Assistant Dean, College of Arts & Sciences

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Assistant Dean for the College of Arts and Sciences is a member of the full-time faculty (rank commensurate with experience). The primary responsibilities of the Assistant Dean for the College of Arts and Sciences are to supervise Department Chairs for programs in the College, inclusive of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Criminal Justice, General Education, Legal Studies, Psychology and Theology programs. The Assistant Dean also supervises Program Directors for campus and online programs, and faculty in order that SACSCOC and programmatic accreditation standards and state agency regulations are met, and to ensure that content delivery of both existing and new programs are of high quality and align with the pedagogy design of active and effective learning. The incumbent is responsible for the highest quality student experience as it relates to the faculty and curriculum. The incumbent must assure that the South University philosophy is considered in carrying out the duties and responsibilities of this position: quality services to students; development, growth, involvement, and recognition of employees; sound economic principles; and environment which is conducive to innovation, positive thinking and expansion.

The Assistant Dean for the College of Arts and Sciences also participates in activities that promote the stature of the academic programs, departments, and colleges and abides by the mandates set by the South University Board of Trustees and administration.

KEY JOB ELEMENTS:

• Work under the supervision of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
• Supervise the educational process to ensure every student and faculty member is involved in a positive educational experience through the learning, teaching, and social environment.
• As a member of the faculty, responsible for teaching 4 courses during the academic year.
• Retains non-teaching responsibilities as a full-time faculty member (rank), as outlined in the faculty job description and in accordance with the provisions of Faculty Supplement to the South University Employee Handbook.
• Communicates consistently and effectively with the college dean, department chairs, program directors and other South University administrators.
• Provides leadership of and direction to Department Chairs, Program Directors, and Assistant Program Directors, and faculty for campus and online programs within the College to identify initiatives to improve the student and faculty experience. Develops with these individuals action plans and drives plan completion to attain the relevant goals of the South University Strategic Plan. Provides regular assessment of progress of these initiatives in attaining goals and holds self and direct reports accountable for implementation.
• Ensures Department Chairs, Program Directors and faculty in the College, are in compliance with South University’s academic policies and procedures, educational policies, and SACSCOC and programmatic accreditation standards and state agency regulations.
• In close coordination with South University Institutional Assessment and related personnel, provides leadership in the assessment process and ensures that the South University Institutional Effectiveness Plan is applied to Campus programs and courses, with the results used to improve the student experience.
• Reviews full-time faculty candidates according to SACSCOC and programmatic accreditation standards, along with the policies and procedures of the University, making full-time faculty (rank) hiring recommendations to the College Dean.
• Ensures proper credentialing of full-time and adjunct faculty according to SACSCOC and programmatic accreditation standards, along with the policies and procedures of the University.
• Trains, manages, and leads the Department Chairs and Program Directors according to the policies and procedures of the University.
• Supervises (through the Department Chairs/Program Directors) the full-time and adjunct faculty evaluation process, including the completion of periodic course observations for quality assurance and annual faculty evaluations, to ensure faculty provide a strong, student-focused educational environment through consistent adherence to course rubrics, student competencies, and course pedagogy
• Supervises the faculty development process in close coordination with the Department Chairs/Program Directors for programs within the College and related College personnel in compliance with South University faculty development policies.
• Investigates and resolves student and faculty educational problems requiring academic actions in consultation with pertinent individuals and departments, under the direction and approval of the College Dean according to the policies and procedures of the University (including all process and documentation requirements).
• Collaborates with the Department Chairs/Program Directors for programs within the College to supervise the curriculum revision and development processes (including ad hoc and educational delivery issues) to ensure the achievement of program and course competencies as determined by the College and University.
• Supervises course scheduling, faculty scheduling, college meetings, and other pertinent operational matters.
• As appropriate for the program, reviews the transfer of credit decision made by the Department Chair/Senior Chair/Program Directors for programs within the College and transfer of credit materials to affirm or alter the transfer of credit decision.
• Participates in the development and periodic meetings of the pertinent South University advisory councils.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Successful record of increasing responsibility and leadership within a university or industry setting, with Campus and/or academic experience a plus.
• Earned terminal degree from a regionally accredited university in higher education leadership or in a discipline related to South University’s curriculum, with a minimum of 18 semester or 27 quarter hours of graduate coursework in the discipline. Preference is given to applicants with experience relative to the College of Arts and Sciences.
• Significant teaching experiences at the collegiate level, with online teaching experience a plus.
• Strong leadership and strategic planning skills.
• Strong analytical and change management skills.
• Strong fiscal and personnel management experience.
• Experience with computerized administrative systems, including proficiency with the use of standard office applications on personal computers.
• Distinction between the Assistant and Associate position levels is commensurate with academic and professional background and experience.

ENVIRONMENT:

The individual must be able to travel out of the local area up to 20% to participate in a variety of meetings and conferences. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The term "qualified individual with a disability" means an individual with a disability who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate professionally in person, over the telephone, through email and other electronic means, move about the office or school, handle various types of media and equipment, and visually or otherwise identify, observe and assess. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 10 pounds unless otherwise specified in the job description.

South University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity as a critical step in ensuring employee, student and graduate success. We are committed to building and developing a diverse environment where a variety of ideas, cultures and perspectives can thrive.