Posting Details

Position Information

Job Category Professional/Administrative Position Title Assistant Dean for the First & Second-Year Experience and Community Development Full Time/Part Time Full Time Division Dean of the College Department Dean of the College Department Statement

The Assistant Dean for the First & Second-Year Experience and Community Development is responsible for creating and/or coordinating a robust and comprehensive complement of programs to support new students in transitioning into and establishing a successful trajectory at Colgate.
The Assistant Dean is responsible for developing a first and sophomore year experience that is consistent and complementary to Colgate’s Residential Commons Program, a residential program that connects faculty with students outside of the classroom, introduces learning opportunities where students live, and seeks to build robust community. The experience should be designed to be developmentally appropriate, holistic, and developed in close collaboration with various university stakeholders.

The experience must connect with students’ academic pursuits, and include both residential and social initiatives. This position is also responsible for developing and leading a comprehensive four-day New Student Orientation program and ensuring that existing orientations (for first generation, transfer, and international students) are cohesive and complementary.

The successful Assistant Dean needs to possess a deep understanding and passion about first and second-year student success, high impact practices, and residential learning commons research.

The Assistant Dean also works closely with the Dean for Conduct and Administrative Advising to foster and support a healthy and robust community of students within the Residential Commons by assisting in educating and overseeing community development, including standards and expectations.

This includes communicating expectations as well as developing and implementing processes and policies related to supporting community standards and student conduct. Additional responsibilities include assessing, assisting in the training for residential life personnel and other colleagues in the administration of the Colgate Code of Student Conduct.

Colgate University, one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country, seeks an energetic, motivated, and highly visible Assistant Dean for the First & Second-Year Experience and Community Development. Reporting to the Dean for Conduct and Administrative Advising, and working collaboratively with other deans and directors in the division, the assistant dean takes an active leadership role in developing students into balanced mature adults.

This is a distinctive opportunity for an accomplished professional with a strategic approach to student affairs to elevate the breadth and depth of resources available to Colgate students. It is a time of exciting transition for the University with President Brian W. Casey beginning his third year on campus and Paul J. McLoughlin II in his second year as Vice President and Dean of the College.

The Assistant Dean for the First & Second-Year Experience and Community Development will serve as a collaborative partner to the VP and Dean of the College, to the Dean of Students, and to faculty and other administrative advisers within the Office of the Dean of the College

Celebrating its bicentennial this academic year, Colgate has developed a distinctive identity and has sought a special purpose among institutions of higher learning. The Assistant Dean will have an understanding of, and appreciation for, a residential liberal arts education; a passion for providing support and opportunities for Colgate’s students’ transition into college; an authentic appreciation for Colgate’s history and traditions, as well as a vision of its potential; a deep understanding of the educational value of a diverse community; and a firm but fair approach to resolving conflict and student conduct.

Accountabilities

First-Year Experience Accountabilities:

•Facilitate a collaborative approach to creating, developing and implementing a First-Year Experience, including programmatic, academic and operational components.
•Chair a First-Year Experience Advisory Board, comprised of faculty and staff, which helps frame and guide first-year programs and opportunities.
•Throughout the First-Year Experience, promote opportunities for first-year students to become involved in student organization activities including positions of leadership, in collaboration with the Center for Student Leadership and Involvement.
•Develop, plan, and implement all aspects of the fall New Student Orientation program, in close partnership with campus partners.
•Select, train, and supervise a peer adviser staff (approximately 45) assigned to First-Year Seminars (FSEMs), integrated within the Residential Commons, and assist the incoming class with their overall transition to Colgate throughout the entire first year.

Second-Year Experience Accountabilities:

•Facilitate a collaborative approach to creating, developing and implementing a Second-Year Experience, including programmatic, academic and operational components.
•Work collaboratively with Career Services, the dean of the faculty division and faculty advisers to help students make informed major selection and career exploration
•Throughout the Second-Year Experience, create and promote opportunities for second-year students to become involved in student organization activities including positions of leadership.

Community development Accountabilities:

•Collaborate in establishing and maintaining students’ rights and responsibilities in order to provide safety and wellbeing of the University environment, including: assisting students with interpreting and understanding University policies and procedures; holding students accountable to established community standards and behavioral expectations; and managing and responding to questions and concerns from students, parents, faculty and staff.
•Collaborate with campus partners to develop and implement programming and educational initiatives related to civic engagement and responsibility and fostering a sense of community.
•Help contribute to the development of communication strategies for new students, parents, and families.
•Create, implement, and evaluate educational sanctioning for students found in violation of the Code of Student Conduct.
•Manage the resolution of alleged violations involving students related to community standards, University policy, and local, state and federal law; incorporate philosophy of promoting student development while upholding university conduct standards; utilize national trends related to rights and responsibilities, restorative justice, and conflict management/mediation.
•Participate and engage in holistic and comprehensive case management related to student conduct.
•Assist with assessment to include evaluation of processes and regulations to ensure fair and equitable processes; engage in systematic planning, and assessment; track trends, generate and analyze reports, and prepare key performance indicators/metrics
•Effectively utilize conduct and case management software (e.g. Maxient)
•Serve as a member of the inter-disciplinary non-clinical decision-making team for students of concern Behavioral Intervention Team and the University’s Dean On-Call Rotation.
•Collaborate with university Campus Safety and other local and federal enforcement agencies.

