Job Description
Department:
Dean of Studies
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Employee Type:
Job Summary:
The Class Dean provides comprehensive academic and developmental oversight for the senior class, integrating student support with administrative and program management. By leveraging expertise in student life issues—from mental health to academic success—the Dean fosters a supportive environment where a diverse student body can thrive. They act as a central hub, collaborating with faculty, parents, and alumni to uphold Colby’s vision while ensuring every student meets their final milestones with integrity and preparation.
Colby is seeking highly qualified candidates for the position of Class Dean for Senior Students and Programs. Working in the Dean of the College Division and reporting to the assistant dean of students & director of the dean of studies office, the class deans are responsible for a comprehensive program of advising and class management in the context of a liberal arts setting. Class deans collaborate with faculty, staff, and community members to promote equitable, inclusive, and sustainable learning environments. Class deans work closely with campus offices, including but not limited to: Counseling, Health Services, Wellness, Campus Life, Student Conduct, the Center for Teaching and Learning, the learning consultants, the Writers Center, Registrar, Student Financial Services, Off-Campus Study, and DavisConnects to both inform and enhance resources and services in support of student learning and engagement.
Essential Functions
To be successful in this position, an individual should be able to perform the essential duties and bring the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that support the role. Colby College supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This list of duties is intended to be representative rather than exhaustive, and additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.
Serve as one of three class deans providing academic, personal, and administrative advice and counsel to junior and senior students
In consultation with the assistant dean of student success, director for access and disability services, and learning consultants, provide advising to students academically at-risk or students with learning disabilities
Serve as a point of contact for parents, faculty members, coaching staff, and other campus colleagues with academic and/or personal concerns about junior and senior students
Develop programs and services to meet the holistic needs of junior and senior year students at both the individual and community levels, in accordance with appropriate developmental markers
Coordinate with campus partners to assist first generation to college students, transfer students, and other special populations; inform and enhance resources and services in support of student learning and engagement
Promote academic, personal, and overall wellness of students
Serve on the Dean-on-Call evening and weekend rotation
Monitor student academic progress and provide appropriate interventions and referrals to campus resources
Analyze information and build data-driven processes to improve procedures and protocols to encourage persistence, retention, and student success
Consult regularly with Counseling and Health Services in support of individual students
Collaborate with other deans, the Center for Teaching and Learning, the Writers’ Center, research librarians, and learning consultants to enhance individual and programmatic opportunities to ensure student success
Promote equitable, inclusive, and sustainable learning environments
Provide guidance to students in addressing personal issues that may be a barrier to academic success; refer students to appropriate campus and community resources
Communicate relevant policies, procedures, and practices to students, faculty, and staff
Consult with faculty on individual student concerns and academic progress
Collaborate with class deans and the Center for Teaching and Learning to develop and implement academic assistance and success programs and initiatives
Assist with the coordination events including Student Awards Program, December Graduation Ceremony, scholarship receptions, and other department workshops and programs
Ensure appropriate advisement record keeping and maintenance of case notes; ensure implementation of student retention strategies
Maintain case files and confidential student records in accordance with FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act) and College policy
Keep current on trends and best practices in advising, retention, student development, and student success
Represent the Dean of Studies Office on various campus and community committees
Position Qualifications
Education and/or experience:
Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience; Master's degree preferred
5 years of increasingly responsible experience in teaching and/or advising, preferably working with students in a liberal arts setting
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and demonstrated problem-solving and dispute resolution; mediation skills a plus
Ability and experience providing academic support including time management, organizational, and study skills.
Strong organizational skills and expertise in planning, implementing, and evaluating student services with a high level of motivation and initiative
Must have knowledge of student life issues that affect student success, such as, mental health, disabilities, sexual harassment and assault, alcohol and drug abuse, and eating disorders
Prioritize and perform multiple projects, meet timelines, respond to others in a timely manner,
Uphold the College’s strategic vision and the department’s goals
Demonstrated commitment to student development; ability and willingness to work with a diverse, highly academic community in a liberal arts setting
Meticulous record keeping; attention to detail and accuracy
Strong interpersonal skills, analytical ability, sound judgment, and the ability to handle difficult situations with sensitivity and objectivity; maintain confidentiality (if appropriate)
Proficiency with Microsoft Office software and Google applications
Talent to work collaboratively and effectively with multiple constituencies, including students, faculty, parents, alumni, and other campus colleagues
Ability to work independently and as a member of a team, establish priorities, and work collaboratively as a member of a diverse community
Physical/Mental Demands
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here reflect what is typically needed to perform the essential functions of this position and what may be experienced while carrying out those duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
To perform this role effectively, an employee is expected to handle employee information, documents, and sensitive matters with care, professionalism, and respect for privacy.
This position involves working with a variety of timelines, including some that require quick turnaround and responsiveness to urgent needs.
In this role, the employee will interact with members of the public and others in a variety of situations and conversations. Presenting oneself in a professional, respectful, and thoughtful manner at all times is an important part of the role.
This position includes regular movement throughout the office spaces, hallways, meeting rooms, and other campus locations.
Daily work may involve extended use of a computer, including keyboard and mouse.
Physical requirements differ by position. In general, most roles involve lifting up to 10 pounds regularly, with some positions requiring occasional lifting of up to 35 pounds or more, in more physically demanding roles, up to 50 pounds.
Vision requirements for this position include the ability to see clearly at close and far distances and to adjust focus as needed.
The work environment is dynamic and engaging, often involving multiple tasks and projects that require shifting focus and strong organizational skills.
The noise level is generally moderate; however, there may be occasional moments of louder sounds depending on campus activity.
To Apply:
Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the “Apply Now” button on the Colby College website. Please upload a cover letter and resume to your application.
