Associate Dean for Student Affairs, School of Law

Associate Dean for Student Affairs, School of Law

FLSA Status: Exempt
Months Per Year: 12
Hours Per Week: 37.5

Position Description
The Associate Dean for Student Affairs reports directly to the Dean of the School of Law and is a vital member of the Dean's Leadership Team. The person in this role supervises the Admission, Registrar, Student Financial Services, and Student Life teams in the School of Law, which together create a student environment that fosters lifelong student learning and professional development, contributes to a vibrant and engaged student experience, and promotes the mission of Seattle University.

Seattle University School of Law educates ethical lawyers who distinguish themselves through their outstanding professional skills and their dedication to the law in the service of justice. Faculty, students, and staff form a vibrant, diverse, and collaborative community that promotes leadership for a just and humane world. The School of Law's commitment to academic distinction is grounded in its Jesuit Catholic tradition, one that encourages open inquiry, thoughtful reflection, and concern for personal growth. Our rigorous academic program is distinguished by its emphasis on innovation, professional development, and a commitment to justice, which prepares our graduates for a wide range of successful and rewarding careers in law, business, and public service.

Seattle University, founded in 1891, is a Jesuit Catholic university located on 50 acres in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. More than 7,200 students are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs within nine schools and colleges. U.S. News and World Report's "Best Colleges 2019" ranks Seattle University 8th in the West among universities that offer a full range of masters and undergraduate programs. Seattle University is an equal opportunity employer.

In support of its pursuit of academic and scholarly excellence, Seattle University is committed to creating a diverse community of students, faculty and staff that is dedicated to the fundamental principles of equal opportunity and treatment in education and employment regardless of age, color, disability, gender identity, national origin, political ideology, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The university encourages applications from, and nominations of, individuals whose differing backgrounds, beliefs, ideas, and life experiences will further enrich the diversity of its educational community.

Essential Responsibilities
Admission: Work with the School of Law Dean, Assistant Dean for Admission, and Associate Dean for Finance and Administration to determine admission priorities and entering 1L class goals for each admission cycle. In coordination with the Assistant Dean and admission staff, establish guidelines and objectives for the review of applicant files and participate in admission tasks as needed. Supervise the Assistant Dean of Admission.

Registrar: Along with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Assistant Dean/Registrar, implement the institutional academic policies/procedures for an efficient and effective Registrar's Office. Oversee the School of Law exam processes, including reviewing and approving student exam accommodations and evaluating and making recommendations to the faculty for grading policies. Assist with Bar certifications, including character and fitness reporting requirements. Work with students who are considering transferring to another law school. Approve student changes in programs, overloads and underloads, withdrawals and leave of absences. Jointly supervise the Assistant Dean/Registrar (who reports to the Associate Deans for Academic Affairs and Student Affairs).

Student Financial Services: With the Director of Student Financial Services, implement the institutional policies/procedures for an efficient and effective Student Financial Services office. Manage and allocate the School of Law scholarship budget and award year-end scholarships. Notify students of non-renewal of conditional scholarships and manage/review the scholarship petition process. Award all private scholarships and prepare donor reports as appropriate for each gift or endowment, in coordination with Advancement staff and the Dean. Serve on the Loan Forgiveness Committee. Supervise the Director of Student Financial Services.

Student Life: With the Associate Director for Student Life, create a warm and welcoming environment that supports law students in the pursuit of their education and one that promotes student wellness and a sense of belonging for all law students. Develop and implement programing that responds to the needs of law students and is current with the external life experiences and challenges they are facing in their lives. Develop, implement, and monitor policies and procedures related to student organization activities and events. Lead the Orientation and Graduation programs and coordinate the academic and student support services required for these activities. Annually review and update the Student Handbook. Supervise the Associate Director for Student Life.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Along with the Dean and others, provide leadership in proposing, designing, and implementing policies, structures, and programs grounded in institutional commitments to antiracism, equity, and inclusive excellence for all law students.

Disability Accommodations: The Associate Dean receives and reviews all student requests and materials for disability accommodations and develops reasonable accommodations, in consultation with appropriate University administrators. Meet with students to finalize and document the reasonable accommodations and provide communication to faculty as appropriate for individual situations.

Academic Status: The Associate Dean is responsible for communicating with students regarding their academic status, including notice of dismissal due to academic performance issues. Coordinate and manage the petition for readmission process, including developing recommendations for the Dean on each individual student petition. Coordinate with the Academic Resource Center (ARC) team to identify and communicate with students who are required to participate in ARC academic support programming. Provide general academic advising to students regarding course selection and/or appropriate referrals to faculty subject matter experts. Review and approve student petitions to study away, including student requests to participate in international programs or visit away at other ABA-accredited law schools.

Counseling: The Associate Dean is the primary point of contact for students who are encountering personal difficulties that are interfering with their academic performance. Provide a sounding board, counseling and advice, and access to law school and university resources appropriate to each individual student. Consult and/or provide referrals for applicants and current students regarding character and fitness questions or issues.

Student Code of Conduct: The Associate Dean is the School of Law liaison to the University Student Code of Conduct process. Along with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, the Associate Dean for Student Affairs is responsible for enforcing the Academic Integrity Code in the School of Law and recommending amendments or revisions to the Code.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
• JD degree required from an ABA-accredited law school and bar passage/state licensing preferred, with at least five years of leadership and administrative experience in higher education, or an equivalent role.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to advancing social justice.
• Self-motivated, with an ability to take initiative on projects and follow them through to their successful completion.
• Ability to build rapport with students in individual counseling situations and maintain student and student record confidentiality.
• A high level of self-motivation, organization, flexibility, and solid judgment and interpersonal skills. Proven ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written, and public speaking experience.
• Strong analytical, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
• High-level management experience, including supervisory responsibilities.
• An understanding of, and demonstrated commitment to, the university's mission, vision, and values.
• Facility with Microsoft Office suite and social media platforms. The ability and willingness to learn and utilize institutional software programs.
• All positions at Seattle University require a criminal history background check.
• Candidates for this position should submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of at least three professional references (along with their contact information).

Benefits at a Glance
Consistent with its fundamental Jesuits value, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Choose from three different medical plans, a dental and vision insurance programs. Protect your income with life, short & long-term disability coverage, and plan for your future with a generous 10% employer contribution for retirement benefits. You may also take advantage of 100% tuition remission benefits for the employee and dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with an onsite fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid Christmas break closure, vacation and paid sick leave, and paid community service leave. For more information explore the Benefits website at: https://www.seattleu.edu/hr/benefits/

Application Instructions
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of at least three professional references, along with their contact information. Persons who need assistance with the recruitment process may contact the Office of Human Resources at: 206-296-5870. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified.

To apply, visit: https://seattleu.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=1322&site=2


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