Dean, Student Experience And Wellbeing

Date Posted: 08/06/2024
Req ID:39144
Faculty/Division: UofT Scarborough
Department: UTSC:Ofc of Stud Experience & Well-Being
Campus: University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC)

Description:

The University of Toronto Scarborough is a place of energy, enthusiasm and passion. Our commitment to inclusive excellence attracts the brightest learners, scholars and employees from around the globe. Our success has been made possible by the opportunity given to us by our Indigenous hosts to operate on their territory, and we cherish our continuing partnerships with these communities. The University of Toronto Scarborough is an exciting campus with unlimited potential. Join us on our journey.

The Office of Student Experience & Wellbeing's mission is to support the academic and personal success of U of T Scarborough students. The Office is committed to maintaining efficient and effective programs and services that enhance student development inside and outside the classroom by providing strategic guidance and oversight for the following units: Academic Advising & Career Centre, AccessAbility Services, Athletics & Recreation, Health & Wellness Centre, Student Life & International Student Centre and Student Housing & Residence Life. Whether you have questions about your academic or career options, seeking disability support, looking for ways to stay active, interested in joining a club, need to see a doctor or are exploring housing options - we have you covered.

This search aligns with the University’s commitment to strategically and proactively promote diversity among our community members (Statement on Equity, Diversity & Excellence). Recognizing that Black, Indigenous, and other Racialized communities have experienced inequities that have developed historically and are ongoing, we strongly welcome and encourage candidates from those communities.

Reporting to the Vice-President and Principal, the Dean, Student Experience and Wellbeing is the senior student affairs officer for the campus, and a key member of the Principal’s senior executive team working closely with other administrators and academic leaders to integrate student affairs leadership into the highest level of planning and strategic direction for the University of Toronto Scarborough. The Dean coordinates and works strategically, collaboratively, and in an integrative way with senior administration from a broad range of departments on campus and through various tri-campus roles.

This role is the leading strategic role related to the planning and development of student services and the promotion of student wellness through education, and fostering environments supportive of wellness, with a high priority to student mental health and wellbeing and a variety of other issues relevant to the student experience across the university. The Dean will work closely with the Office of the Vice-Provost Students, and other senior university leaders at the institutional/University level.

The Dean is responsible for developing the student affairs and services strategy for the University of Toronto Scarborough. These plans are developed in alignment with the campus Strategic Plan and University-wide plans. Through the Office of Student Experience & Wellbeing (OSEW) staff, the position fosters relationships with and provides guidance and advice to student governments, clubs, associations and societies. The position establishes partnerships with other University departments and external organizations to develop cross-sectional programs that address the broad needs of students.

The position also provides guidance and direction pertaining to the development and delivery of programs and services across a broad range of units, including AccessAbility Services, Academic Advising & Career Centre, Athletics & Recreation, Health & Wellness Centre, Student Housing & Residence Life, and Student Life & International Student Centre. This position works in a collaborative and integrated way with the academic portfolio to support student recruitment, retention, outreach, and success initiatives.

An additional area of significant strategic responsibility is fostering UTSC’s connection with local and regional communities in Scarborough and the Eastern Greater Toronto Area (GTA), as well as with provincial, national, and global partners to facilitate co-curricular engagement, experiential learning, social innovation, and leadership development.

The Dean is a senior assessor to and/or member of relevant campus and institutional governance bodies, such as the Campus Affairs Committee (CAC), UTSC Campus Council, University Affairs Board, and the institution-wide Council on Student Services (COSS). The position brings business items for recommendation and approval by the Campus Council, including annual budgets for all student funded services, student society fees and the annual report on campus groups. These governance responsibilities are key accountabilities for the position. The duties require considerable attention to detail, risk management, demonstration of initiative and effective advocacy in bringing business, policies or procedural matters before the various bodies.

1. Leading and guiding execution of, or changes to, policies, procedures and programs directly, or through relevant campus, senior administrative, and University governance bodies (e.g., University Affairs Board, Council on Student Services)
2. Providing oversight, guidance, and strategic direction to staff to ensure the effective delivery of programs and services within OSEW that support student mental health, academic and co-curricular needs of students and contribute to student success, wellbeing and retention
3. Initiating, developing, and executing short, and long-terms plans for the Office of Student Experience & Wellbeing to continually enhance levels and quality of services for students on the campus, based on current and anticipated enrolment, in line with Campus/University strategic plans, priorities, values, and commitments
4. Actively engaging with the campus emergency response team, including coordinating responses to emergencies (e.g., life-threatening injury or death of students, physical threats to campus facilities or serious crimes)
5. Advising senior leadership colleagues locally and across the university on various matters concerning non-academic policies and procedures affecting students, including, but not limited to, the University’s relationship with student organizations and their status, controversial campus events and the related implications for the protection of freedom of speech, and non-academic fees
6. Providing direction to create, communicate and implement policies and procedures to address matters related to major functions within OSEW (e.g. AccessAbility Services, Academic Advising & Career Centre, Health & Wellness Centre (in particular student mental health services), Student Life & International Student Centre (including supporting the complex coordination and relationship building necessary to attaining success for UTSC’s international strategy), Athletics & Recreation, Student Housing & Residence Life)
7. Acting as spokesperson on behalf of the University to the public and media on matters relating to non-academic policy and to campus organizations
8. Establishing and continuously renewing relationships with student governments, representatives, and council to educate and encourage students to balance short and long-term financial needs of student programs
9. Developing policies, procedures, events and programs to promote a sense of community and support the objectives of OSEW and related services within the University’s and campus’ strategic plan
10. Setting financial strategies and plans, in order to develop an operating budget for OSEW, for approval by the Principal and Vice-President, based on understanding of needs, resources, and University and campus priorities and strategic plans.
11. Contributing as a member of the Executive Committee of UTSC in the development and implementation of UTSC's vision and strategic priorities; provide leadership across UTSC and other campuses in relation to OSEW’s mandate; and accountable for developing initiatives and executing the vision within the portfolio

1. A post-graduate degree in Social Work, Adult Education, Student Affairs, Student Development, Student Services or related field or acceptable combination of education and experience
2. A minimum of 10 years’ of related senior management experience in a student service or student affairs area in a post-secondary educational setting, working with students and student leaders
3. Experience with complex developmental issues of a young and diverse adult population, managing issues and providing effective advice and programs designed to foster student growth and success
4. Demonstrated record of commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion and the promotion of a collegial learning and working environment
5. Must be able to demonstrate exceptional leadership skills at the strategic and operational levels, as well as exceptional judgement and problem-solving skills
6. Superb interpersonal and change management skills with the ability to communicate effectively and develop strong working relationships with students, co-workers, senior university administrators, and external clients
7. Must be a consensus builder with top notch team-building, conflict management, and investigative skills