The incumbent is responsible for:

•Effective financial management of funds and budgets;
•Ensuring programs achieve positive, measurable outcomes that are aligned with divisional and institutional priorities;
•Demonstrating effective crisis management as part of after-hours on-call rotation, as required;
•Understanding and effectively communicating university policy; and
•Providing effective advice, counsel, and leadership on university committees, as required.

Technical Competencies

Name Program Management Description

Demonstrated expertise program design, implementation, and assessment consistent with broader organizational guidelines and within the context of a small, private, residential, rural liberal arts college. Expertise with data and systems sufficient to identify key data-tracking needs, identify quantitative trends and develop data-driven solutions. Connects intended program priorities, outcomes, and goals to divisional and institutional priorities, outcomes and goals.

Technical Competencies

Name Event Management Description

Demonstrated expertise in event planning and implementation sufficient to ensure events meet University goals, and are held in compliance with University policies and procedures. Expertise in risk management sufficient to avoid material consequences to the University.

Technical Competencies

Name Student Development Description

Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to consistently apply student development theory in the creation and development of programs as well as in advising responsibilities. Knowledge of best practices and ability to consistently apply these practices in advising responsibilities. Demonstrated ability to consistently identify and recognize legal and ethical principles of the profession.

Technical Competencies

Name Advising Description

Demonstrated ability to consistently apply culturally appropriate advising, helping and coaching techniques while also recognizing the uniqueness of every individual. Demonstrated ability to accurately and consistently maintain confidentiality. Demonstrated ability to consistently follow crises response protocol and consistently make appropriate decisions to initiate crises intervention responses.

Technical Competencies

Name Operations Management Description

Expertise in managing financial, technical, facilities, and human resources across assigned areas. Ability to develop budgets with strategic alignment to the goals of the division and act as a responsible steward of assigned University funds and facilities. Expertise in developing and delivering effective communications about the function with a broad range of campus partners. Knowledge of data and systems sufficient to identify meet operational needs. Demonstrated ability to develop and apply policies, protocols, and workflows to support operational performance of department and functions within University guidelines.

Behavioral Competencies

Name Personal Accountability for Results Description

Takes responsibility for decisions, performance, and outcomes; behaves in a responsible manner with a positive attitude; shows self-awareness and openness to feedback.

Behavioral Competencies

Name Effective Communication Description

Demonstrates effective written and oral communication skills; shares information and seeks input from others; adapts communication to diverse audiences; protects private and confidential information.

Behavioral Competencies

Name Problem Solving and Decision Making Description

Analyzes and prioritizes situations to identify and solve problems; generates solutions to improve efficiency and quality; involves others in solving problems and making decisions; factors organizational goals into decisions; makes clear, transparent, and timely decisions.

Behavioral Competencies

Name Change Management Description

Responds positively to changing university initiatives and readily adapts behavior to maintain effective performance; understands the long-term direction of the university and can relate this to departmental area; adapts to new methodologies; identifies and acts on areas where change is appropriate.

Behavioral Competencies

Name Leadership and Teamwork Description

Applies skills and knowledge to provide a climate to achieve departmental and organizational success; balances individual and department goals; helps others perform at their best; builds productive relationships to enhance individual and organizational effectiveness; treats others with respect; resolves conflicts among team members.

Behavioral Competencies

Name Creativity and Innovation Description

Generates, explores, encourages, and implements innovative ways of creating strategic value for the university, division, department, and individual level; critically assesses the effectiveness of new initiatives.

Behavioral Competencies

Name Diversity and Inclusion Description

Demonstrates respect for people and their differences; understands the benefits of a diverse workforce; earns the trust and respect of others; includes and welcomes others; works to understand the perspective of others; promotes opportunities to experience diversity within our community.

Behavioral Competencies

Name Sustainability Description

Understands the impact of decision-making and personal behavior in achieving the university’s commitment to a sustainable and carbon neutral campus; supports and advances the university’s sustainability initiatives; influences others to use sustainable practices.

Requirements

Professional Experience/ Qualifications

Three to five years professional experience in higher education setting preferred or comparable experience required.

