Dean of Students

Description

Position Summary

Walsh University is seeking a dynamic, energetic, and passionate individual who is enthusiastic about the environment found on a private, values based, Catholic liberal arts campus. Walsh University believes in the desirability of a small university that promotes academic excellence, a diverse community and close student-teacher interactions. A commitment to the Judeo-Christian tradition, diversity and service learning are critical to the mission of Walsh University. The Division of Student Affairs at Walsh University has been structured to reflect the University's commitment to student development and retention. The Dean of Students plays an integral role in leading this commitment.

The Dean of Students at Walsh University is responsible for fostering a campus culture that upholds the values and principles of the Catholic faith while ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all members of the university community. The Dean of Students plays a crucial role in promoting ethical behavior, enforcing university policies and social conduct standards as outlined in the Walsh University handbook and leads parent and family outreach for the division of Student Affairs.

This position reports to the Vice-President for Student Affairs.

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

Crisis Intervention and Conflict Resolution:

• Serve as a resource in handling critical incidents, emergencies, and situations involving potential harm or misconduct
• Mediate conflicts among students, with a focus on reconciliation and understanding
• Provide care, advocacy and support for students experiencing academic, personal, social and financial issues as a member of the university’s Community Action Response and Engagement (C.A.R.E.) team

Collaboration and Training:

• Collaborate with various campus departments, including residence life, academic affairs, counseling services, and campus security, to create a holistic approach to educational programming
• Work with Academics, Athletics, and Student Affairs directors on a student retention
• Provide ongoing training to university personnel on conduct policies, procedures, and best practices
• Serve on university committees as directed by the Vice President of Student Affairs

Ethical Education and Formation:

• Work with campus ministry, the university senior chaplain and other relevant departments to integrate Catholic values and ethical teachings into the university's educational programs and activities
• Organize workshops, seminars, and events to promote ethical awareness and moral development

Parent and Family Engagement:

• Act as a resource for parents and families, addressing their concerns and connecting them with appropriate university resources
• Collaborate with university offices to provide guidance on navigating academic, financial, and personal challenges faced by students and their families
• Lead Parent Weekend planning committee

Policy Development and Implementation:

• Collaborate with university leadership and relevant stakeholders to develop, review, and update policies related to student conduct and community standards
• Ensure that university policies align with Catholic teachings, ethical principles, and legal requirements
• Oversee the dissemination and education of these policies to the campus community

Student Conduct Management:

• Serve as the Senior Conduct Officer, lead operations for student conduct and community standards
• Supervise staff responsible for adjudicating student conduct cases
• Develop a restorative justice approach where applicable, aiming to repair harm caused and promote personal growth and learning
• Ensure fair and consistent disciplinary processes, while respecting the rights and dignity of all individuals involved
• Maintain accurate records of conduct cases, statistics, and trends for reporting purposes
• Ensure the university's compliance with local, state, and federal laws concerning conduct issues and reporting

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) of this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.

All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Required Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

Must understand and support the Mission, Vision and Code of Ethical Conduct of Walsh University, as a Catholic higher education university as expressed in Ex Corde Ecclesiae, and possess the following:

Required Qualifications:

• A master's degree in a relevant field such as higher education administration, counseling, law, or ethics
• Demonstrated experience in student conduct administration, conflict resolution, or a related area within a university setting
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Catholic teachings, values, and traditions.
• Strong communication, mediation, and interpersonal skills, with an emphasis on empathy and active listening.
• Familiarity with legal issues related to higher education, Title IX, and other relevant regulations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive matters with discretion and compassion.
• Demonstrated excellence with interpersonal, written and verbal communication and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with a wide variety of campus and community constituencies
• Flexibility with work schedule as some evening and weekend programming will be required

Other Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in higher education or educational work setting.
• Professional demeanor and ability to interact with charity towards students, staff and faculty. Positive attitude a must.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

Physical requirements of the job include prolonged sitting, extended periods of keyboard work and use of a computer monitor, some walking, occasional lifting and carrying objects no more than 20 pounds.

Application Instructions

Applicants must submit a completed online application and any additional documents requested by the search/interview committee. This may include resume, unofficial transcripts, etc.

About Walsh University

Walsh University is seeking a dynamic, energetic, and passionate individual who is enthusiastic about the environment found on a private, values based, Catholic liberal arts campus. Walsh University believes in the desirability of a small university that promotes academic excellence, a diverse community and close student-teacher interactions. A commitment to the Judeo-Christian tradition, diversity and service learning are critical to the mission of Walsh University. Walsh University is committed to principles of equal opportunity and is an equal opportunity employer.