Job description
Salary Range: 75k-85k
Division: Student Affairs
FLSA Status: Exempt
Full/Part-Time: Full Time
Supervises: Student Services Administrator, Accessibility Services Administrator, Information and Service Center Coordinator
Sonoran University of Health Sciences shapes a healthier future by supporting students as they train to excel as healthcare professionals, by enhancing the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities, and by discovering effective treatments for humanity grounded in the healing power of nature. Our vision is a world that embraces the healing power of nature. Located in Tempe, Arizona, the overall environment is vibrant and dynamic, with passionate students, staff, and faculty.
As a private institution, Sonoran University is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive community for all. Sonoran community members embody and promote inclusive excellence (IE*). This includes a commitment to respecting diverse perspectives and continually advancing your understanding and practices around equity, belonging, and support for all students, employees, patients, and our greater community. You will contribute to a campus culture that embraces our core values.
Job Description/Summary
The Dean of Students, who reports to the Vice President of Student Affairs, plays an integral role in fostering a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for students that supports their intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual development. Working collaboratively with other departments across the institution, the Dean ensures that all co-curricular and extra-curricular programming aligns with the mission and educational goals of the University. The Dean of Students balances the need to support students through the challenges of their academic program while holding them academically and ethically accountable as the chief student conduct officer. This role upholds policies on student rights and responsibilities and enforces the University’s general behavioral expectations. The Dean also serves as the first point of contact for students navigating student services, academic concerns, and judicial or disciplinary processes.
Description of Duties:
The Dean of Students is the first point of contact for students as they navigate their way through Sonoran University’s student services, academic, judicial, and disciplinary policies/processes and includes the following responsibilities:
Culture
- Provide an inclusive and welcoming physical and on-line campus climate for all
- Establish a student culture where diversity is encouraged and where students learn to respect differences, take responsibility for their actions, and exercise leadership
- Encourage student academic success and monitor students who are struggling in classes
- Develop strategies, in collaboration with Academic Affairs, for promoting student engagement and learning
- Communicate effectively with students and other stakeholders
Leadership
- Provide leadership in and is responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation of policies and regulations of the University as they pertain to students, including academic standards policies concerning satisfactory academic progress, academic suspension/dismissal and reinstatement, internal University judicial and disciplinary procedures
- Work with the Student Affairs staff, student groups and other members of the University community in developing and managing extra- and co-curricular programming and service opportunities while assuring integration with academics
- Oversee Sonoran University’s Accessibility Office, in conjunction with the Accessibility Services Administrator, which manages services for students with temporary or permanent physical disabilities and learning disabilities.
- Advise, guide, and direct the Student Government Association and other student organizations. Attend regular SGA meetings.
- Oversee student ceremonies including white coat ceremony, commencement, and other ceremonies with the Student Services Administrator.
- Design and deliver, or partner with vendors to deliver, live presentations and workshops for students, employees, and community partners on topics relevant to student development, university policy, and student success. Represent the University in various forums and serve as a visible and accessible leader within the campus community.
Regulatory and Judicial
- In conjunction with the Vice President of Student Affairs, is responsible for the documentation, summary and representation of the university on all student complaints filed to the AZ Board for Private Postsecondary Education
- Is a Designated Student Officer (DSO) and assists international students.
- Serve as the Title IX Deputy Coordinator, assisting the Title IX Coordinator with grievance investigations, documentation, and the determination of findings.
- Lead crisis management efforts, identifying and addressing issues that affect student success and well-being; coordinate appropriate interventions and resource referrals.
- Advise students on the University’s grievance and appeals processes . Documentation of student complaints for annual review and reporting.
- As the University’s Student Conduct Officer, the Dean of Student is responsible for investigating cases of alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct, including holding administrative hearings, appeal hearings, and determining student sanctions as necessary.
- Provide workshops, resources, and opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to integrate civility, professionalism and empathy student engagement, and student success.
Administrative
- Advise the V.P. of Student Affairs and others on student matters.
- Plan and manage the budget of the Office of Dean of Students, in conjunction with the Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Student Affairs.
- Oversee the annual revision of the Student Handbook in conjunction with the Vice President of Student Affairs.
- Serve on committees including, but not limited to, the President’s Council, Academic Progress & Policy Committee, Student Affairs Leadership Team, Student Success and Persistence Committee, Tuition & Fees Committee, We Care Team, and DART Team.
- Other duties as assigned
Knowledge, skills and abilities:
- Ability to inspire, positive attitude, confidence, commitment, effective oral and written communication, sense of humor, creativity, intuition, honesty, and ability to delegate
- Ability to work effectively as a supervisor, team member, and student advisor with diverse constituencies
- Ability to manage conflicting priorities and tight deadlines
- Ability to maintain composure and decorum in high stress situations and implement proven de-scalation strategies
- Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding faculty, staff, and student issues
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Significant experience working with and managing cases related to legal issues of FERPA, ADA, INS, VA
- Significant experience working with higher education judicial affairs and student disciplinary protocols
- Significant experience advising student organizations, including student government
- Strong organizational and analytical skills, written and oral communication skills, and interpersonal abilities in forming professional relationships with faculty, staff, administration, and students are required
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with students and colleagues from diverse backgrounds at the departmental, college, and community levels is required
Experience Required:
- 3 years – experience in student services within higher education
- 2 years- experience working with and managing cases related to legal issues of FERPA, ADA, INS, VA
- 2 years – experience working with higher education judicial affairs and student disciplinary protocols.