•An understanding of and appreciation for a residential liberal arts education; a passion for providing support and opportunities for Colgate’s academically-minded, socially engaged students; an authentic appreciation for Colgate’s history and transition, as well as a vision of its potential.
•Sophisticated interpersonal skills; a firm but fair approach to the resolution of conflict; a commitment to consult extensively, balanced by a willingness to act decisively when consensus is elusive; energy, agility, sense of humor, and flexibility to work side-by side with a dynamic VP and talented leadership team.
•Compassion and thoughtfulness, and experience using these traits to develop trusted relationships with students, staff, faculty, and external constituents.
•Wisdom and superb judgment; the capacity to make and stand by difficult decision, always mindful of the need for fairness, consistency, and the potential impact of each decision on individuals and the broader community.
•Proven experience working in a matrixed environment and collaborating very closely with people who are not direct reports.
•Understanding of the unique needs and concerns of first-year and sophomore students is essential.
•Knowledge of college/university student conduct codes, application of practices, and relevant federal laws (e.g. Title IX, Clery Act, etc.) related to student conduct is essential.
•Ability to work independently, be an effective collaborator, and work well as a member of a team, are all essential skillsets required for this role.
•Must exhibit mature judgment and sound decision making skills.
•Devotion to the highest ethical standards; personal and professional integrity above reproach.

Preferred Qualifications Education

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.

Certifications Physical Requirements Other Information

COLGATE UNIVERSITY

Colgate was first founded in 1817 as The Baptist Education Society of the State of New York by 13 men with $13 and 13 prayers. The number 13 is still Colgate’s lucky number; Friday the 13th is always designated Colgate Day. New York State granted the school a formal charter in 1819, and the Baptists in New York City consolidated their seminary with the Hamilton school to form the Hamilton Literary and Theological Institution in 1823. In 1890, the school became Colgate University in honor of the enduring support from William Colgate and his family.

Today, Colgate is a thriving, highly selective liberal arts institution located on a beautiful campus in Hamilton, New York. U.S. News and World Report ranked Colgate as the 16th-best liberal arts college in the country in 2018. Forbes Magazine ranked it 15th among top liberal arts colleges and 42nd overall in its 2017 edition of “America’s Top Colleges.” Colgate is also listed as one of Newsweek magazine’s “New Ivies.”
Located in the geographic center of New York State, Colgate’s campus boasts carefully preserved architecture, immaculate grounds, and a hillside setting, and is consistently named one of the most beautiful in the nation. It is a friendly and close-knit place where students develop lifelong bonds with the University, with each other, and with faculty and staff.

There are 88 buildings on the 575-acre campus, some dating back to 1827. Faculty and staff make intentional choices to live and work in Hamilton, New York and, as such, it is a scholarly community that is collectively focused on an undergraduate education and preparation that is uniquely Colgate.

The University’s academic program is grounded in its Liberal Arts Core Curriculum, which has been in place since 1928 and is required of every undergraduate. The five core classes are Legacies of the Ancient World, Challenges of Modernity Communities and Identities, Scientific Perspectives on the World, and Global Engagements. Undergraduates may choose from 55 majors and more than 40 additional minors. Classes are small, averaging 18 students, and are taught by nearly 300 full-time faculty, 99 percent of whom have received a PhD or terminal degree in their field. Students are encouraged to collaborate with faculty members in research efforts, and Colgate undergraduates have co-authored articles in professional publications for more than 30 years. Colgate also has a rich tradition of international and off-campus study and has one of the largest faculty-led off-campus study programs in the nation.

The University is ranked first by the Institute of International Education in the percentage of students participating in mid-length off-campus study programs. The off-campus study groups run for an entire semester, and travel to locations all around the world, including Australia, Asia, Europe, South America, and within the United States. Extended study programs offer students between 2-5 weeks of study following the end of the semester. Through these and, more than 100 other affiliated programs, roughly two-thirds of Colgate students will study off-campus during their undergraduate years.
Colgate’s endowment is valued at over $900 million. The University’s total operating budget was $865 million for the 2017-2018 fiscal year. Moody’s Investment Service affirmed Colgate’s Aa3 rating in August 2017 based on the university’s excellent strategic positioning as a highly selective private liberal arts school with a robust market and sizeable financial resources. To learn more about Colgate University, visit www.colgate.edu.
Hamilton and the Surrounding Community
Founded in 1795, the village of Hamilton was recently named one of the friendliest towns in the United States by Forbes Magazine. The village has a population of roughly 4,000, including 80 percent of the Colgate faculty. The Hamilton Village Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, and is home to an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants. The area is ideal for outdoor recreation including biking, hiking, trail running, and skiing. Colgate’s golf course, Seven Oaks, was designed by Robert Trent Jones and has been repeatedly recognized as one of the best college golf courses in the country. The location provides easy access for summer hikes and winter ski trips. It is less than a one hour drive from Syracuse, four hours away from New York City, and five hours from Boston.

