POSITION SUMMARY The Dean of Students at SAU is a senior student development officer who reports to the Vice President for Student Development & Success and Athletics and is responsible for implementing a robust residence life program and a redemptive and developmental accountability process. SDSA relies on the Dean of Students to establish and maintain a vibrant living and learning community with engaged and engaging resident directors and resident assistants.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Overall
Serve on the Executive Council of SDSA (alongside individuals leading academic support, Christian formation, student care and success, intercultural affairs, and athletics), to support and enact the broader SDSA mission and vision.
Assist with emergency response and crisis management situations
Work in collaboration with Facilities Management to implement student space renovation or other building projects
Serve as needed in the absence of the VP SDSA.
Submit semi-annual reports for use with the Board of Trustees and prepare other reports as requested by the VP SDSA.
Maintain professional growth and development through current research and literature, membership in professional associations, and attending seminars and conferences related to student development.
Other duties as assigned.
Residence Life
Supervise and manage the residence life team, including Resident Directors and Resident Assistants (including staffing, training, programming, scheduling of on-call, and evaluating).
Serve as the primary contact for all residential life-related concerns, in partnership with the Housing Coordinator.
Develop a comprehensive residential life program for students that supports the living and learning objectives of SDSA and the institution.
Accountability
Manage the discipline/accountability process, from policy creation and communication to enforcement, in a redemptive and developmental way.
Assist the VP SDSA in updating, editing, and maintaining the Student Handbook.
Campus Culture
Uphold—and promote with those under his or her supervision—the Concept of Spring Arbor University, the Statement of Faith, the Community Covenant, and Student Development and Success values at all times
Works to create a premier student experience as well as a supportive and positive campus culture that contributes to a vibrant campus life
Promotes the value of and engagement with the University’s diversity and inclusion initiatives and provides proactive and creative leadership in fostering a dynamic and authentic diverse community
Embodies the Christian mission and vision of the University and infuses a culture of Christ-centered values and Christ-like behavior within residence life
Additional (Potential) Areas of Supervision and/or Support
Support for the student-related components of Title IX compliance.
Departmental oversight of the Office of Campus Safety.
QUALIFICATIONS
Must be thoroughly supportive of—and exhibit a life and service that is in full accord with—the University’s mission and values as an evangelical Christian university affiliated with the Free Methodist Church, the SAU Concept, and the SAU Community Covenant.
A Master’s degree from an accredited institution is required, ideally in a human services-related field. The ideal candidate will have several years of progressively more responsible and relevant experience in residence life and accountability.
Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, along with organizational, management, budget, and leadership skills.
An ability to establish positive relationships with coworkers, students, and their families.
Problem-solving skills and the ability to be flexible, to think developmentally, and to react calmly in challenging situations while working to identify creative solutions.
Ability to work some nights and weekends.
Ability to work and interact within a diverse environment with demonstrated leadership and management skills are required; ability to lead students in coordinating and implementing regular activities designed to engage the spectrum of students enrolled in the institution.
Experience working in multicultural academic environments preferred and individuals from diverse populations are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Since 1873, Spring Arbor University has helped students pursue wisdom by offering an education grounded in the Christian faith. What began as a small elementary and secondary school in the late 1800s has evolved into a top-tier, liberal arts, Christian university. Offering more than 70 undergraduate majors and programs, nine degree completion programs, two associate programs, and 12 graduate programs. With programs presented on campus, online and on site at 17 locations throughout Michigan and in Ohio, the University continues to meet the growing needs of its students.