- Strong organizational and analytical skills, written and oral communication skills, and interpersonal abilities in forming professional relationships with faculty, staff, administration, and graduate students.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with students and colleagues from diverse backgrounds at the departmental, college, and community levels.
- 3 years – using Microsoft office suite, with emphasis on Outlook, Work, Excel and PowerPoint
Education Requirements:
Minimum Education/Certifications
- Master’s degree in field related to education
Desired Education/Certifications
- Ed.D. or Master’s degree in higher education administration, student affairs, counseling or psychology.
Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
Working Environment
Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extensive periods of sitting, keyboarding, and manipulating a computer mouse. Required to stand for varying lengths of time and walk moderate distances to perform work. Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling of up to 25 pounds. Regular activities require the ability to quickly change priorities which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts. Communicate to perform essential functions.
Background/Screening
All candidates offered a position at SONORAN UNIVERSITY undergo a background and drug screen prior to hire. All employees must show documentation of vaccinations or provide titer results for measles prior to first day of work (unless religious or medical exemption is on file). Employment is contingent upon satisfactory outcome of all screens required of this position.
SONORAN UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.
SONORAN UNIVERSITY is a smoke free campus.
* Inclusive Excellence is the standard set by an organization to intentionally integrate diversity, inclusion, and equity into its organizational pursuit of excellence.
Sonoran University of Health Sciences is a non-profit and internationally recognized higher education institution dedicated to shaping a healthier future. Guided by our mission to support students as they train to excel as healthcare professionals, enhance the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities, and discover effective treatments grounded in the healing power of nature. We uphold our core values: We shape the future, we love, we achieve excellence, we are resilient, and we do the right thing.
The University’s College of Naturopathic Medicine, College of Nutrition, and School of Mental Health offer evidence-based programs designed to shape a healthier tomorrow by preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.
To serve the University’s mission, the Sage Foundation for Health supports several Community Clinics focused on providing free naturopathic medical care to local underserved communities within the Phoenix Metro area. The College of Nutrition’s Virtual Center for Personalized Nutrition aims to eliminate traditional barriers to nutritional care by providing personalized and evidence-based care delivered at no cost via telehealth.
The Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research is a state-of-the-art molecular biology/phytochemistry laboratory seeks to improve therapies for global health concerns by exploring traditional medicine at the cellular, molecular, and cultural level to create novel botanical solutions that support people, plants, and planet.
The University’s Clinical Care branch operates two open-to-the-public clinics at the Tempe Campus. The Medical Center provides naturopathic healthcare for a wide range of patients including but not limited to; family medicine, nutrition and digestive health, mental health and well-being, dermatologic conditions, endocrine and auto-immune concerns, and acute symptoms. The Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine focuses on non-opioid solutions to pain and pain management utilizing treatments ranging from cupping and acupuncture to regenerative injection therapies. The Medicinary is the largest natural pharmacy in Arizona, offering an expansive collection of the highest quality, professional-grade supplements, herbs, and natural health products. Every purchase made at the Medicinary helps support the Sage Foundation and its mission to provide free healthcare to those in need.
Nurture your knowledge, visit sonoran.edu
Benefits:
At Sonoran University, we achieve excellence and shape the future by fostering a workplace where you can thrive and grow!
Our benefits go above and beyond to support your health, happiness, and lifestyle.Qualifying employees enjoy comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, vacation time, 12 paid holidays, a 401(k) plan with a discretionary match, and employer-sponsored life, AD&D, and long-term disability coverage.Every team member benefits from paid sick time, access to Aflac, and exclusive perks like free office visits at our Medical Center and Neil Riordan Center, plus discounts at the largest medicinary in the Southwest – with shipping available!Enjoy delicious savings at Early Bird Vegan, our onsite café, or unwind in our fully equipped employee breakroom with a full kitchen, coffee, and new snacks every month.
Prioritize your wellness with free personalized nutritional care, a yoga studio, a fitness center, and covered parking.
Explore a wealth of knowledge in our library, rock your Sonoran pride on Casual Wednesdays, and be celebrated through Bonusly, our employee recognition program packed with gift cards and prizes.
Want more? Access exclusive deals on attractions, shows, shopping, and more through Tickets At Work and LifeMart.
With a flexible hybrid work environment and an inspiring culture, Sonoran University is where passion and purpose meet to create a workplace like no other!
How to apply
Sonoran University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. If you need assistance in applying for this role, please reach out to our HR Specialist, Natalie Cano, [email protected]
