Assistant Dean, Student Experience

Fairfield University•Fairfield, CT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Dean for Student Experience works closely with academic departments to coordinate and align student experience with program requirements, including the development of streamlined processes for addressing student progression concerns and facilitating access to appropriate University resources. This role is responsible for progression monitoring and student success initiatives across undergraduate and graduate programs in the Egan School, and oversees advising systems, early alert and risk identification processes, and individualized student support strategies to promote student retention, progression, and completion. Works closely with Department Chairs, Program Directors, faculty, and university student support offices to ensure consistent advising practices, proactive student engagement, and coordinated interventions for students experiencing academic or personal challenges.

Requirements

Graduate degree in Nursing, Public Heath, or related health discipline; eligible for appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor.
Progressive experience in academic advising, student success, or student affairs within higher education.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with student retention initiatives, advising systems, and academic progressions processes preferred.

Responsibilities

Academic Advising and Student Support Collaborate closely with Department Chairs, Program Directors, and faculty to ensure advising practices and student support processes align with program expectations and academic policies.
Oversee advising systems across undergraduate and graduate programs to ensure consistency and quality.
Support dedicated advising staff and faculty advisors through training, coaching, and quality improvement initiatives.
Coordinate development of individualized program of study plans for students as needed.
Monitor advising practices to ensure alignment with School policies and accreditation expectations.
Student Success and Early Intervention Develop and maintain coordinated processes with academic departments to address progressions challenges, including early intervention strategies and referral pathways to appropriate University resources.
Lead implementation of early alert systems to identify and support students experiencing academic risk.
Monitor retention, progression, and completion trends and collaborate with leadership to address emerging issues.
Serve as a primary escalation point for complex student success cases.
Support development of targeted interventions for students requiring additional academic or personal support.
Academic Progression and Policy Implementation Coordinate with academic departments and University support services to ensure timely and consistent responses to student needs requiring academic, administrative, or support service intervention.
Support implementation of student progression policies and academic standards across programs.
Collaborate with Department Chairs and Program Directors on issues related to academic standing, leaves of absence, and academic exceptions for Departments make notifications on academic standing actions.
Ensure accurate communication of student policies through handbooks and program materials.
Collaboration and Coordination Work closely with the Assistant Dean for Experiential Learning, Associate Dean for Student Success, Department Chairs, and Program Directors to support student success initiatives.
Collaborate with university offices such as the Provost’s Office, Counseling Services, Health Services, and Student Life to support student well-being.
Partner with Institutional Research to monitor student success metrics and reporting.
Leadership and Supervision The Assistant Dean may supervise or coordinate the work of: Academic advisors Student success staff Administrative support personnel supporting advising functions Performs such other duties, responsibilities, and activities as required by supervisor and as departmental/University needs indicate.