Colgate and Hamilton have formed the Partnership for Community Development, which develops an active network of professional consultants, foundations, municipalities, and not-for-profit organizations located throughout the Central New York region to assist area residents, businesses, and visitors. This includes efforts to stimulate and support local business through small business development and the revitalization of historic buildings. To strengthen the relationship between the village and the university, and to add to the economic development of downtown, Colgate relocated its campus bookstore to the downtown area of the village. Similarly, Colgate also owns and operates the Palace Theater, a 300-seat performing arts center and performing venue for local and student performers.
COLGATE STUDENTS AND STUDENT LIFE
Colgate students are achievers intellectually, athletically, and artistically, and are actively engaged in the world around them. The University enrolls about 2,900 highly motivated students and admission is highly selective. For the class of 2021, fewer than 2,500 students were offered admission, chosen from more than 8,500 applicants representing 49 states, the District of Columbia, and 128 countries. The acceptance rate was 28 percent. Admitted students had an average GPA of 3.8 and an average combined SAT score of 1444. Fifty-six percent of students are women, students of color constitute more than 30 percent of the student body, and international students account for 11 percent. Approximately 40 percent of students receive financial aid and Colgate meets 100 percent of demonstrated need.

The curricular and co-curricular overlap and intersect often at Colgate. The University offers students 55 majors and more than 40 minors, and courses are taught by nearly 300 faculty members. The student-faculty ratio is 9:1 and the average class has 18 students. Small classes are common and allow for faculty to advise and mentor students inside and outside of the classroom. Colgate features a number of art facilities to foster the creative endeavors of students on campus, as well as to host visiting artists, musicians, filmmakers, theater groups, and other creative professionals.
Colgate is a residential university with more than 93 percent of students living on campus. Housing options include traditional residence halls; interest-based residential communities; townhouses; apartments; and university-owned houses. The University has recently launched a new Residential Commons system designed to create a strong and welcoming living/learning communities. The creation of these communities has required the renovation of existing dormitory facilities and the construction of new residence halls. Starting with the class of 2021, every first-year student will call one of four Commons home, and beginning in 2020-2021, all sophomores will also live in a Commons. Through membership in their Commons, students will engage with professors and each other in special recreational, social, and intellectual activities. For more on the Residential Commons, visit https://www.colgate.edu/campus-life/housingoptions/residential-commons
Junior and senior students may live in college apartments, college houses, Greek-affiliated chapter houses, or townhouses, or they may apply to live off campus. The 250 students approved to live off-campus through the lottery take part in the Neighbor to Neighbor program, a collaborative effort between the Village of Hamilton and the Colgate community to ensure a positive and healthy relationship between the village and the campus.

Fraternities and sororities are part of a long-standing tradition at Colgate, dating back to the first fraternity charter adopted in 1856. Roughly a third of all Colgate students are affiliated with the fraternity and sorority community at Colgate University comprised of eight internationally affiliated Greek letter organizations. Students are eligible to join a fraternity or sorority in their sophomore year and Colgate owns and oversees all chapter houses.
Colgate also has a rich and competitive athletic tradition. Approximately 25 percent of students are involved in a varsity sport, and 80 percent of students are involved in some form of varsity, club, or intramural athletics. There are 25 varsity teams, more than 40 club sports teams, and 18 different intramural sports. Colgate is part of the NCAA Division I Patriot League for all varsity sports (ECAC of Division I for men’s and women’s hockey) and consistently has one of the NCAA’s top graduation rates among student-athletes.

Posting Detail Information

Requisition Number 2019S032P Temporary No Work Schedule

Occasional night and weekend commitment required.

Job Open Date 12/07/2018 Job Close Date Open Until Filled Special Instructions Summary EEO Statement

It is the policy of Colgate University not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of their race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, disability, protected Veteran Status, sexual orientation and gender identity and expression, genetic information, victims of domestic violence and stalking, familial status, and all other categories covered by law. This policy shall apply to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, upgrading, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, recall, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation and selection for training at all levels of employment. Colgate University will not discharge or discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their own compensation or the compensation of another employee or applicant.

Clery Act Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Are you currently a Colgate employee?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * Have you ever been a Colgate employee?
   • Yes
   • No
3. * Are you at least 18 years of age?
   • Yes
   • No
4. * If you selected "Colgate Employee" or "Other" for how you heard about this position, please provide the employee's name or where you heard about/saw the position.

   (Open Ended Question)

5. Please let us know how you heard about this position.
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Applicant Documents Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents