Deans

Academic Deans are considered the chief academic and administrative officers of their respective Colleges and report directly to the Provost.  Deans have specific responsibilities for planning and developing the policies and procedures to meet current and long-range goals of the College that align with those of the university.  They supervise faculty members in their areas and advocate for the needs of their faculty and student body. The Provost can appoint a current College faculty member as Dean or authorize a search to hire a qualified, external candidate.  Full-time, tenured faculty at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor are eligible to serve as a Dean of a College.  If a vacancy occurs, the Provost can assign a non-tenured but ranked faculty member as an Interim Dean, if necessary, until a search has been completed for a successor.

The academic Dean has three broad areas of responsibility: leadership, management, and advocacy.

Leadership

1. Provide leadership in fostering academic excellence in teaching, service, and professional activities supporting the University’s mission.
2. Ensure current and future academic programs that challenge and encourage students in inquiry and application.
3. Assist with developing and implementing the institution's strategic plans as directed.
4. Manage financial resources to meet institutional goals and academic program expectations.

Management

1. Responsible to the Provost for the effective operation of the College (including, but not limited to, annual academic reporting, appropriate delegation of responsibilities, resolution of student and/or faculty complaints, consultation with the Provost on grade appeals, and other issues as needed).
2. Assign Program Coordinators to oversee academic programs within the College. 
3. In conjunction with the Program Coordinator, assign student advisors in collaboration with First Year Advising.
4. Review class schedules with Program Coordinators.
5. Oversee faculty recruitment, selection, promotion, and retention based on criteria established through consultation and cooperation with the faculty and administration.
6. Make recommendations on faculty contract renewal, termination, promotion, tenure, and other personnel matters.
7. Attend meetings and activities requested by the Provost or President.
8. Perform other duties as assigned by the Provost or by the President.
9. Cooperate and collaborate with various constituents within the University.
10. Support innovation and the ability to meet changes in the needs of students and society. Institute periodic studies of the curriculum in relation to the College’s objectives and initiate curriculum improvements in all areas (general and advanced education) as needed.
11. Represent the College in professional associations, accrediting agencies, government entities, and the surrounding community and support faculty participation with professional organizations.

Advocacy

1. Serve as an advocate for the College and as a liaison between the College and the administration.
2. Assist with developing case documents that explain the College’s resource needs for potential donors.  In collaboration with the Office of Advancement, engage and communicate with donors when appropriate.