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Established in 1873, Arts and Sciences is Boston University's largest and most academically diverse unit, encompassing over 8,400 undergraduates, 2,000 graduate students, 800 faculty members, and 300 staff across 50 departments, programs, centers, and institutes. Our faculty are award-winning researchers, innovative teachers, and dedicated mentors committed to exploring the complexities of our present and past, uncovering new perspectives, and crafting creative solutions to real-world problems. Our staff are dynamic, mission-driven professionals who foster community, inclusion, and belonging to advance every aspect of the college enterprise. Our community thrives on collaboration, bold ideas, and interdisciplinary exploration.
Join us in supporting the pursuit of knowledge that changes the world and provides boundless opportunities to inspire the next generation of leaders. We offer generous benefits, including health, dental, and life insurance, tuition remission, retirement savings, paid time off, and holiday leave.
Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Academic Advising and Student Services
The College of Arts and Sciences seeks a collaborative and student-centered leader to serve as Assistant Dean for Advising & Student Services. This position provides strategic leadership for undergraduate advising, academic policies and procedures, academic standards, graduation certification, academic conduct, and student support services for approximately 7,000 undergraduate students.
The Assistant Dean oversees the CAS Advising Center and works closely with academic departments, University offices, and campus partners to ensure consistent application of academic policies and a strong student experience. This role serves as a key resource for students, faculty, staff, and families on matters related to academic progress, degree completion, and student success.
Key Responsibilities Leadership of Undergraduate Advising and Student Services Provide leadership and oversight for the CAS Advising Center, serving approximately 7,000 undergraduate students. Supervise professional advising staff, including the Director of Academic Advising and Director of Academic Services. Develop, implement, and assess advising policies, procedures, and best practices. Provide advising support, training, and guidance to academic departments throughout the College. Lead summer advising programs for incoming first-year and transfer students. Oversee departmental operations, staffing, and an annual operating budget. Academic Policy, Standards, and Student Support Serve as a primary authority on College and University academic policies and procedures. Review and make decisions regarding petitions, exceptions to academic policies, and student-related academic issues. Consult with students, faculty, academic departments, and University partners regarding academic regulations and policy interpretation. Oversee the administration of academic standards and academic misconduct processes. Represent the College in University-wide discussions and initiatives related to academic policy and student success. Graduation Certification and Degree Completion Oversee the graduation certification process for approximately 1,8002,000 undergraduate students annually. Ensure accurate and timely verification of degree requirements. Partner with the Registrar, Information Services & Technology, and academic departments to improve systems, reporting, and degree-tracking processes. Lead communication efforts related to graduation eligibility and degree completion. Student Advising Provide direct advising support to students, including specialized populations such as independent majors and students returning from leave. Assist students in navigating academic challenges and developing plans for academic success.
Qualifications
Master's degree required.
Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible professional experience in higher education administration, academic advising, student affairs, or a related field, including supervisory and leadership responsibilities. Demonstrated leadership experience managing advising, student services, academic affairs, or related functions within a complex higher education environment. Experience supervising professional staff, including managers and directors. Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying academic policies, procedures, and regulations. Strong knowledge of student success initiatives, advising practices, and higher education administration. Excellent judgment, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and senior administrators across a large and complex institution. Experience managing budgets, implementing process improvements, and leveraging technology to enhance student services.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to play a central leadership role in shaping the undergraduate student experience within one of the Universitys largest academic units. The Assistant Dean will work closely with students, faculty, and campus partners to advance student success, strengthen advising services, and support the academic mission of the College.
Required Skills
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.