Assistant Dean of Students for Student Conduct

JOB TITLE:   

Assistant Dean of Students for Student Conduct

JOB PURPOSE:

Serve as the institution’s lead student conduct officer and provide strategic leadership, oversight, and management for the university’s student conduct system. As the Dean of Students’ primary designee for student conduct, the Assistant Dean is responsible for ensuring that the student conduct process upholds institutional values of fairness, equity, and accountability while promoting student learning, development, and well-being.

This role supervises the Coordinator of Student Conduct and other designated staff, manages high-level and complex conduct cases, and leads the ongoing development of policies, procedures, and educational initiatives related to student behavior and community standards. The Assistant Dean serves as one of the Dean of Students’ primary designees in the division, representing the Dean and the institution in matters related to conduct, student behavior, and campus climate.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for the student conduct program, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and university regulations and alignment with best practices in higher education.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate the Coordinator of Student Conduct and other staff supporting the conduct process.
• Oversee and adjudicate complex, high-level, and sensitive conduct cases, including those involving suspension or expulsion, Title IX, threats of violence, and other significant community impacts.
• Lead the ongoing review, revision, and implementation of the Student Code of Conduct, ensuring clarity, accessibility, and alignment with institutional mission and values.
• Provide consultation and serve as a university resource for faculty, staff, administrators, and students regarding student conduct, community standards, and related policies.
• Develop and implement training programs for hearing officers, process advisors, investigators, and other campus partners involved in the conduct process.
• Partner with campus stakeholders (e.g., Residence Life, UWPD, CARES, Counseling, faculty leadership) to support early intervention, restorative practices, and holistic approaches to student well-being and accountability. 
• Oversee and implement UW’s Restorative Justice practices, including campus-wide education, consultation with faculty and staff, development and implementation of restorative practices within the conduct process, and training for facilitators and participants. Ensure that restorative justice is integrated as a meaningful option for student accountability, conflict resolution, and community repair. 
• Co-advise the Fraternal Standards Board (FSB) in partnership with Fraternity and Sorority Life, representing the Dean of Students Office and ensuring the fair and equitable execution of the Student Code of Conduct in its work. Guide the FSB in developing resolutions that are thorough, educational, developmental, and accountable, while maintaining high standards of integrity and consistency across cases. 
• Analyze and report on conduct trends, patterns, and outcomes to inform institutional decision-making, risk management, and strategic planning. 
• Develop and expand educational sanctions and restorative opportunities that foster reflection, accountability, and community repair. 
• Represent the Dean of Students Office and the university in internal and external settings related to student conduct, risk management, and student well-being. 

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

• Prepare budget reports/recommendations; participate in budget analyses and preparation and unit planning by establishing project goals and objectives.
• Some travel may be required.

COMPETENCIES:

• Collaboration
• Initiative
• Integrity
• Adaptability  
• Formal Presentation Skills
• Stress Tolerance 
• Visionary Leadership
• Developing Organizational Talent

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

Education:  Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, Law or related field

Experience:  5 years work-related experience

Required licensure, certification, registration or other requirements: 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Doctorate level degree
• Progressively responsible experience in student conduct or related areas, including supervisory experience.
• Deep understanding of student development theory, restorative justice, and conduct processes.
• Familiarity with federal and state compliance requirements (Title IX, Clery, FERPA) and higher education best practices.
• Strong leadership, communication, and crisis management skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive, complex, and high-impact cases with fairness and discretion.
• Commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and student-centered campus culture.