What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dean of Students position at University of Colorado?
Dean of Students
Office of the Dean of Students
Elevate Your Career at UCCS: Innovate, Inspire, and Impact in the Rockies!
Who We Are
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a premier educational institution that prides itself on academic excellence, research, and community engagement and is actively seeking a Dean of Students to join our team! UCCS offers a diverse and inclusive learning environment that fosters innovation, growth, and the holistic development of its students. The work location for this position is on-site/hybrid eligible. This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime provisions.
At the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is captivated by its stunning landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers. This city is more than its scenery—a mosaic of history, arts, and a vibrant tech scene. We invite you to join a community that cherishes outdoor adventure as much as forward-thinking growth, an exceptional setting for both career and lifestyle.
Salary Range: $85,768 - $122,525 annually. Compensation will be commensurate upon experience and qualifications.
Benefits at a Glance
At UCCS, our employees are our most valued asset. We're proud to offer:
- Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 vacation days, 10 sick days, paid parental leave, 13 recognized holidays, and provisions for bereavement, jury duty, and FAMLI Leave.
- Robust Health Coverage: Our comprehensive medical plans cover preventative care at no cost, including a yearly mental health visit. Plus, benefit from affordable dental, vision plans, and competitive prescription drug prices.
- Financial & Retirement Benefits: Take advantage of our health savings, flexible spending accounts, and life and disability insurance. Plan for your future with our retirement options.
- Further Your Education: Avail nine waived credits per academic year for courses at any CU campus. We invest in your educational and professional growth.
- Wellness & More: From wellness programs aimed at achieving your best self to various additional benefits through CU Advantage, we prioritize well-being and holistic development.
- Want to know your total compensation? Use our calculator to get the complete picture!
Summary
The Office of the Dean of Students cultivates student success through student support and advocacy, educational opportunities, and the promotion of personal accountability and empowerment. The Office of the Dean of Students addresses issues of students’ safety and wellbeing and supports all students in times of challenge and crisis. The Office of the Dean of Students has three primary functions: to administer the Student Code of Conduct, to support students in crisis through the CARE Team, and to
promote student growth and development through support programs, such as the basic needs program, and educational activities, such as Smart Move UCCS.
The Dean of Students provides senior leadership, strategic vision, and oversight for the Office of the Dean of Students, ensuring a supportive and engaging campus environment. This role is responsible for student conduct, crisis management, and policy enforcement. The position oversees student disciplinary processes, promotes civility and ethical decision-making, and coordinates interventions for students in distress through the CARE Team. Additionally, the Dean of Students leads a multidisciplinary approach to student well-being by collaborating with faculty, academic deans, residential life staff, and student support services. They also manage university-wide reporting systems for student concerns, threats, and conduct violations, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality. As a key responder to campus emergencies and student tragedies, the Dean of Students plays a vital role in crisis response and follow-up support. Through proactive leadership and resource management, the Dean of Students advances student success, retention, and campus safety.
Essential Functions
The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:
Leadership, Administration, and Resource Management
- Provide senior leadership and establish a strategic vision for the Office of the Dean of
Students that promotes student support and engagement. - Effectively manage resources and provide fiscal management, including budget analysis,
preparation, defense, advocacy, and management for operating budgets and gift funds for all
related areas. - Lead a workplace climate that is supportive of employees, encourages professional
development and self-reflection, and emphasizes student growth and learning. - Ensure staff are responsive to emerging trends, best practices, and changes in student
demographics and expectations. - Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate staff within the reporting line.
- Develop, review, and revise policies and procedures to ensure alignment with legal
requirements and institutional values. - Serve as a key responder to campus emergencies, student tragedies, and health and safety
incidents, both during business hours and after-hours as needed. This will include serving as a
primary member of the CARE Team, Demonstration Response Team, and Emergency
Response Team, and a back-up member of the University Crisis Leadership Team. - Present at new student orientation, campus awards ceremonies, and speak to numerous
student groups and community organizations.
Operational Support
- Oversee the administration of the student conduct policies and procedures, ensuring
alignment with university standards, emerging regulations, and best practices. - Serve as a Senior Conduct Officer, which includes the authority to interim suspend, suspend,
expel, and otherwise separate students from the institution. - Partner with other constituents to resolve student disciplinary issues at the most appropriate
and effective level. - Serve as the CARE Coordinator, providing oversight and leadership to the CARE Team.
- Maintain a small CARE Team caseload, focused on the highest-level risk referrals.
- Oversee university-wide systems for reporting and tracking student concerns, including
conduct violations, threats, and safety concerns, ensuring data integrity and accessibility for
authorized personnel. - Maintain disciplinary and care records with appropriate attention to security, confidentiality,
and reporting requirements (e.g., Clery Act). - Communicate on sensitive and escalated matters regarding complex cases with senior
administrators. - Communicate about acute situations with parents\guardians\emergency contacts.
- Develop and manage crisis response protocols, including interventions for students in distress,
coordination of response efforts, and follow-up support. - Oversee the administration of the campus basic needs program.
Collaborative Relationships
- Work closely with faculty, academic deans, residential life staff, public safety, and student
support services to foster a coordinated approach to student conduct, crisis management, and
student well-being. - Partner with the Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs to develop
and implement policies and procedures that enhance student success and retention. - Support student engagement initiatives, including collaboration with the Student Government
Association, Orientation, Commencement, and other campus committees/ working groups. - Lead educational initiatives to promote civility, ethical decision-making, substance use
prevention, and community standards through programming efforts in partnership with
residence life, public safety, counseling, and health services.
Tentative Search Timeline
- Priority will be given to applications submitted by: 3/31/2025
- Potential interview dates: 4/7/2025 - 4/22/2025
- Potential start date: 5/19/2025
All employees of the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) are required to complete training on policies and procedures administered by the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE), under the supervision of the Associate Vice Chancellor of Institutional Equity/Title IX Coordinator. Required training includes: understanding and reporting conduct prohibited by the sexual misconduct, protected class nondiscrimination, and conflicts of interest in cases of amorous relationships policies, related retaliation, and compliance with accommodations regarding disability, pregnancy or related conditions, and religion. All employees are also designated as “responsible employees” and are required to report conduct prohibited under these policies, and student disclosures of pregnancy or related conditions directly to the OIE and to provide OIE’s contact information to any student disclosing pregnancy or related conditions. More information is available at: Policies and Resolution Procedures | Office of Institutional Equity (uccs.edu).
Note: This job description outlines this role's general responsibilities, qualifications, and physical requirements at UCCS. It is not an exhaustive list of all required duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. The university reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and responsibilities as needed to meet the university's needs.
- Must have a Master’s degree in a relevant field of study from an accredited institution of higher education.
- To qualify applicants need progressive professional experience and proven track record in directing or managing university student crisis response and student conduct related work (ie. BIT, CARE, Case Management, student conduct).
- Previous supervision of professional staff, previous budget and resource allocation is a minimum qualification.
- To qualify for this position applicants need advanced leadership skills, expert knowledge of current trends and challenges in higher education and student affairs, strong fiscal management capabilities, and crisis management expertise.
- At least one certification in threat assessment, risk assessment, or case management is required.
- NaBITA Risk Rubric Certification, Threat Assessment Certifications in Digital Threat Assessment, Written Word, Structured Interview, Pathways to violence, or similar is preferred.
- Highly qualified applicants will have Restorative Justice Trainings/Certifications.
- Proficient in Maxient software is a plus.
UCCS is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
In accordance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, UCCS does not discriminate based on sex in our employment or compensation practices.
Salary : $85,768 - $122,525
