Assistant Dean for Student Services | Penn State Law

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Penn State Law, located on Penn State's largest campus, University Park, is seeking its next Assistant Dean for Student Services. Penn State Law is in the process of reunifying with its sister law school at Penn State University, Penn State Dickinson Law. The reunified law school, which will be known as Penn State Dickinson Law, will have its primary location in Carlisle, PA, the historic home of Penn State Dickinson Law. This position will be situated in University Park, the reunified school's additional location, and will primarily serve students in that location. Both locations will have all levels of J.D. students in residence, as well as LL.M. and S.J.D. students. This is a primarily in-person role, with the possibility of occasional remote work. More information about reunification is available here.

The Assistant Dean for Student Services is responsible for providing leadership, direction, management, and implementation of all initiatives of the law school's Office of Student Services in University Park. Key areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to:

Student Support

• Works to create a climate that is welcoming, supportive, and conducive to learning for all students

• Develops and oversees programming to promote law student and lawyer well-being

• Assists students needing academic accommodations and coordinates accommodations with the Penn State Office of Student Disability Resources and faculty

• Serves as primary contact for law students with personal needs and concerns

• Provides referrals for mental health and substance abuse issues

• Monitors student compliance with non-academic conduct policies

Leadership

• Develops and fosters collaborative relationships with Law School and University leaders, including University Student Affairs, Student Care and Concern, Educational Equity, and Counseling and Psychological Services

• Collaborates with Assistant Dean for Student Services in Carlisle to create reunified Student Services policies and procedures

• Develops in-depth knowledge of University resources and processes to provide guidance to law students

• Maintains relationships with other law schools, professional associations, and service organizations to stay up-to-date on national, regional, and local trends in law school student services administration

• Represents the law school at professional meetings and conferences

Administration

• Collaborates with CFO and other administrators to establish policies and processes for student organization funding

• Represents and advocates for law students on University-wide issues

• Serves as liaison to Honor Code Administrator(s) in Honor Code matters

• Collaborates with Penn State Office of Student Conduct and Educational Equity in addressing student misconduct

• Collaborates with faculty and administration on the development and updating of the student handbook

• Collaborates with facilities managers on parking, cafe operations, and student locker distribution

Student Organizations and Events

• Oversees the planning and execution of new student Orientation

• Oversees the planning and execution of Commencement

• Sets policies and procedures for student events and enforces those policies

• Contributes to the planning and execution of other student-focused events including award ceremonies, pre-graduation celebrations, and other events

Management

• Leads Student Services office, including managing the operating budget

• Supervises and supports the development of Associate Director(s) of Student Services, Student Services Administrative Support Assistant(s), and Student Workers

• Conducts and facilitates employee evaluations per university HR policy

Desired Qualifications and Skills

• Eight years of experience in a student-facing role in higher education

• J.D. (preferred) or other advanced degree plus three years of experience in legal education

• Demonstrated leadership in student-facing roles

• Commitment to continual improvement of services and operations and academic excellence

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

• Excellent planning, organizational, and management skills

• High energy, capacity for collaboration, problem-solving skills, and sound and ethical judgment

• High levels of emotional intelligence, empathy, professionalism, and discretion

Review of applications and nominations will begin immediately, and applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Application materials should include a letter of interest addressing the key requirements and responsibilities of the position and a resume.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

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