Class Dean
Colby College
Waterville, ME
Full-time
Education
Posted on April 16, 2024
Job Description
Department:
Dean of Studies
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Employee Type:
Job Summary:
Founded in 1813, Colby is one of America's most selective colleges. Serving only undergraduates, Colby's rigorous academic program is rooted in deep exploration of ideas and close interaction with world-class faculty scholars. Students pursue intellectual passions, choosing among 58 majors or developing their own. Independent and collaborative research, study abroad, and internships offer robust opportunities to prepare students for postgraduate success. Colby is home to a community of more than 2,200 dedicated and diverse students from around the globe. Its Maine location provides easy access to world-class research institutions and civic engagement experiences.
In a period of fast-paced progress, Colby is building on its strong foundation while remaining committed to excellence, to supporting students and faculty at the highest levels, and to the College's deep liberal arts traditions. This new chapter includes the creation of innovative academic initiatives and partnerships, strengthening the connections between the liberal arts and the professional world, revitalizing downtown Waterville, and pursuing significant capital projects for performing arts and athletics.
Colby is seeking two (2) highly qualified candidates for the Class Dean positions. Reporting to the assistant dean of student success, the Class Deans are responsible for a comprehensive program of advising and class management in the context of a liberal arts setting. Class deans collaborate with faculty, staff, and community members to support equitable, inclusive, and sustainable learning environments and contribute to the College's goal of creating a culture of well-being by helping students develop the tools to live healthy and purposeful lives. Developing strong partnerships across campus, the Class Dean works closely with campus offices, including Counseling Services, Health Services, Wellness, Office of Campus Life, Student Conduct, Colby Center for Teaching and Learning, Learning Consultants, Farnham Writers' Center, Office of the Registrar, Office of Student Financial Services, Office of Off-Campus Study, and DavisConnects to both inform and enhance resources and services in support of student learning and engagement. Colby College is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment where every member of the community feels a sense of respect and belonging.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position interacts with students, faculty, staff, families, and outside constituencies.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
General open office and campus environment. Position involves sitting, although frequent movement is necessary. Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is also necessary. Evening and weekend hours are required.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Successful and satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check). All students, faculty, and staff who are present on campus must be vaccinated and boostered against COVID-19, unless granted an exemption or accommodation by the College.
Colby is a private, coeducational liberal arts college that admits students and makes employment decisions on the basis of the individual's qualifications to contribute to Colby's educational objectives and institutional needs. Colby College does not discriminate in its educational programs or employment on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, or military or veteran's status. Colby is an equal opportunity employer and operates in accordance with federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination. Colby complies with Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in an institution's education programs and activities. Questions regarding Title IX may be referred to Colby's Title IX coordinator or to the federal Office of Civil Rights. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.
For more information about the College, please visit our website: www.colby.edu.
Department:
Dean of Studies
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Employee Type:
Job Summary:
Founded in 1813, Colby is one of America's most selective colleges. Serving only undergraduates, Colby's rigorous academic program is rooted in deep exploration of ideas and close interaction with world-class faculty scholars. Students pursue intellectual passions, choosing among 58 majors or developing their own. Independent and collaborative research, study abroad, and internships offer robust opportunities to prepare students for postgraduate success. Colby is home to a community of more than 2,200 dedicated and diverse students from around the globe. Its Maine location provides easy access to world-class research institutions and civic engagement experiences.
In a period of fast-paced progress, Colby is building on its strong foundation while remaining committed to excellence, to supporting students and faculty at the highest levels, and to the College's deep liberal arts traditions. This new chapter includes the creation of innovative academic initiatives and partnerships, strengthening the connections between the liberal arts and the professional world, revitalizing downtown Waterville, and pursuing significant capital projects for performing arts and athletics.
