Associate Dean and Director of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity

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Reporting to the Associate Vice President and Dean of Student Advocacy, the Associate Dean and Director of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity (SCAI) assumes a senior leadership role in the Dean of Student Advocacy Office, responsible for leading and overseeing all functions and strategic planning for the university’s Student Conduct and Honor Systems. The Associate Dean and Director also serves as a member of the Student Affairs Leadership Team (SALT), serves on divisional and university-wide committees as assigned, and will work directly with the Vice President of Student Affairs to serve as the campus representative for all matters related to the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity.

The role of the Associate Dean and Director of SCAI encompasses leading innovative and robust strategic planning initiatives, underpinned by a comprehensive assessment plan designed to facilitate data-driven and evidence-based decision-making. This strategic planning endeavor will culminate in the formulation of standard operating procedures for the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, delineating the methodology by which the university administers the Code of Conduct, emphasizing student learning, ethical decision-making, and the promotion of a positive culture of integrity and accountability.

Integral to this role is the regular reporting and communication of monthly data points directly to the Associate Vice President and Dean of Student Advocacy. Furthermore, when necessary, these data points will be shared with key campus stakeholders on a monthly basis, ensuring transparency, informed decision-making, and fostering a collaborative environment among university leadership and community members.

The Associate Dean and Director will supervise a dedicated team of student conduct educators who prioritize student development and education throughout the conduct process. These educators are committed to providing prompt, fair, and impartial resolutions, balancing both the interests of the individual student and the larger university community, while fostering an environment that supports academic achievement and personal growth.

The Associate Dean and Director must have a strong working knowledge of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, Clery, Restorative Justice, Title IX, and Hazing Education, and remain up to date on local, regional, and national laws/mandates impacting student conduct. This role requires the ability to adapt quickly and pivot as necessary.

Campus Collaboration & Partnerships
A critical aspect of this role is forging and maintaining functional and healthy working relationships across campus, including but not limited to Fraternity and Sorority Life, Academic Units, Academic Deans, and other key campus partners. The Assistant Dean and Director must proactively collaborate with faculty, staff, and administrative leaders to support student success, promote a culture of integrity, and align conduct and academic integrity policies with the university’s educational mission.

The Associate Dean and Director of SCAI will engage in other duties as assigned by the Associate Vice President and Dean of Student Advocacy and the Vice President of Student Affairs, supporting initiatives that advance the mission of the office and the division.

This position may be required to serve in a nightly and weekend on-call capacity.

General Information
Reports directly to the Associate Vice President and Dean of Student Advocacy

Serves as a member of the Dean of Student Advocacy Leadership Team

Serves as a member of the Student Affairs Leadership Team

Participates in divisional committees to advance strategic goals

Performs other duties as assigned by the Associate Vice President and Dean of Student Advocacy and the Vice President of Student Affairs

Makes reports, conducts assessment, presentations and provide data for the VCU Cabinet as requested

Serves on the Dean of Students on-call rotation

Minimum Hiring Standards:

A master's degree or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field such as higher education administration, counseling, student affairs, or a related discipline.
Four to six year six years in higher education working with student conduct and academic integrity
Experience in a leadership role within a student affairs or student conduct setting 
Knowledge of relevant and current trends in Student Conduct, Academic Integrity, Clery, Title IX, Hazing, and Restorative Justice models.
Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, data-driven decision-making, and formulating standard operating procedures.
Previous experience in providing leadership and direction to a team.
Supervisory experience, especially in managing teams focused on student advocacy or related functions.
Demonstrated experience in fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment and commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU. 

Preferred Hiring Standards:

A doctorate degree in a relevant field such as higher education administration, counseling, student affairs,
Significant experience in a leadership role within a student conduct. .
Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, data-driven decision-making, and formulating standard operating procedures.
Previous experience in providing leadership and direction to a team.
Supervisory experience, especially in managing teams focused on student conduct or related functions
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with various stakeholders, including campus leadership and external partners.
Experience in restorative justice models
Experience with current trends and practices related to Artificial Intelligence 
Experience with navigating a departmental rebrand.
Knowledge of effective mechanisms for issue resolution and a commitment to active listening.
Proficiency in utilizing data for decision-making.
Experience in compiling and presenting data points to inform leadership and stakeholders.
Ability to cultivate partnerships and collaborative efforts both internally and externally to enhance the effectiveness of the office.

Dr. Gabe Willis
willisg@vcu.edu