How to Become a Dean of Students

Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Dean of Students

What does a Dean of Students do?

A Dean of Students provides strategic initiatives and direction for student affairs. Ensures the delivery of effective and quality service to students in the following areas: student housing, counseling, student conduct, and orientation. Being a Dean of Students counsels the top management regarding overall student morale and services. Typically requires an advanced degree. Additionally, Dean of Students typically reports to top management. The Dean of Students manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function. To be a Dean of Students typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience.

People's Opinions on Dean of Students responsibilities

A dean of students is the person in charge of student affairs and activities at a specific school, and usually also plays a leadership role in setting and enforcing administrative policies.

01/31/2020: Orange, CA

Most people think about deans in the context of university learning, and this is where the job is most common.

01/06/2020: Tucson, AZ

The phrase “dean of students” is most often used in American and British universities, though nearly every institution of higher learning around the world has an equivalent position.

01/25/2020: Racine, WI

The person in this role manages the broad category of “student life,” which can include everything from how well students are integrated into residence hall culture, to their academic success, to their emotional support, to facilities management.

12/18/2019: Petersburg, VA

The dean is usually the school leader who is most accessible to students and most willing to listen to their problems and concerns.

01/16/2020: Vineland, NJ
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Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Dean of Students

Best tips for those who want to become a Dean of Students

Here are some tips to become a Dean of Students.

People's Opinions on best tips

Eight hours of sleep each night.

01/04/2020: Jackson, MS

Students who seek to have a service or assistance animal in University Housing must notify the Disability Support Services Coordinator as soon as possible, ideally at least 45 days prior to move-in.

01/07/2020: Rapid City, SD

The student must complete the Service and Assistance Animal Agreement in full and comply with its rules.

01/02/2020: Fort Myers, FL

The student must provide documentation of the disability and disability-related need for an emotional support animal from the student’s health care professional.

01/20/2020: Racine, WI

Review and approval by the Dominican University DSS Office.

12/13/2019: Vincennes, IN
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Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Dean of Students

Best colleges and universities for Dean of Students

  • Butler University
  • Carroll College
  • High Point University
  • Princeton University
  • Providence College
  • Rollins College

Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Dean of Students

Is being a Dean of Students Worth it?

People's Opinions on lifestyles

The dean of students at a private high school is a key player on the administrative team.

01/30/2020: Davenport, IA

Facilitating learning opportunities outside of the classroom is one of the main responsibilities of a dean of students.

12/16/2019: Chillicothe, OH

Serving as a dean of students requires the ability to develop and maintain school policies.

02/03/2020: Lincoln, NE

For example, if a student wanted to work off-campus or job shadow in a local business, the dean would issue a work permit to make this possible.

02/27/2020: Olympia, WA

For example, if a student displays repeated, inappropriate classroom behavior, the dean of students would respond.

01/10/2020: Galveston, TX
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Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Dean of Students

What skills do you need to be a Dean of Students?

This role is not a beginner's role, as such, there are many skills required.  It is vital to the role to command: Capital Budgeting, Data Analysis, Donor Relations, Education Management, Educational Program Management, Educational Technology, Performance Management Programs, Research Documentation, Service Operations, Strategy Development, Student Counseling, Technology Integration, Academic Administration, Academic Focus: Student Affairs, Institutional Research, Long Term Planning.  For this position, you need to be experienced with: Learning Management System (LMS) Software, Student Information Systems (SIS).  Management isn't easy, if it were, everyone would have the competenticies to execute the role with success.

People's Opinions on Dean of Students skills

A Dean of Students should possess advanced verbal and written communication skills in addition to strong leadership skills.

01/30/2020: Fayetteville, NC

They should be able to work with people of diverse backgrounds and to work collaboratively with administrators, teachers, parents and students.

12/11/2019: New Haven, CT

A successful Dean of Students is also a detail-oriented strategic thinker with above-average time management skills.

02/07/2020: Fort Lauderdale, FL

In addition to these specific professional attributes, potential employers might seek Deans of Students who display the following skills.

01/26/2020: Huntington, NY

Our institution seeks to appoint an experienced Dean of Students who will oversee services provided to students including financial aid, housing, health services, and extracurricular projects.

01/05/2020: Greenville, MS
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Step 6: View average salary for Dean of Students

How much does a Dean of Students make?

The average salary range for a Dean of Students is from $92,590 to $132,844. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

Salary range for a Dean of Students
$92,590 to $132,844

Step 7: Find relevant Dean of Students jobs, and apply.

Looking for Dean of Students jobs?

Here are some Dean of Students jobs in the United States.

Search Dean of Students Jobs in the United States

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Dean of Students