interaction. Living quarters will be suitable for families, if applicable. The Residential College Dean is appointed for a three-year term which is renewable, ordinarily for up to a total of nine years.  Deans report jointly to the Dean of Students and the Dean of Academic Affairs and work closely with Heads of College. 

Required Skill/Ability 1:

Excellent interpersonal skills. Capacity to provide supportive, holistic advising to a diverse community of undergraduates in a range of domains, including academic and personal. 

Required Skill/Ability 2:

Excellent written and oral communication skills. 

Required Skill/Ability 3:

Strong organizational skills, time management skills and the ability to follow up with students, faculty, and other administrators promptly. Able to balance the support and care of students with the need for consistency across the 14 residential colleges and with Yale College and University policies and practices. 

Required Skill/Ability 4:

Appreciation and respect for principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Ability to provide support and create a sense of belonging for diverse individuals (age, gender, nationality, race/ethnicity, profession, sexual orientation, etc.).

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills:

Demonstrated ability and experience in student affairs or residential life. 

Experience teaching in higher education.  

Principal Responsibilities

1. Serves as the chief academic adviser to all students in the residential college; advises and assists students in matters concerning their academic programs.
2. Provides holistic academic and personal advice to undergraduates in the residential college.
3. Applies and enforces the academic regulations of Yale College. Communicates with faculty members, monitors the academic progress of students in the college, and authorizes postponement of work.
4. During emergencies, collaborates with colleagues and resource units across campus, including the heads of college, members of the Chaplain’s Office, Yale Police Department, Office of General Counsel, and communicates, as needed, with the parents or legal guardians of students. Coordinates with Head of College and Dean of Students for coverage during recesses and vacations.
5. After the first year, generally teaches one course a year in Yale College during the fall or spring term.
6. As a supervisor of volunteer college advisers and student first-year counselors, works closely with the college fellows and college advisers to advise the first-year students and sophomores of the college.
7. Cooperates whenever necessary in the enforcement and application of the Undergraduate Regulations that govern the conduct of students.
8. Writes letters of recommendation for fellowship or postgraduate work or study; serves as custodian of relevant records in the college Dean's office.
9. Closely collaborates with the Registrar's Office, all units within the Yale College Dean's Office, and Yale Athletics. As needed, refers students to resources, offices, or persons that can be of assistance to them; serves in a continuing collaborating role with these sources of support and counseling to help students manage a wide range of challenges
10. Resides in the residential college.
11. Serves in various capacities on Yale College committees.
12. In their first year, Deans receive intensive training and mentorship, typically starting August 1 and continuing throughout the academic year. First-year deans also attend the training for student first-year counselors and all orientation activities.
13. Takes on special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Advanced degree (Ph.D.) or equivalent (such as a terminal professional degree; e.g. JD, MFA) in a subject of study offered in Yale College.