Colby is seeking two (2) highly qualified candidates for the Class Dean positions. Reporting to the assistant dean of student success, the Class Deans are responsible for a comprehensive program of advising and class management in the context of a liberal arts setting. Class deans collaborate with faculty, staff, and community members to support equitable, inclusive, and sustainable learning environments and contribute to the College's goal of creating a culture of well-being by helping students develop the tools to live healthy and purposeful lives. Developing strong partnerships across campus, the Class Dean works closely with campus offices, including Counseling Services, Health Services, Wellness, Office of Campus Life, Student Conduct, Colby Center for Teaching and Learning, Learning Consultants, Farnham Writers' Center, Office of the Registrar, Office of Student Financial Services, Office of Off-Campus Study, and DavisConnects to both inform and enhance resources and services in support of student learning and engagement. Colby College is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment where every member of the community feels a sense of respect and belonging.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Serve as a class dean providing academic, personal, and administrative advice and counsel to students
- In consultation with the assistant dean of student success, director for access and disability services, and learning consultants, provide advising to students academically at-risk or students with learning disabilities
- Serve as a point of contact for parents, faculty members, coaching staff, and other campus colleagues with academic and/or personal concerns about students
- Develop programs and services to meet the holistic needs of students at both the individual and community levels, in accordance with the appropriate developmental markers
- Coordinate with campus partners to assist first generation to college students, transfer students, and other special populations; inform and enhance resources and services in support of student learning and engagement
- Promote academic, personal, and overall wellness of students
- Serve on the Dean-on-Call evening and weekend rotation
- Monitor student academic progress and provide appropriate interventions and referrals to campus resources
- Analyze information and build data-driven processes to improve procedures and protocols to encourage persistence, retention, and student success
- Consult regularly with Counseling and Health Services in support of individual students
- Collaborate with other deans, the Center for Teaching and Learning, the Writers' Center, research librarians, and learning consultants to enhance individual and programmatic opportunities to ensure student success
- Promote equitable, inclusive, and sustainable learning environments
- Provide guidance to students in addressing personal issues that may be a barrier to academic success; refer students to appropriate campus and community resources
- Communicate relevant policies, procedures, and practices to students, faculty, and staff
- Consult with faculty on individual student concerns and academic progress
- Collaborate with class deans and the Center for Teaching and Learning to develop and implement academic assistance and success programs and initiatives
- Assist with the coordination events including Student Awards Program, December Graduation Ceremony, scholarship receptions, and other department workshops and programs
- Ensure appropriate advisement record keeping and maintenance of case notes; ensure implementation of student retention strategies
- Maintain case files and confidential student records in accordance with FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act) and College policy
- Keep current on trends and best practices in advising, retention, student development, and student success
- Represent the Dean of Studies Office on various campus and community committees
- Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice
- Master's degree or the equivalent in education and experience
- 5 years of increasingly responsible experience in teaching and/or advising in higher education, preferably working with students in a liberal arts setting
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and demonstrated problem-solving and dispute resolution; mediation skills a plus
- Strong organizational skills and expertise in planning, implementing, and evaluating student services with a high level of motivation and initiative
- Must have knowledge of student life issues that affect student success, such as, mental health, disabilities, sexual harassment and assault, alcohol and drug abuse, and eating disorders
- Prioritize and perform multiple projects, meet timelines, respond to others in a timely manner,
- Uphold the College's strategic vision and the department's goals
- Demonstrated commitment to student development; ability and willingness to work with a diverse, highly academic community
- Meticulous record keeping; attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong interpersonal skills, analytical ability, sound judgment, and the ability to handle difficult situations with sensitivity and objectivity; maintain confidentiality (if appropriate)
- Full professional proficiency with Microsoft Office software and Google applications
- Talent to work collaboratively and effectively with multiple constituencies, including students, faculty, parents, alumni, and other campus colleagues
- Ability to work independently and as a member of a team, establish priorities, and work collaboratively as a member of a diverse community
This position interacts with students, faculty, staff, families, and outside constituencies.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
General open office and campus environment. Position involves sitting, although frequent movement is necessary. Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is also necessary. Evening and weekend hours are required.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Successful and satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check). All students, faculty, and staff who are present on campus must be vaccinated and boostered against COVID-19, unless granted an exemption or accommodation by the College.
Colby is a private, coeducational liberal arts college that admits students and makes employment decisions on the basis of the individual's qualifications to contribute to Colby's educational objectives and institutional needs. Colby College does not discriminate in its educational programs or employment on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, or military or veteran's status. Colby is an equal opportunity employer and operates in accordance with federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination. Colby complies with Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in an institution's education programs and activities. Questions regarding Title IX may be referred to Colby's Title IX coordinator or to the federal Office of Civil Rights. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.
For more information about the College, please visit our website: www.colby.edu.
