What does a Dean do?
Deans are the heads of a significant collection of departments within a college or university system. They are responsible for approving of faculty hiring, setting the academic policies, overseeing a budget, fundraising, and other various administrative duties at the college or the university.
Deans are in charge of the financial management of faculty and community interaction. They promote the organization and provide supervision of staff and students. They mentor new teachers, monitor for student attendance, and stay mindful of any issues that may arise. Deans also decide the number and types of students the college will accept; they do this by reviewing prospective students' admissions applications. They offer advice to current students about what courses to take and possible future career choices for their majors. They establish a plan for student recruitment which allows for fiscal growth, and they evaluate instructors from their teaching methods and the materials that they use. Deans recommend specific professors for tenure and need a master's degree in education and previous professional teaching experience.
- Provide one-on-one meetings with individual professional staff, or as needed.
- Connect faculty and students to the appropriate funding source.
- Assist the President with community relations as needed.
- Review work to ensure compliance with procedures and deadlines.
- Develop a record of ongoing research activities, and communicate this data to faculty.
- Collaborate with other faculty, staff, and students to expand awareness of career services.
- Develop and implement various models of assessment across all School of Education academic programs.
- Establish and maintain an effective learning climate in the school.
- Ensure compliance with all required state and federal education regulations.
- Oversee the programs within the college including academic, fiscal and physical environments in which academic programs are delivered.
- Serve as advocate for staff and initiatives with college administration.
- Assess the student learning outcomes as related to the student conduct process.
- Develop and maintain programs to strengthen student engagement campuswide.
- Prepare and submit annual and ad hoc reports to WASC.
- Graduate's or Bachelor's Degree in business.
- A confident, natural leader and problem solver with demonstrated critical thinking and collaboration skills.
- Solid track record of budget planning and employee training.
- Strong command of English language and good communication skills.
- Able to display strong work ethic and positive attitude.
- Strict attention to detail and an eye for continuous improvement.
How much does a Dean make?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$144,936
/ yrDean Career Path
Learn how to become a Dean, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Dean Insights
University of Denver“benefits are good but not exceptional”
DeVry University“Lots of people stay for many years because of the lovely people committed to doing good work for students.”
Chamberlain University“I was bullied and harassed.”
Summit Public Schools“life balance and additional hours.”
Nash County Public Schools“Starting / base pay isn’t good”
Hiawatha Academies“Purple looks good on uniforms”
Albukhary International University“No opportunity to develop your career”
SUNY at New Paltz“Discretionary Salary Increase was self”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Dean
- Department Chair
- President
- Principal
- Intern