What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Director of Law Student Support Services position at ST THOMAS UNIVERSITY INC?
Job Details
St. Thomas University - Student Affairs
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Assistant Director of Law Student Support Services (ADLSSS) plays a pivotal role in enhancing the law student experience by supporting the effective management and delivery of student services, programs, and management of law student organizations at the College of Law. Reporting to the Director of Law Student Support Services (hereinafter “Director”), the ADLSSS ensures seamless execution of initiatives that promote law student success, engagement, and well-being. Additionally, the ADLSSS works in a collaborative relationship with all law school students, faculty, administrative offices, and university offices to implement strategies that address student needs.
This position requires occasional attendance at on and off campus events during and outside normal business hours. Some travel may be required.
ABOUT ST. THOMAS UNIVERISTY COLLEGE OF LAW:
Founded in 1984, St. Thomas University Benjamin L. Crump College of Law is one of the most diverse access law schools in the United States. It is part of St. Thomas University, founded in 1961 as Biscayne College by the order of the Augustinian Friars. St. Thomas University is an urban, student-centered, Catholic university with rich cultural and international diversity, dedicated to developing leaders who contribute to the economic and cultural vitality of the regions they serve. To this end, Benjamin L. Crump College of Law remains committed in teaching, scholarship, and service, to fostering a public order of human dignity, to training lawyers sensitive to the needs of the region’s underrepresented communities, and to expanding access to professional opportunities which includes active partnerships with business, government, and the South Florida Community. Equal Opportunity: St. Thomas University provides equality of opportunity in education for all persons, including faculty and staff (with respect to recruitment, hiring, retention, promotion, tenure, compensation, terms and conditions of employment, termination, and the like) and students, including applicants for admission and enrolled students (with respect to admission, retention, and the like), except that the University (1) will maintain its Catholic values in the operation of the University, and (2) may exercise a preference for Catholic faculty in recruitment and hiring. (The general norm of the Apostolic Constitution on Catholic Universities states that “the number of non-Catholic teachers should not be allowed to constitute a majority within the institution.”) St. Thomas University also provides its students and graduates with equal opportunity to obtain employment,
including the requirement that every employer to whom it furnishes assistance and facilities for interviewing and other placement services must observe the principles of equal opportunity.
Nondiscrimination: Except for the maintenance of Catholic values in the operation of the University and a preference for Catholic faculty in recruitment and hiring, discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, or military status, marital or familial status, or any other category that is or becomes protected by law, is strictly prohibited. Accreditation: St. Thomas University Benjamin L. Crump College of Law is fully accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS). St.
Thomas University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Assistant Director role is essential in supporting the Director’s initiatives to enhance student services, foster engagement, and maintain a supportive environment for law students. The ADLSSS ensures smooth day-to-day operations while contributing to the development of programs and services that support student success.
- Support Communication and Information Dissemination: Assists the Director in managing communications and the dissemination of information to law students, faculty, and administrators, ensuring key events and program information is clearly disseminated and received.
- Liaison Support with University Departments: Collaborates with various University departments to including the ADA Coordinator, Student Health, and others to assist in addressing student needs, under the leadership of the Director.
- Student Counseling Assistance: Provides support to the Director by counseling law students on probation, suspension, and student life issues.
- Student Organization Support: Assists the Director in advising the Student Bar Association and overseeing student organizations, including helping approve events, review student activities, and distribute event materials.
- Monitors Compliance: Supports the Director by helping monitor student organizations for adherence to University and College of Law’s rules and policies.
- Supports Application Amendment Requests: Helps review and process student requests to amend law school applications.
- Student Status Documentation Support: Assists with preparation of documentation of leaves of absence, probation, suspension, withdrawals, letters of good standing, and jury duty.
- Academic Standing File Maintenance: Provides support in maintaining up-to-date student academic standing files, ensuring accurate tracking and reporting of student progress.
- External Information Requests: Assists the Director in managing requests for information from state bars and other law schools.
- Event Coordination Assistance: Supports the Director in planning and coordinating significant events, such as the Law Day Luncheon.
- Commencement Support: Assists the Director by contributing to the planning and organization of the College of Law’s commencement activities.
- Administrative Assistance to the Dean: Provides administrative support to the Office of the Dean as delegated by the Director.
- Survey Coordination Support: Assists the director in the preparation and distribution of surveys to law students, gathering feedback to improve student services and support programs.
- Care Team Participation: Assists in supporting the University’s Care Team, providing input on student well-being and contributing to the coordination of care for students in need.
- Other Related Duties: Perform any other related duties or assignments as required by the Director or the Dean of the College of Law to support the Office of Law Student Support’s goals and initiatives.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Duties and responsibilities are performed with the supervision and direction of the Director of Law Student Support Services.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
May assist the Director in exercising supervisory responsibility of support staff and student employees.
Qualifications
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS/SPECIFICATIONS:
- Knowledge of St. Thomas University and the College of Law’s unique vision, and mission.
- Commitment to creating a culture of engagement and fostering an environment of mutual respect and support for an inclusive and strong sense of community, respecting the values of our Catholic identity.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master’s degree or equivalent in higher education, student affairs, law, or related field.
- At least 1-3 years of experience in student services, higher education administration, or a related field, preferably in law school or legal environment.
- Experience advising or supporting students in academic or co-curricular settings.
- Demonstrated experience working with student organizations or campus programming.
- Demonstrated experience working with confidential information while maintaining discretion and integrity.
- Ability to work collaboratively and build positive relationships with a wide range of individuals, including students, faculty, staff, and external partners.
- Ability to maintain a student-centered approach while working effectively with colleagues in a team-oriented environment.
- Proficient in using office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite) and student management systems.
- Ability to meet the physical requirements within the normal bounds of an office environment.
- Willingness to work the occasional evening and weekend hours to attend events or meetings as required.
- Ability to travel to off-campus events or functions if necessary.